Russell Park is an exciting outdoor space with lots of fun activities and big open spaces, the perfect place to enjoy some family fun.

The Park is home to a big colourful playground, heated indoor pool complex, scooter and bike tracks as well as a popular skate park, great for all ages. There is also lots of green spaces to burn some energy, shade and seating areas. In summer, the park's Splash Pad comes to life with lots of water play areas for the kids.

Russell Park sits on the edge of the Tuki Tuki River Trails so you can adventure further if you feel like a walk or cycling along the Trails,

There is plenty of parking and accessible toilets. The Russell Park complex now also includes an all-weather turf and new netball courts.

Russell Park is located on River Terrace, on the edge of Waipukurau. You can easily spot it as your drive into Waipukurau over the bridge from the North on your left hand side.

Blackhead Beach is a fantastic spot under an hour’s drive from Waipukurau. Home to Te Angiangi Marine Reserve which spans between Blackhead and Aramoana Beach there are lots of rockpools to explore and underwater creatures to meet.

Walk or 4WD north along the beach to Shelly Bay and Stingray Bay, two great spots for swimming and snorkeling at low tide. The beach has a lovely community feel with lots of long-term locals, great swimming, fantastic fishing and diving. A great spot for people watching and soaking up some sun.

Te Angangi Marine Reserve was established in August 1997 and is managed by the Department of Conservation.

It takes in the coast between Aramoana and Blackhead, with camping grounds at both ends of the reserve, and plenty of bach accommodation. It is the only Marine Reserve in Hawke's Bay and covers an area of about 1.3 square nautical miles (446 hectares), and extends 1 nautical mile offshore.

The name of the reserve was chosen by Ngati Kere to honour local history. When Ngati Kahungunu settled the region, central Hawke's Bay was divided between Te Aomatarahi and Taraia. Te Aomatarahi was given the lands east of Tukituki River and mana whenua passed to his descendents Tu Mapuhiarangi and Te Angiangi. The area covered by the mana of Te Angiangi included what is now the marine reserve.

The Marine Reserve is well utilised locals and visitors, who visit the Reserve to enjoy the following recreational pursuits:

• Diving and snorkelling
• Rockpooling
• Boating
• Bird and wildlife watching
• Swimming (the best places for swimming are Stringray Bay at low tide and Shelly Bay)

Important

All plant and animal life, alive or dead, in the Marine Reserve is totally protected. No fishing, seaweed or shellfish gathering is allowed. The reefs and sea floor are also protected so nothing can be removed from the reserve.

Getting there

Turn off State Highway 2 at Waipawa or Waipukurau. The drive will take approximately 30 minutes from either town. From Waipawa follow Pourere and Gibraltar roads to Aramoana. From Waipukurau follow Farm, Motere and Long Range roads to Blackhead.

Just a short frive from Havelock North, Maraetotara Falls is a hugely popular summer spot for locals and visitors alike.

From the carpark on Maraetotara Road, you can get to the falls by heading down the wooden stairs and following the Maraetotara Historic Walk for about 10 minutes to the base of the waterfall.

There is a great swimming hole at the base of the waterfall, so take a towel if you feel like a dip. Some people jump from the top of the falls, but it is dangerous and we would not recommend it.

If you’ve got time - walk Maraetotara Historic Walk, you won’t be disappointed! Discover the old Havelock North Power Station and beautiful surroundings. The track is easy, and kids will love it.

This well-graded track is a great overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers - it passes through changing forest types to the open tops, with great views of the Hawke’s Bay plains and excellent sunrises from the hut.

Waipatiki Beach is a picturesque settlement with native bush and a broad stretch of golden sand.

Encircled by two towering cliffs and surrounded by kilometers of farmland, lies this small yet breathtaking beach. The Maori word Waipatiki translates to "water of the flounder", and was named as such due to its abundance of flounder. This was easy fishing for early Maori before the 1931 earthquake, which resulted in raising the flounder’s wide sandy flat habitat, and created a deep stream pattern.

These days, the stunning beach offers swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and has a fresh-water stream being popular with younger children who are content to paddle. Small boats can be launched from beach, and the many coastal and bush walks are well worth exploring. Among the dense native bush are wikahikatea trees, nikau palms, and kahikatea (some which are thought to be around 400 years old!) Keep your eyes and ears out for the beautiful singing of native birds including tui, kereru, morepork and bellbirds.

Near the beach is a camping ground, beach picnic area and toilets.

Around Lake Tutira, there are a few walks you can choose from, depending on your ability, fitness level and preparation.

The Waikopiro Track follows the shoreline of Lake Waikopiro, passing both native and introduced plants. It is approximately 1.1km's and will take you around 20 minutes to walk, depending on if you stop to take some pictures of the scenery.

Your other options start on the same track, however you can loop back around or join a second track to make it longer. For a shorter walk, just stick to the Tutira Walkway. This walk will take approximately 2 hours, and is 5km. The longer track takes 4.5-5 hours and is 7.1km. For this longer walk, you can meet up with Gailbraith's track or the Kahikanui track. 

Named after the lake and district it overlooks, the Tutira Walkway passes through Tutira Station and the adjoining Lake Tūtira Recreation Reserve. Table Mountain Trig affords magnificent views of the inland Kaweka and Maungaharuru Ranges and coastal Hawke’s Bay from Mahia Peninsula to Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui.

The Lake Waikaremoana track has the largest area of native forest in the North Island. This region is the ancestral home of the Maori tribe Ngai Tuhoe - the ‘Children of the Mist’. Entirely within the boundaries of Te Urewera, the track mostly follows the shores of the great lake. Over three to four days, it leads you through pristine rainforest, regenerating shrubland areas of wetland, rush and herbfield and a magical ‘goblin forest’. You will also discover magnificent rivers, waterfalls and ghostly valleys of mist.

Known locally as 'The Dog Park', dogs are welcome off-lead but must be under the control of their owners. An agility course for dogs is in the centre of the park. This space offers an opportunity for dogs to explore, socialise and play together in an open environment.  We'd prefer you bring your own bags, but in case you forget there are free bags for dog waste and bins throughout the park.

The Raupare Stream flows through the park and is crossed by small bridges connecting the approximately two kilometres of easy paths.  Note that some pathways may be difficult (steep, rough) for prams and wheelchairs.

Many specimen trees, a pine plantation and open grass areas make the park popular for walking and family outings.  Look for the carved seats in the pine plantation - talented contractors made the most of storm-blown trees.

The park was developed in the former bed of the Ngaruroro River, which was diverted 500 m north in a large flood protection project completed in 1969. The Raupare Stream now flows under the old river bridge near the entrance to the park. The park was originally called a 'country park' and was created by the Landcare Foundation in the 1970s, with support the Friends of Pākōwhai Regional Park group who did a lot of the planting and pathway development in the early years.

A walk through the park from the stopbank entrance serves as a memorial to Mr Doug Walker, who was Chairman of the Regional Council from 1992-1996 when he led the development of much of the flood protection work on the Heretaunga Plains. A second pathway has been named for Mrs Eileen von Dadelszen QSM, a former Regional Councillor who, with husband Mark, was involved from early on with the Friends of Pākōwhai group which helped with park development.

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of New Plymouth, Taranaki, the Bell Rock Loop Track offers an enticing outdoor adventure that seamlessly weaves together natural beauty and rich cultural history. This scenic hiking trail is a testament to the diverse wonders that New Zealand has to offer.

As you set foot on the Bell Rock Loop Track, you'll immediately find yourself immersed in a world of pristine native bush. Towering trees, vibrant ferns, and the gentle babble of streams set a soothing backdrop for your journey. The trail is thoughtfully maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all levels, from seasoned trekkers to families seeking a day of exploration.

The crown jewel of the Bell Rock Loop Track is undoubtedly the Bell Block Pā, a historically significant Maori archaeological site. Pās were fortified villages that played pivotal roles in Maori culture and history, and Bell Block Pā is a remarkable example of this heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to delve into New Zealand's indigenous history, gaining insights into the lives and traditions of the Maori people.

Beyond the cultural exploration, the Bell Rock Loop Track is a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of the Taranaki region. Sweeping vistas and panoramic views await at various points along the trail, offering hikers a chance to witness the area's natural grandeur.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful day in nature, an educational journey through Maori history, or simply a serene escape from the daily grind, the Bell Rock Loop Track promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. It's a harmonious blend of scenic beauty and cultural significance, inviting you to connect with both the land and the heritage of New Zealand.