Hawke's Bay Trails

11/06/2026

The Puketapu Loop is set to reopen Saturday 4th July! 🎉

05/06/2026

We don’t like having to write this. We’d much rather just talk about trails, good times, great weather, and inspiring pic's. But people are still accessing closed sections despite clear messages and signage – the latest on the new Waiohiki stop bank that is just being finished.

Don’t decide the rules don’t apply to you, just because you’ve “been coming here for years”. Every time someone ignores a closed sign, it impacts all of us:
• more signs go up
• more repairs are required
• more restrictions are added
• more barriers are built
• openings are delayed...

Closures are in place for a reason. Ignoring them puts workers at risk on active worksites and can damage new or unfinished infrastructure.

The new stop bank in the closed Waiohiki section (Puketapu Loop) has had damage, and the consequence is the construction team has delayed handover and opening. We are as frustrated as you are and will provide an update on a possible opening in the coming weeks.

So, just a reminder:
• respect closures, safety signage, property, people and staff
• only walk or cycle on the limesand trails
• say a friendly hi to others and slow, keep left when passing others
• respect and look after these unique spaces, leave no rubbish
• keep dogs on leash or under control
• be a good human please

Our region has several more years of major infrastructure work ahead, which will impact the Great Ride network from time to time. We’d appreciate your cooperation and support for the crews doing the hard mahi.

05/06/2026

Heads up from the iway team, see below if you riding in Whakatu area

04/06/2026

Morena. Wasn’t last month on the trails great? They’re proving incredibly popular with both locals and visitors. It was so great to see another hugely successful Hawke’s Bay Marathon — with course records set again!

Our crews have been absolutely smashing it: trail surface upgrades, edge mowing, and a huge shout-out to our community trail adopters — the Stortford Rotary crew — who keep the Waimarama Rd section out to Black Bridge riding so sweetly. Thank you!

Our team has also been completing repair work on the Boardwalk out on the Water Ride, over the past two weeks while this section has been closed. It’s been tricky work in wetland conditions, and unfortunately it won’t be fully finished today.

However, we’ll be opening it for riding over the weekend — please use with CAUTION. This boardwalk is single lane only, please do not enter if someone is already on it, as it is narrow. Next week the team will be installing the final edging, safety signage, and non-slip netting. If possible, please avoid next week, as there will be delays and it will ensure the team can complete the work safely and efficiently. We will advise when its fully repaired.

Please remember there are still other closures/detours in place, as various teams work hard to complete maintenance or upgrades as quickly as possible. The sooner these are done, the sooner we can all get back to enjoying our Great Ride!

PS watch this space for some exciting news about when the Puketapu Loop re-opening - yes the Waiohiki section is still closed, detour in place.

23/05/2026

TRAIL SAFETY ALERT -DANGER – BOARDWALK CLOSED (Water Ride) STRICTLY NO ENTRY

This area will be CLOSED for maintenance

Dates: Monday 25 May – Friday 5 June 2026
Location: Landcorp Farm section, around ‘Beacons’
Do NOT enter locked gates on the Landcorp Farm section from Turfrey Road to Rorookuri Hill. Access is strictly prohibited for closed section

It's a privilege to access this working farm and DOC area, we ask you to please respect the closures/signage, for staff and your safety. Where we can we always try to provide safe detours, unfortunately we are unable to for this work. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

21/05/2026

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Hawke’s Bay & Gisborne Expressway Project team is having a community drop in session this Sunday, 24th May, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, at Taradale Rugby and Sports Club on 295 Guppy Road, Taradale, Napier. Details in the attached post.
You'll be able to chat to their team about the project, including, new bridge, trail underpass and ask any questions. Everyone is welcome – they have plenty of activities and things for kids as well.

Join our Hawke’s Bay Expressway project team at our next community drop-in session – here are the details:

Pop in to see us on Sunday 24 May, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, at Taradale Rugby and Sports Club on 295 Guppy Road, Taradale, Napier.

You'll be able to chat to our team about the project and ask any questions you have. Everyone is welcome – we'll have plenty of activities and things to see for kids as well.

The upgrades we're making to the Hawke's Bay Expressway will improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel between Napier and Hastings quicker and more reliable.

Follow us if you aren't already to get regular updates on our progress. You can also get in touch with the team at [email protected] to join our resident mailing list.

15/05/2026

So excited .... we have a trail opening for the weekend! Delighted that from Saturday 16th May 2026 the Tutaekuri Stopbank section on the Water Ride, re-opens from Awatoto to Johns Rd. Thanks for all you patience as the TREC/KiwiRail Bridge Strengthening Project at Awatoto and concrete trail reinstatement is now completed.
Note: Closures still in place at SH2 Expressway bridge & Waiohiki, please use detours - please respect these active construction site closures.

13/05/2026

Thousands of runners will be hitting our trails this weekend for the annual Hawkes Bay Marathon 🏃‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♂️‍➡️

Things kick off on Saturday 16 May at Clive Boat Ramp from 7.30am with the 10K runners, half-marathon participants will be starting at 8am from Napier Aquarium and the full marathon-goers take to the trails at 8.20am from Anderson Park, Taradale.

If you're planning to ride the trails this weekend, we'd recommend a late start on Saturday morning, as the trails will be busy around Park Island, Ahuriri, Westshore, Marine Parade to Clive, then from Clive to Elephant Hill - see the event map below 👇

Avoid the Landscapes Clifton section from Black Bridge to Elephant Hill on Saturday, unless you're going to cheer on your friends and whānau! 🎉 It will be VERY busy 🚶‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️🐕🚗🚙🛻🚴

06/05/2026

Alright, here's our pass-agg reminder to motorbike users... 🙃

‼️Dirt bikes and other motorbikes are not permitted on the Hawke’s Bay Trails.
As outlined under the Safety section of our website: 👇
https://www.hbtrails.nz/ride-our-trails/tips-and-safety/

Our trails are designed for walking and cycling, and a collision with a fast moving dirt bike could cause serious injury or death. And as seen in the photos below - these vehicles can damage the trails, resulting in potential accidents for trail users and additional costs to Councils.

🏍️ Where CAN motorised vehicles go?
We're aware your options are limited with two of the main public access spots for motor users currently closed due to construction. However, there are a number of local options for clubs. Check the comments for links to helpful resources.

We're asking nicely 😊... Please and thank you.