Last updated October 2026
The Bell Rock Loop Track climbs through the forest of Boundary Stream Mainland Island to Bell Rock, a lookout DOC calls iconic for its expansive views, about 45 km from Napier.
The loop is 5.3 km and DOC allows 3 hours, grading it as an easy to intermediate walking track, although parts are steep and strenuous. It starts from the Pohokura Road entrance and finishes back on Pohokura Road.
Bell Rock has dangerous drop-offs, so supervise children closely and take extra care in wind or rain. 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 Bell Rock Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Pohokura Road entrance, Boundary Stream Mainland Island
- Distance from the city
- About 45 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 3 hr loop
- Track length
- 5.3 km loop
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track), steep and strenuous in places
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track, with a 4WD track section on the return
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Bell Rock Loop Track
From the Pohokura Road entrance the track climbs steadily through a forest of gnarled broadleaf, horopito (pepperwood), fuchsia and mataī. Near the top it pushes through a dense stand of mountain holly before emerging onto the range. In midsummer the holly flowers heavily, and DOC describes the display as spectacular.
Once on the range the track splits. Bell Rock itself is 40 minutes along the left-hand track, and it is the reason most people come: a high lookout over the surrounding country. Take care here, as the rock has unfenced, dangerous drop-offs.
The right-hand track is the way home. It follows a 4WD track back down to Pohokura Road and has panoramic views of its own, taking in the Mohaka valley to Te Kooti’s Lookout and, further afield, Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. The loop is completed by walking back along Pohokura Road to the start.
Despite the easy grade, this is a proper half-day walk with real climbing. It suits reasonably fit walkers and older children who are used to longer outings, with close supervision near the lookout.
What to Expect on the Track
DOC lists four things to be ready for: unfenced steep drops, a muddy and slippery track after rain, sections that are steep and strenuous, and parts of the track that are fully exposed to the weather. Bell Rock calls for extreme care at all times and extra caution when it is windy or wet.
Boundary Stream Mainland Island has extensive predator control to protect rare birds such as kiwi, kōkako and kākā. Leave traps and bait stations alone. The trap lines are marked with pink and blue triangles, so follow the orange triangles to stay on the walking track.
The area is limestone country with unmarked caves, shafts and sinkholes off the track, some of which may be unstable. There are also wasps and ongaonga (native stinging nettle), so carry allergy medication and don’t touch the ongaonga. Weather ranges from very hot in summer to snow in winter, so pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers and sun protection.
Getting There and Parking
DOC puts Boundary Stream Mainland Island about an hour’s drive north of Napier. Follow State Highway 2 to Tūtira, turn left onto Matahorua Road, then left onto Pohokura Road.
The final 20 minutes of the drive is on an unsealed road that is narrow, winding and steep in places, so stay left, keep your headlights on and drive to the conditions.
DOC notes that the car park is small and can fill up quickly, especially on summer and public holiday weekends. Don’t block the road or any farm access when you park, and watch for traffic when walking down the road at the end of the loop.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Bell Rock Loop 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: Boundary Stream Mainland Island, its predator control work and its other tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Bell Rock Loop Track take?
DOC allows 3 hours for the 5.3 km loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, but it is steep and strenuous in places, muddy after rain and exposed on parts.
How far is Bell Rock from the junction?
About 40 minutes along the left-hand track once you reach the range.
Is Bell Rock suitable for children?
Children can do the walk, but Bell Rock has unfenced, dangerous drop-offs. DOC says to supervise children at all times.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on this track.
Where do I park?
At the Pohokura Road entrance. DOC says the car park is small and fills quickly on summer and public holiday weekends, so don’t block the road or farm access.
When is the best time to go?
DOC highlights the mountain holly’s flowering in midsummer. Avoid windy or wet days if you want to spend time at Bell Rock.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.