Exploring Te Mata Peak: An Affordable Family Day Trip from Napier

All you need to do is pack up your Thrifty rental car, get the family excited, and follow this guide to embark on a day trip like no other. Whether you’re after scenic views, thrilling walking trails, serene picnics or a tale of Māori history, Te Mata Peak has it all.

Discover the Rich History of Te Mata Peak

There’s no preparing you for the sensational views that Te Mata Peak is home to. Less than a half hour scenic road trip from the centre of Napier, Te Mata Peak in Havelock North is easily accessible by car. While Te Mata Peak is a visually beautiful place to explore, it’s also a culturally significant one. Share with your family the story that lives in these lands: the story of Te Mata. It’s believed that hundreds of years ago, the people of the pā (fortified villages) below on the Heretaunga Plains were threatened by war from the tribes on the coast at Waimarama. It was suggested that a giant from Waimarama called Te Mata could fall in love with the beautiful Hinerakau, the result of which would let him forget about starting a war. Once this happened, the people of Heretaunga still wanted revenge on Te Mata. They demanded him to bite through the hills between the coast and the plains, and he died doing so. Te Mata’s body is what has become the iconic Te Mata Peak we know today.

Embrace Te Mata on Foot with the Walking Trails

At Te Mata Peak, the outlook is nothing short of spectacular once you start adventuring throughout the park. The best way to make the most of the terrific scenery is leaving your rental car safely behind in the car park and exploring Te Mata on foot! Strap up those hiking shoes and stretch those legs—this is going to be one epic hike. Don’t stress if the little ones are prone to getting tired, there’s plenty of scenic spots to stop along the way and take in the view. Entry into the park is free, so you don’t need to pay a cent to get a taste of this picture-perfect landscape. There are plenty of walking trails to embark on, depending on your desires and abilities, including a handful that are perfect for the whole family. The Redwoods track is a great spot if you’re not interested in climbing the hill, as it’s situated underneath Te Mata Peak. This shaded expanse of forest provides relief from the weather and creates a magical atmosphere with the majestic redwoods stretching up and around you. If you are after the jaw-dropping views at the top of Te Mata, the easiest way to get to the summit with the family in tow is strolling along the Summit Road. This paved path may not immerse you in nature as much as the trails, but it certainly is a terrific means to an end of the stunning views awaiting you at the top. If you and the family are up for a challenge, consider venturing out on the Rongokako Trail Loop. This is a moderate hike that would be better suited for bigger kids, but any strain is well worth the picture-perfect scenery.

Tuck Into a Picnic with a View

There’s no shortage of beautiful spaces to find around Te Mata Peak that make a perfect setting for a picnic. Make sure to bring some packed snacks and refreshments, and even a picnic blanket if you can, so that when you find the perfect patch of lush grass that looks out onto the stunning landscape that surrounds Te Mata, you don’t have to think twice about settling down and relaxing. Picnics are a great way to break up this day of thrilling action, providing not just the little kids but the big ones too with an opportunity for quiet calmness. Picnics are also a great option if you’re wanting to keep your adventures affordable, meaning you can save some dollars on dining and keep them for the next exciting activity!

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a journey to Te Mata Peak with the entire family in tow. From the city of Napier in your Thrifty rental car, follow this day trip guide to make the most of the beautiful landscape, all without having to break the bank.