Te Mata Peak Summit Hike
Climb the dramatic limestone ridgeline of Te Mata Peak for unparalleled views over Hawke's Bay, the Heretaunga Plains, and the Kaweka Ranges.
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Te Mata Park Entrance
Te Mata Peak Regional Park sits 10 km south of Napier — the distinctive shark-fin profile of the limestone ridge is visible from across the Heretaunga Plains.
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Tukituki River Valley View
From the lower slopes, the Tukituki River winds through the plains below — its shingle bed is a prime habitat for the endangered black-fronted dotterel.
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Limestone Bluff Trail
The trail follows the edge of the limestone bluffs, where the rock has been eroded by wind and rain into dramatic ridges and overhangs.
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Te Mata Peak Summit (399m)
The summit gives a full 360-degree view — Hawke's Bay to the east, the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges to the west, and the entire Heretaunga Plains below.
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Maori Legend Point
The ridge is said to be the body of the giant Māori chief Te Mata o Rongokako, who ate his way through the hills for love — the gaps in the ridge are his bite marks.
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Winery View Descent
The descent reveals the patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and market gardens that make the Heretaunga Plains one of New Zealand's most productive agricultural regions.