Last updated November 2026
The Nikau Loop Track is a short, easy walk in the Mōrere Recreation Reserve through one of the East Coast’s last remaining tracts of native coastal forest, full of nīkau palms. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate, gives 20 min and says it is great for kids.
The track is well marked, all-weather and mostly flat with a few gentle slopes. It starts off Tunanui Road, about 1 km north of the Mōrere Hot Springs entrance and about 500 m from SH2, around 58 km from Gisborne. Fitter walkers can branch off onto the Ridge Track or the Mangakawa Track.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Nikau Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tunanui Road entrance, about 500 m from SH2 (no formed car park)
- Distance from the city
- About 58 km from Gisborne
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track length
- 1.3 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Nikau Loop Track
The Nikau Loop winds through native coastal forest where nīkau palms are a feature.
DOC describes it as a well-marked, all-weather track that is mostly flat with some gentle inclines, and says it is suitable for families.
From the loop, more demanding tracks branch off: the Ridge Track climbs to a beech-covered ridge, and the Mangakawa Track follows a stream past waterfalls and small gorges.
Day Trip from Gisborne
The reserve is on SH2 at Mōrere, which DOC places 40 km east of Wairoa. Turn onto Tunanui Road about 1 km north of the Mōrere Hot Springs entrance; the track entrance is about 500 m from SH2. DOC notes there is no formed car park at this entrance. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Nikau Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Mōrere Springs area: the Ridge, Mangakawa and other Mōrere tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Nikau Loop Track take?
DOC gives 20 min.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. DOC says it is a short, easy walk that is great for kids.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Where does it start?
Off Tunanui Road, about 1 km north of the Mōrere Hot Springs entrance and about 500 m from SH2.
Is there a car park?
DOC says there is no formed car park at this entrance.
Are there longer walks nearby?
Yes. The Ridge Track and the Mangakawa Track both branch off the loop.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.