Tuki Tuki

When planning your trip to Tuki Tuki, it’s worth considering the wider regional context. The Tukituki River is 117 kilometres long: it flows east at first, then northeast, passes through Waipukurau and empties into Hawke Bay near the city of Hastings. The river and its tributaries offer a variety of fishing experiences for wild rainbow and brown trout. The river’s course and fishing are therefore among the regional topics you may want to consider when planning your trip.

Cycling in the Hastings District

In the Hastings District, the Tukituki Loop is a cycling route of about 30 kilometres. It takes you into the valley below Te Mata Peak. After Black Bridge, the route follows the river stopbanks along the Tukituki River back to River Road. Its approximate length gives you a guide for planning your ride.

The Hawke’s Bay Trails: Landscapes Ride is a wide, easy-to-ride cycle trail with views of the Pacific Ocean, the Tukituki River and the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay. The two rides offer different experiences: the Loop’s length and route help with planning, while the Landscapes Ride is defined by its views of the sea, river and vineyards. Before setting out, check current trail conditions and consult the status updates and maps on the official Hawke’s Bay Trails website.

River, wine tasting and coffee in the wider area

On the Tukituki Loop, Askerne Winery is directly accessible from the cycle trail for a wine tasting and a meal. If you plan to have a wine tasting, confirm its current availability directly with the winery.

Red Bridge Coffee is an award-winning, rustic coffee spot on a farm paddock in the Tuki-Tuki Valley, about a 10-minute drive from Havelock North. Check current visitor arrangements before planning a visit.

More things to explore in the Hastings District

In the wider Hastings District destination, the Hastings Heritage Trails guide visitors through cultural, historical and scenic highlights. They are open year-round, free to access and do not require a booking. The Hawke’s Bay Trails also offer a broader regional cycling experience: they are among New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides and include 200 kilometres of easy-to-ride cycle trails through the Hastings District and Napier.

In Cornwall Park in the Hastings District, the Osmanthus Garden is a traditional Chinese-style garden with a large pond, pavilions, Friendship Bridge, Crooked Bridge, bamboo and fragrant osmanthus plants. Frimley Park is an English-style landscape park reserve with more than 5,500 roses in formal gardens. Guthrie-Smith Arboretum is an important collection area for many plant species and a refuge for birds and native wildlife.

Discover more destinations: Karamu, Te Awanga, Maraekakaho, Poukawa, Waiwhare, Clifton, Kahuranaki, Clive

For the wider travel overview: Hastings District.