Towering over the Heretaunga Plains, Te Mata Peak is a top destination for hikers and mountain bikers looking for an adventurous activity during their Hawke’s Bay visit. The 360-degree views from the top are spectacular, stretching to the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru Ranges, as well as Cape Kidnappers. On a clear day, look for Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park.
According to Maori legend, the chief Te Mata was smitten with his rival chief’s daughter from the Heretaunga tribe. To prove his love, Te Mata attempted several impossible challenges nearby, the final one of which led to his death. Locals call the peak “Sleeping Giant” for its representation of the prostrate body of Te Mata. Try to picture the image of a prone man.
Nearly 1 million people enjoy outdoor pursuits on Te Mata Peak annually. Join them and appreciate the remarkable scenery, topography, plants and animals of the region. Mountain bike on trails for all levels, from easy to extreme. Trails are designed to separate bikers from walkers for safety.
Hike on one of the seven walking tracks, a collection of different loop routes showcasing the park’s most spectacular areas. The least challenging of the routes is the green path, with gentle climbs and numerous viewpoints along the way. Throughout your hike, look for signs with Quick Reference (QR) codes, which can be scanned with your smart phone, providing immediate access to detailed information about points of interest, geological features, vegetation and wildlife.
Alternatively, drive up the Te Mata Peak Road to the summit. Te Mata Peak also provides opportunities for hang gliding, paragliding, road cycling, abseiling and orienteering.
For a more in-depth look at the peak’s folklore, sign up for a 2-hour cultural tour or a 4-hour tour that includes a visit to Waimarama and the Maori’s ancestral lands. A Maori elder will share with you the culture, language and bush lore of his people.
Find Te Mata Peak Park southeast of the village of Havelock North in Hawke’s Bay. Park in the lot at the base of the mountain. Drive to the summit in about 15 minutes.
