Free walks in Hawke’s Bay, from Napier to Te Urewera
Every walk on this page is free. No track fees, no hut bookings needed for the day walks.
I’ve split Hawke’s Bay into two areas. Napier has easy coastal and town walks, good for a short stroll or a family outing. Te Urewera is the big bush country, with lake walks and longer hikes that need a full day and proper gear.
Each guide has the distance, time, track surface, parking, dog rules and photos I took on the day. Pick an area below to see the walks.
Napier Walks and Hikes: Coastal, Lake and Bush Tracks
Te Urewera walks and hikes
How to get to Hawke’s Bay walks
Fly into Hawke’s Bay Airport near Napier or drive, it’s about 2 hours from Taupo and 3 hours from Gisborne. Napier walks are easy to reach, but you’ll need your own car for Te Urewera.
There are direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and InterCity buses run to Napier. Most Napier walks start in town or a short drive out, and some are on the GoBay bus routes.
Lake Waikaremoana is around 2.5 to 3 hours from Napier via Wairoa. State Highway 38 is narrow, winding and unsealed in parts. Fill up with fuel in Wairoa and don’t count on mobile coverage once you’re in the park.
Best time to walk in Hawke’s Bay
Spring and autumn are the best times to walk in Hawke’s Bay. Summer is hot and dry, and Te Urewera is wet and cold in winter.
In summer, start early and carry more water than you think you need. Te Urewera sits higher and gets far more rain than Napier. Tracks get muddy, temperatures drop fast and it can snow on the higher ridges. Check the forecast before you go, even in summer.
Walks near Hawke’s Bay
If you’re travelling through, Gisborne, Taupo, Rotorua and Manawatu all have free walks within a few hours’ drive.