Parihaka Hatea Loop

Starting at Te Matau a Pohe Bascule Bridge car park, head north (left) along the Hatea River toward the Town Basin. Cross Riverside Drive at the Canopy Bridge and follow the river past the indoor swimming pools. The path turns into a boardwalk through the mangroves before joining with Ewing Road.

Turn left onto Ewing Road, and follow to the end where there is a path and stairs on the right, connecting with Vale Road. Turn left at the top of the stairs and follow to the end of Vale Road to connect with the gravel path into the Parihaka Forest. At the end of the gravel path, turn right onto Whareora Road.

Follow Whareora Road to A H Reed Memorial Park. Opposite A H Reed Memorial Park is Goetzee Track. Follow Goetzee Track up to the mountain bike park and Spider Junction. Take care in the mountain bike park and do not enter the mountain bike tracks. Turn right at Spider Junction, following the gravel road uphill toward the summit of Mount Parihaka.

The gravel road connects with the top of Memorial Drive, follow the road and stairs to the summit. Take in the view and enjoy a breather before taking Ross Track on the left next to the lookout. Follow Ross Track down until you see Mackesy Bush track on the left. Head back uphill on Mackesy Bush track. This section of track has recently been upgraded with the installation of lots of stairs.

There are options to connect to Memorial Drive, but keep right to connect to Riverside Drive. Once on Riverside Drive, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue straight ahead onto the Hatea Loop, past the BMX track and over the bascule bridge, back to the start.