Te Mata Peak Havelock North Hawke's Bay
Iconic peak offering 360° views of Hawke's Bay, with diverse trails and stunning sunrise/sunset vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for distant views
Te Mata Peak Havelock North Hawke's Bay
Best Time
Best visibility for distant views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic peak offering 360° views of Hawke's Bay, with diverse trails and stunning sunrise/sunset vistas.
"Amazing views over Hawke's Bay! The drive and walks up are beautiful, and the summit outlook is unforgettable."
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Views can be obscured by clouds. A clear day is essential for the best experience.
Sunrise/Sunset Magic :sunrise_over_mountains:
Spectacular colors! Arrive early for parking and a good spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Hawke's Bay Views
Summit
Unforgettable 360-degree vistas stretching across Hawke's Bay, plains, and on clear days, to Mt Ruapehu.
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Witness the sky ablaze with color. A truly magical experience that captures the essence of Hawke's Bay.
Diverse Hiking Trails
Te Mata Park
Explore seven interconnected loop tracks through native bush and dramatic cliffs, suitable for all fitness levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting to the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Views can be obscured by clouds. A clear day is essential for the best experience.
Sunrise/Sunset Magic :sunrise_over_mountains:
Spectacular colors! Arrive early for parking and a good spot.
Hike or Drive? :hiking_boot: :car:
Multiple trails for hikers, or drive to the summit. Be cautious of narrow roads.
Look for Seashells! :shell:
It's an ancient seabed! A cool geological reminder.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Views can be obscured by clouds. A clear day is essential for the best experience.
Sunrise/Sunset Magic :sunrise_over_mountains:
Spectacular colors! Arrive early for parking and a good spot.
Hike or Drive? :hiking_boot: :car:
Multiple trails for hikers, or drive to the summit. Be cautious of narrow roads.
Look for Seashells! :shell:
It's an ancient seabed! A cool geological reminder.
No Public Toilets :toilet:
Plan accordingly before heading up the peak.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Te Mata Peak is lauded for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Hawke's Bay, making it a must-visit landmark. Visitors appreciate the accessibility via car, hiking, and biking, as well as the opportunity to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Some note the potential for strong winds and the lack of facilities like toilets.
"Don’t be afraid to try the tracks! You’ll get used to it and then you have many other tracks to go through! Once you’re at the top, the view wont disappoint! Been going there everyday in the afternoon, I would say it’s safe? Lol even hiked down in the dark after watching the sunset, ur just basically in nature. It’s a really enjoyable hike. Just make sure to have water with you when you do the long tracks."
dan
"Te Mata Peak is a striking landmark in Hawke’s Bay, offering vast panoramic views. Located near Havelock North, it is part of Te Mata Park — a 107-hectare reserve gifted to the public in 1927. Rising 399 meters above the Heretaunga Plains, it’s a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and sightseers, with well-maintained trails winding through native bush, limestone valleys, and dramatic cliffs. It is a hiker's dreamland as there are seven loop tracks one can choose from, and each track connects with the other so you can complete all of them in one day. Also, you can start and end a short walk according to your fitness level.
There is a launching pad for hang gliding activities too, which is a thrilling air sport where a pilot flies a lightweight, non-motorized glider from the launching pad. These activities take place with designated organizers in-charge and limited to licensed flyers. Also, road cycling on a steep sealed road to the peak makes it a year-round destination for adventure and physical fitness. It's a blend of geological wonder, cultural heritage, and recreational value so whether you're chasing adrenaline or serenity, Te Mata Peak offers it all."
Thilal Pandith
"Amazing views over Hawke’s Bay! The drive and walks up are beautiful, and the summit outlook is unforgettable—especially at sunrise or sunset. A must-visit spot if you’re in the region."
theo marks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Te Mata Peak is accessible by car via a sealed road from Havelock North. You can also hike or bike up. The drive offers scenic views, but the road can be narrow in places.
Public transport options directly to the peak are limited. It's best to drive, cycle, or arrange a taxi/ride-share from Havelock North or Hastings.
Yes, a sealed road leads to the summit, making it accessible by car. Be mindful of other vehicles and cyclists on the narrow sections.
Te Mata Park offers seven interconnected loop tracks of varying difficulty. The 'Summit Track' is popular for reaching the top, but explore others for diverse scenery.
There is parking available at the summit, but it can fill up quickly, especially during sunrise, sunset, and peak times. Arrive early for the best chance of securing a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Te Mata Peak and Te Mata Park are free to enter and explore. It's a public reserve gifted to the community.
Te Mata Peak and Te Mata Park are open 24/7, allowing for early morning sunrise visits and late evening stargazing.
No booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime.
While generally open, be aware of any temporary closures due to weather or maintenance. Always check local advisories if unsure.
Dogs are permitted in Te Mata Park but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect native wildlife and ensure the safety of other visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy panoramic views, hike various trails, cycle the roads, or simply relax and take in the scenery. Hang gliding is also available with licensed operators.
Expect stunning 360-degree views of the Heretaunga Plains, Hawke's Bay coastline, and on clear days, the distant Mt Ruapehu.
There are no public toilets at the summit of Te Mata Peak. It's recommended to use facilities in Havelock North before ascending.
Yes, families can enjoy the drive to the top and shorter, easier walking tracks. Hiking with kids is a popular activity.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Layers are recommended as it can be windy and cooler at the summit, even on a warm day.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light and colors for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
Capture sweeping landscapes, panoramic vistas, and stunning sunsets/sunrises. The unique geological formations also make for interesting shots.
The main summit lookout provides the most iconic panoramic shots. Explore different trails for varied perspectives of the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography during sunrise/sunset.
Drone usage may be restricted in protected areas. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who enjoy walking, there are several shorter, easier trails within Te Mata Park that are suitable for children. These paths allow kids to explore the natural environment and burn off some energy in a safe setting.Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities at the summit.
Visiting during daylight hours and on clear days will ensure the best experience for younger visitors. ⛰️ Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Cyclists will also find the sealed road to the summit a rewarding challenge.
📸 Photographers
The changing light creates dramatic shadows and vibrant colors across the landscape, offering endless opportunities for stunning shots. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the vastness of the panoramic views.Beyond the grand vistas, look for interesting geological details like the ancient seashells in the limestone.
The winding roads and trails also provide dynamic compositions. Be prepared for wind, which can add a sense of movement to your shots, but also consider a tripod for stability during low-light conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Marvel and Natural Reserve
This unique geology shapes the dramatic cliffs and valleys that hikers traverse. The park is a haven for native bush and offers a glimpse into the region's natural history.The park is meticulously maintained with a network of seven interconnected hiking trails. These trails cater to various fitness levels, from short, easy strolls to more challenging loops that can be combined for a full-day adventure.
Beyond hiking, Te Mata Peak is also a popular spot for adventure activities. It features a launching pad for hang gliding, offering a thrilling aerial perspective of the stunning landscape for licensed flyers.
Experiencing the Summit Views
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to experience the summit. The changing light paints the sky in a spectacular array of colors, casting a warm glow over the landscape and creating unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Many visitors make a special trip to witness these daily spectacles, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot and parking. The serene atmosphere during these times, away from the midday crowds, adds to the enchantment.It's important to be prepared for the conditions at the summit. While the drive is accessible by car, the peak can be extremely windy, even on otherwise calm days.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit