Te Mata Peak, Napier Overview

A place home to mesmerizing panoramic views, fresh, cool breeze and lush greenery, the dignified Te Mata Peak rises to a whopping four hundred meters above sea level. It is situated to the west of the plains of the beauteous Heretaunga. Te Mata is ideal for fitness enthusiasts since its natural trails are perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Even though it is quite a task to climb up to the top of this peak, the breathtaking view makes it worth the work!

The trails cut through green forests and run past limestone valleys, with an exceedingly beautiful view awaiting you at every turn. The extraordinary formations formed from Waipapa Limestone are said to date back to at least three million years. The suburbs of Hastings are built along the slopes of Te Mata Peak. Being the highest peak of Hawke’s Bay, the glorious hill acts as a popular lookout on days with a clear sky, offering brilliant views of Napier, Mahia Peninsula, the volcanic Mount Ruapehu, and the Heretaunga plains.

Things to Do at Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak receives thousands of visitors all year round and is a hub of several activities, be it a soothing cultural tour or excellent cardio while hiking, running, or biking. Spread across ninety-nine hectares of luxuriant parkland, the exuberance of the peak is only interrupted by marked trails and well graded-tracks.
The splendid Redwoods forest is also present near this area and is the perfect place to sit and take in the beauty of nature in its raw form for a while. The ones who face difficulty while walking across long distances have the option to drive to the topmost peak of Te Mata and enjoy the commanding vista of Hawke’s Bay.
Cultural tours are also hosted at Te Mata Peak, and you may spend a few hours as you explore the place while listening to one of the elders enumerate the several tales and incidents that have shaped Te Mata into what it is today. A two-hour tour usually includes a visit to Te Mata peak and the Pou, while one that lasts four hours also includes a visit to Waimarama as well as the ancestral lands of the Maori Tribes.
The cultural tour provides you with a number of fascinating facts about the famous folklore, bush lore, the language and the rich culture of the people who live in and around this area.
In recent times, the Te Mata Peak also acts as a soaring spot for paragliding, abseiling, hang gliding, Nordic walking, as well as orienteering, in addition to mountain biking and cycling. Picnic facilities are also available here.

If you are looking to spend some peaceful time, away from the bustle, the vibrant flora shall certainly keep you occupied with its spellbinding charm.

History of Te Mata Peak

As the legend goes, several centuries ago, the local residents of the fortified villages, or ‘pa’, of the wine-producing Heretaunga plains had to live under incessant threats of an upcoming war from the tribes residing at the coastal areas of Waimarama.
To discuss strategies, a gathering was held at Pakipaki, a place near Hastings. There, a kuia, which refers to an elderly Maori woman, suggested that they should try to make the gigantic Te Mata, who happened to be the leader of the Waimarama tribe, fall in love with Hinerakau – the beautiful daughter of one of the chiefs of Pakipaki.
By doing this, she said, they could turn all his thoughts of violence into those of love and peace. It scarcely took any time to make this happen, for such was the charm of Hinerakau that Te Mata was spellbound with ease! In spite of the peacefulness that ensued, no one from Heretaunga could forget all the times they had to live in constant fear, and they wished for vengeance.
They asked Hinerakau to inflict Te Mata to nearly impossible tasks in order to prove his love for her. At last, he died while having to eat his way through the hills residing between the plains and the coast, so that the residents could pass through them with no difficulty.
Even today, the Pari Karangaranga, or the echoing cliffs, which is also referred to as The Gap, is considered to be his half-completed task. The Te Mata Peak is believed to have been formed by his prostrated figure, which is whyit is also popularly known as ‘The Sleeping Giant’ among locals.

How To Reach Te Mata Peak

Situated to the south of Havelock North, it takes only fifteen minutes to get to Te Mata Peak by car via the Te Mata Road.
Taking the same route from Hastings, you can get to Te Mata Peak within a half hour by car.
If you are starting from Hawke’s Bay, which lies at a distance of around 97 kilometers from Te Mata Peak, it is best to travel via the Thermal Explorer Highway. It takes about an hour and forty minutes to reach Te Mata from there.
From Ruapehu District, you can reach Te Mata Peak in three hours and a half by car, via the Thermal Explorer Highway.