The Hinau track is a walk that fully immerses you in the surrounding bush and forest.

Take one last look at the town of Kaikoura from the Mt Fyffe car park before you get lost in the hinau trees for which the track is named. You can identify the hinau trees by their long thin leaves, small white flowers and purple fruit.

Among the hinau trees, you will also find mahoe, putaputaweta, broadleaf, tree fuchsia and pigeonwood. You will also pass through a strand of kanuka which contrasts greatly from the rest of the vegetation on the walk. 

From the Hinau track, you will be able to see the Kowhai River. The Kowhai River flooded central Kaikoura in 1993 after it changed course. 

According to the DOC website, the walk takes approximately 45 minutes but, in reality, it should not take you more than 30 minutes. The path is well-formed and incredibly easy to navigate. There are some small but manageable hills along this walk, which can be more difficult to manoeuvre with smaller children.

Whale watching scenic flight from Kaikoura with sperm whale

Save $133 - off the a Whale Watching Scenic 40 minute flight from Kaikoura

Fly over the whales on this stunning scenic flight which includes Kaikoura and it’s coastline. 

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 30 minute walk
  • Distance: 1 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Bikes allowed: Unknown
  • Route: Loop
  • Elevation: 78 m
  • Wet Feet: There is an unbridged stream along the walk.
  • Toilets: There are toilets at the Mt Fyffe car park at the start of the walk.
  • Dogs: Yes, with DOC permit only
  • Mobile Coverage: Unknown
  • Last Updated: August, 2020

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

This track takes you through a forest with an interesting mix of vegetation.

Track Quality

The track is well-formed, easy and suitable for most fitness levels. It has some hills.

Hazards

Unknown

Transport

No

Water

There is water available at the Mt Fyffe car park.

Driving Instructions

This walk starts at Mt Fyffe car park. It is about 15 km west from Kairkoura via Ludstone, Swamp and finally turning left onto Postman’s Roads. The road ends at the car park.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

No

Area & Trail History

The Seaward Kaikouras and the Inland Kaikouras are twin mountain ranges that parallel the northeastern coast of the South Island. The mountain ranges get their name from the city of Kaikoura at the southeastern end of the mountains.

Map Location

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