Central Hawke's Bay Walks
Walks toward the Coast
Walks toward the Ruahine Range

The Hilltop with the World's Longest Place Name
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipu-kakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, is the longest place name in the world. It is the name given by the local Maori people, Ngati Kere, to a prominent hill to celebrate the achievements of Maori ancestor, Tamatea Pokai Whenua. From the top there are spectacular views north to Blackhead Beach, south to Cape Turnagain, the beautiful Pacific Ocean and to the east and west spiritual, ancestral mountains.

Tamatea was a famous chief and warrior of his time. His son Kahungunu was the founder of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe, which extends from Gisborne to Cape Palliser. Tamatea was so grieved over the loss of his brother in the Matanui battle, he would sit on the hill and play his lament on what is called the koauau or Maori flute. The name means 'The hilltop where Tamatea, with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his kaouau (flute) to his beloved'.

The walk is a moderate 4 hours over private land and begins 5 kilometres along Wimbledon Road south of Porangahau.

Lindsay Bush Reserve
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council manages this 9.8 hectare reserve. It is situated on the left bank of the Tukituki River, 4.5km north west of Waipukurau, off Lindsay Road. It is a popular riverbank picnic spot with a metalled walking track and toilets.

Monckton's Scenic Reserve
Situated on the Ashley Clinton Road, which branches from SH50, 11km south of Ongaonga. There is a range of recreational opportunities, including a 2km walkway that passes through a variety of forestry. En route is also a swimming hole in the Tangarewai Stream as well as facilities for picnics and barbecues.

A’deane's Bush
Located off Makaretu Road, 1km past Sherwood School. Follow the access road to the gate and then across farmland to the forest edge. A 500m track commences at the Reserve entrance. The track passes through the forest to the Tukipo River to swimming holes suitable for children. A'deanes Bush is one of the last examples of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains and hosts a notable totara tree of significant height (33.7m) and diameter (2.65m).

Inglis Bush
Inglis Bush is reached via Tuki Tuki Road (off SH50) and is approximately 8km from Ongaonga. The reserve is ideal for bird watching and a special feature is the presence of native long-tailed bats, which are most likely to be seen at dusk. Although there are no facilities or walking tracks, it is well worth walking to its boundary via the legal access strip across farmland. The point where this leaves the Tuki Tuki Road is signposted.