Last updated October 2026
The White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks are two short loops through a remnant of coastal forest beside State Highway 2, about 23 km from Napier. DOC grades them as an easy to intermediate walking track, with a 30-minute short loop of 800 m and a 40-minute longer loop of 1.6 km.
The short loop suits prams and wheelchairs, which makes the reserve an easy stop for families heading north. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the top loop as partially closed: “A heavy tree fall has crushed part of a boardwalk on the top loop.
A large portion requires a complete rebuild. Barriers are in place.” Check DOC before you go for the latest on the repairs.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks 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
- White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve, State Highway 2 (DOC puts the reserve 30 km north of Napier)
- Distance from the city
- About 23 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 30 min (short loop) or 40 min (longer loop)
- Track length
- 800 m (short loop) or 1.6 km (longer loop)
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Accessibility
- Short loop suitable for prams and wheelchairs; the longer loop above the picnic area is not
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track (loop)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (a tree fall crushed part of a boardwalk on the top loop; barriers in place). Check DOC before you go.
About White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks
White Pine Bush is a 19 ha reserve where kahikatea, the white pine that gives the reserve its name, is the dominant tree. A stand of nīkau palms adds a different look to the forest, and DOC describes the reserve as a chance to experience some of New Zealand’s remaining coastal forest.
The short loop crosses several bridges, passes educational panels and runs through a towering nīkau grove. DOC suggests walking it anticlockwise, as there is more downhill that way. At the top of the short loop are two picnic tables, a good place to stop and listen to the native birds.
The longer loop climbs above the picnic area to some large kahikatea and a view over parts of the reserve. This section is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the top loop was partly closed, and DOC’s alert recommended taking the right-hand track up to the giant kahikatea and then turning around.
A stream and a small waterfall can be seen from the track, and if you look closely you may spot small fish, eels or koura (freshwater crayfish) in the water.
The Top Loop Closure
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert explained that a heavy tree fall had crushed part of a boardwalk on the top loop, and that a large portion of it needed a complete rebuild.
Barriers were in place and DOC asked walkers to avoid that section in its current state. The short loop was not part of the closure notice, but check the DOC page before you go in case anything has changed.
Getting There and Track Notes
DOC places White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve 30 km north of Napier on State Highway 2, so it fits easily into a drive north towards Tūtira. The short loop is the one to choose with a pram or wheelchair.
Watch out for giant stinging nettle, or ongaonga, especially in summer when it is full of new growth. Don’t touch it. DOC points out that, despite their fierce reputation, nettles are the only food of the red admiral butterfly.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks: 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: Tutira area: other walks and places to visit around Tūtira, north of Napier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the White Pine Bush walks?
DOC times the short loop at 30 minutes (800 m) and the longer loop at 40 minutes (1.6 km).
Is the track open?
Partly, when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC’s alert listed the top loop as partially closed where a tree fall crushed part of a boardwalk. Check the DOC page before you go.
Can I take a pram or wheelchair?
Yes, on the short loop. The longer loop that extends above the picnic area is not pram or wheelchair accessible.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on these walks.
How far is White Pine Bush from Napier?
About 23 km in a straight line. DOC puts the reserve 30 km north of Napier on State Highway 2.
Is there somewhere to have a picnic?
Yes. DOC notes two picnic tables at the top of the short loop.
What wildlife might I see?
Native birds, and in the stream sometimes small fish, eels and koura (freshwater crayfish).
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.