Last updated October 2026
The Opouahi Walkway is a 1.4 km loop around a lake in Opouahi Scenic Reserve, on Pohokura Road between Tūtira and Boundary Stream, about 39 km from Napier. DOC times it at 40 minutes and grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
The whole walk sits behind the 3.3 km predator-proof fence of the Opouahi Kiwi Crèche, so birdlife is a big part of the appeal.
Parts of the track are narrow, slippery and overgrown, so supervise children and take your time near the water. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go, especially after heavy rain.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Opouahi Walkway 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
- Opouahi Scenic Reserve, Pohokura Road (between Tūtira and Boundary Stream)
- Distance from the city
- About 39 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 40 min loop
- Track length
- 1.4 km loop
- 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 Opouahi Walkway
DOC calls the lake at Opouahi idyllic, and the walkway is simply a lap of its shore, with bush and birdsong all around. Because the reserve is fenced against predators, the birds are often easy to see. DOC’s highlights include kererū, tūī, fernbird, fantails, dabchicks and pāteke.
There’s more to do here than walk. You can picnic under the shelter, admire the carvings on the whare waka (canoe shelter), or spend time swimming, fishing or kayaking on the lake. Starlings have also found the reserve and often flock in to roost in the evenings; DOC warns you may notice some aromatic patches where they are currently roosting.
Halfway round, the Thomas Bush Track branches off and ends at the top Opouahi exit gate. DOC notes that the track within Thomas Bush is no longer maintained, so it is a very different proposition from the lakeside loop.
The Opouahi Kiwi Crèche
The reserve is home to the Opouahi Kiwi Crèche, a fenced space where kiwi chicks can grow to a weight that gives them a better chance against stoats. DOC says only 5% of kiwi chicks survive to adulthood in the wild, largely because of predators.
Kiwi raised at the crèche are released into Kaweka Forest Park to boost the number of North Island brown kiwi living in the wild. DOC points visitors to the Save our Kaweka Kiwi project for more on the recovery work.
Track Conditions and Safety
Some parts of the walkway are narrow, slippery and overgrown, and in places a slip could mean a fall into the lake. Take extra care, keep children close and turn back if you don’t feel confident. DOC advises against walking the track in very heavy rain because of the increased risk of landslides.
This is limestone country, with unmarked caves, shafts and sinkholes off the track that may be unstable, so stay on the track and report any you find to DOC. There are also wasps and ongaonga (native stinging nettle) in the area: DOC recommends carrying allergy medication and not touching the ongaonga.
The weather here can be very hot in summer, it can snow in winter, and wind, rain and cold can arrive at any time of year. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers and sun protection, and if you plan to swim, boat or fish, read DOC’s water advice first.
Getting There
Opouahi Scenic Reserve is on Pohokura Road between Tūtira and Boundary Stream. DOC says that because of road repairs, travel time from Napier can range from 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min, with the last 5 minutes on a gravel road. That final section is narrow, winding and steep in places, so stay left, keep your headlights on and drive to the conditions.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Opouahi Walkway: 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: the wider Boundary Stream area and its other tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Opouahi Walkway take?
DOC times the 1.4 km loop at about 40 minutes.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, but parts are narrow, slippery and overgrown, and in places a slip could mean a fall into the lake.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on this track.
Can I see kiwi?
The reserve is home to the Opouahi Kiwi Crèche, where chicks are raised before release into Kaweka Forest Park. DOC lists kererū, tūī, fernbird, fantails, dabchicks and pāteke among the birds often seen.
Can I swim or kayak on the lake?
DOC mentions swimming, fishing and kayaking as things to do at the lake. Read DOC’s water advice before you go in.
How long does it take to get there from Napier?
DOC says travel time can range from 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min because of road repairs, with the last part on gravel.
Should I walk it in the rain?
Not in very heavy rain. DOC warns of an increased risk of landslides.
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