DISCOVER THE HINAU TRACK: KAIKOURA’S SHORT BUT SWEET BUSH WALK
01 JUNE 2026
The highlights when visiting Kaikoura are seeing the whales, dolphins and New Zealand fur seals and enjoying the view where the mountains reach the ocean but sometimes it's nice to do a bush walk and get into nature in a quite corner of New Zealand, especially on a very hot or rainy day.
The Hinau track is a short walk in the Kowhai Valley, at the base of the Kaikoura seaward ranges. There's nothing truly spectacular to see here on this track and I personally wouldn't add it to the top of my list of things to do in Kaikoura but it is a nice walk through the New Zealand bush and is full of beautiful birdsong. It's also full of hinau trees - hence the name!
If you want to make the most of your trip, planning your walks, activities and wildlife experiences can take hours and hours. I’ve created a map with over 700 spots in New Zealand, as well as all the best spots marked in Kaikoura, including walks, viewpoints, cafes and must see spots. Click here to get access!
The Hinau track is a short walk in the Kowhai Valley, at the base of the Kaikoura seaward ranges. There's nothing truly spectacular to see here on this track and I personally wouldn't add it to the top of my list of things to do in Kaikoura but it is a nice walk through the New Zealand bush and is full of beautiful birdsong. It's also full of hinau trees - hence the name!
If you want to make the most of your trip, planning your walks, activities and wildlife experiences can take hours and hours. I’ve created a map with over 700 spots in New Zealand, as well as all the best spots marked in Kaikoura, including walks, viewpoints, cafes and must see spots. Click here to get access!
What's in this guide
- Trail overview & what to expect
- How to get to the Hinau Track
- What to bring on the walk
- Tips for visiting the Hinau Track
- Best time to walk the Hinau Track
- Facilities & amenities at the Hinau Track
- Nearby Spots to Explore
Trail Overview & What to Expect
The Hinau Track starts at the Mt Fyffe carpark and is an 800m loop that takes 45 minute to complete. The track winds through native bush, with lots of trees such as hinau, broadleaf, pigeonwood, mahoe and kanuka. The track goes up and down small hills but it's an easy walk.
If you love flora and fauna as much as I do, you'll find something you like (shrooms or pretty leaves) and it's a good track to stretch your legs on a hot day as most of the walks in Kaikoura are exposed.
There was a whole bunch of very cute and curious cows near the carpark who came over to say hello. We were also greeted with the most beautiful song by a bellbird! A kowhai tree was in bloom near the toilet, with its bright yellow flowers - this is in the Kowhai Valley, after all!
If you love flora and fauna as much as I do, you'll find something you like (shrooms or pretty leaves) and it's a good track to stretch your legs on a hot day as most of the walks in Kaikoura are exposed.
There was a whole bunch of very cute and curious cows near the carpark who came over to say hello. We were also greeted with the most beautiful song by a bellbird! A kowhai tree was in bloom near the toilet, with its bright yellow flowers - this is in the Kowhai Valley, after all!
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How To Get To The Hinau Track
The Mt Fyffe carpark is about 15 km from Kaikoura township. Follow Ludstone Road out of town, then continue along Swamp and Postmans Roads before turning onto Mt Fyffe Road. Follow the road right to the end and you'll arrive at the trailhead.
A lot of the drive is on gravel roads, so it can feel like you're heading into the middle of nowhere!
A lot of the drive is on gravel roads, so it can feel like you're heading into the middle of nowhere!
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What To Bring On The Hike
Because it’s a short and easy track, you don’t need much. Comfortable walking shoes are fine, though anything with a bit of grip helps if it’s been wet.
Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a also jacket in winter because Kaikoura can get very cold!
There are no rubbish bins here so please take all your rubbish home with you.
Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a also jacket in winter because Kaikoura can get very cold!
There are no rubbish bins here so please take all your rubbish home with you.
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Tips For Visiting
- There is an unbridged stream on this track which is easy to navigate across in normal conditions
- This is a good track in the heat of summer if you need to stretch your legs but want to be out of the sun
- The track can get muddy in places after rain
- No unauthorised drones are allowed here
- No overnight camping is permitted, there are other great spots to stay the night in Kaikoura!
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Best Time To Walk The Hinau Track
Any time of year is great to walk this track. Spring, summer and autumn generally offer the best conditions as the days are longer and a bit warmer than winter but it's still absolutely fine to do in winter.
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Facilities & Ameneties
There is a long drop toilet at the carpark, so don’t expect any flushing toilets! It’s basic, but it does the job before or after your walk.
There is no drinking water here and the nearest shops are in Kaikoura town so be sure to get your snacks and water there first.
There is no drinking water here and the nearest shops are in Kaikoura town so be sure to get your snacks and water there first.
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Final Thoughts
This is an easy and short track that’s perfect if you want a quick stretch of the legs without committing to a big hike. It’s peaceful, shaded and easy to fit into a day around Kaikoura.
Nearby Spots to Explore In Kaikoura
If you’ve finished walking the Hinau Track, don’t rush off just yet! There’s plenty more to see and do nearby that’s well worth adding to your plans:
Fyffe House – One of Kaikoura’s oldest buildings, offering insight into the area’s early whaling and settlement history.
Kaikoura Lookout – Head up for panoramic views over the peninsula, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset and it's a great spot for stargazing after dark (there are phone/camera holders at the lookout that you can use to capture star trails).
Kaikoura Peninsula Track - One of New Zealand's best coastal walks with incredible views of the rugged coastline, across the Pacific Ocean and out to the Kaikoura seaward ranges. The highlight of this track is all the New Zealand fur seals you can watch along the shoreline!
BBQ seafood - Kaikoura is famous for crayfish and seafood straight off the coast and one of the most popular spots to eat it is at the BBQ seafood, not far from Point Kean.
Ohau Point Seal Colony – A 20 drive north of town and one of the best places to see seals lounging on the rocks right below you.
Planning to explore more of the region? Check out our guides to:
Fyffe House – One of Kaikoura’s oldest buildings, offering insight into the area’s early whaling and settlement history.
Kaikoura Lookout – Head up for panoramic views over the peninsula, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset and it's a great spot for stargazing after dark (there are phone/camera holders at the lookout that you can use to capture star trails).
Kaikoura Peninsula Track - One of New Zealand's best coastal walks with incredible views of the rugged coastline, across the Pacific Ocean and out to the Kaikoura seaward ranges. The highlight of this track is all the New Zealand fur seals you can watch along the shoreline!
BBQ seafood - Kaikoura is famous for crayfish and seafood straight off the coast and one of the most popular spots to eat it is at the BBQ seafood, not far from Point Kean.
Ohau Point Seal Colony – A 20 drive north of town and one of the best places to see seals lounging on the rocks right below you.
Planning to explore more of the region? Check out our guides to:
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
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Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
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