Hinewai Reserve — Attraction in Banks Peninsula Community

Stunning reserve which shows what can be done to revert farmland back to native bush. The tracks are quite challenging, it's not the place to take your granny - well she might make it past the visitors centre but some areas are definitely for reasonably fit people. Some of the track is getting covered by ferns and other plants which can make it a little dangerous. This also slightly distracts from seeing birds and plants as you have to keep an eye on where you are walking. Great selection of plants and birds, my wife saw her first shining cuckoo, we also saw grey warblers, bell birds, lots of pigeons etc. Never did find the loo and aware of the sign warning us not to leave any paper etc this was challenging as you can be walking for a long time. Also a few more benches to enjoy the views or listen for birds or just to have lunch would be great as not everyone is hardcore. If you do one thing around Akaroa this should be it. Also please leave a good donation, entry is free but the work being done here...

Hinewai is an ecological restoration project on Banks Peninsula, privately owned and managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but freely open to the public on foot.

Hinewai Reserve occupies 1250 hectares in the south-eastern corner of Banks Peninsula on the South Island’s east coast. The reserve lies east of the town of Akaroa.

Initially 109 hectares were purchased by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust in 1987. Since then the trust has greatly enlarged the reserve through the purchase of Ōtānerito Station in 1991 and through several subsequent additions. Since 2016 the trust has also looked after the adjacent 192 hectare Purple Peak Curry Reserve, after its purchase in that year by the New Zealand Native Forest...

Full credit to the kaitiaki of this reserve - what a massive effort he has put into caring for and maintaining this stunning natural native area! Fantastic hiking reserve full of NZ natives and waterfalls. Love the way he has labelled the trees with their proper Maori names and explained the history of the area. A lot of work put in restoring washed out rivers etc and rebuilding bridges - so impressive. Nga Mihi Kaitiaki, your hard mahi is appreciated and respected by us nature lovers who appreciate the opportunity to walk through this stunning bush area with similar surroundings to the Stewart Island...