Last updated October 2026
The Bellbird Bush Track is a one-hour walk through red and black beech forest in the Boundary Stream area, about 42 km from Napier. It runs 1.9 km one way from the corner of Pohokura and Toi Flat Roads, and DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
As the name suggests, it’s a good place to listen for koimako, the bellbird. Halfway along, a short side trip opens up wide views of the Maungaharuru Range. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Bellbird Bush Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Corner of Pohokura Road and Toi Flat Road, Boundary Stream area
- Distance from the city
- About 42 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 1 hr one way
- Track length
- 1.9 km one way
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Bellbird Bush Track
This is a straightforward forest walk, and the forest is the point of it. Red and black beech dominate the whole way, and DOC’s short description is an invitation to walk through the beech and listen to the koimako.
About halfway along, take the short detour off the main track. It leads to extensive views of the Maungaharuru Range, the main reward for a short extra effort.
At the far end you have two choices. You can turn around and return on the same track, or exit further up onto Pohokura Road and walk back along the road to where you started. Either way, allow around two hours for the round trip if you’re walking back on the track.
The walk suits most people who are comfortable on a bush track, and at an hour each way it makes a good half-day outing combined with the drive from Napier.
Getting There
DOC describes Boundary Stream as a 1-hour drive north of Napier. From State Highway 2, turn left just after Tūtira into Matahorua Road, then left into Pohokura Road. The track starts at the corner of Pohokura and Toi Flat Roads.
The final section of the drive is on an unsealed road that is narrow, winding and steep in places. Stay left, keep your headlights on and drive to the conditions.
Track Conditions and Safety
This is a limestone area with unmarked caves, shafts and sinkholes off the track, some of which may be unstable. Stay on the track, keep back from any you see and report them to DOC.
Wasps and ongaonga (native stinging nettle) are found here too. DOC recommends carrying allergy medication and not touching the ongaonga, and asks walkers to report wasp nests and large ongaonga plants.
The weather can be very hot in summer and it can snow in winter, with wind, rain and cold possible at any time of year. Check the forecast, and pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers and sun protection.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Bellbird Bush Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Boundary Stream area: other walks in the Boundary Stream area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Bellbird Bush Track take?
DOC times it at 1 hour one way for the 1.9 km track. Returning the same way roughly doubles that.
Is it a loop?
No. You can return on the same track, or exit further up onto Pohokura Road and walk back along the road.
Where does the track start?
At the corner of Pohokura Road and Toi Flat Road in the Boundary Stream area.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on this track.
Are there views?
Yes. A short detour halfway along gives extensive views of the Maungaharuru Range.
Will I hear bellbirds?
DOC describes the walk as a chance to listen to koimako (bellbirds) in the beech forest, though birdsong is never guaranteed.
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