Last updated November 2026
The Hay Scenic Reserve walk is a flat 30-minute loop through one of the best remaining stands of lowland podocarp forest on Banks Peninsula. It starts from a grassy parking area on Pigeon Bay Road, on the valley floor of Pigeon Bay. DOC grades it Easiest and says it suits young children and family groups.
Along the loop you pass big mataī, kahikatea, tōtara and miro, including one giant miro, before following a stream back to the start. The reserve is about 28 km from Christchurch and makes a good stop on the drive down to Pigeon Bay.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Hay Scenic Reserve walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Grassy parking area, Pigeon Bay Road
- Distance from the city
- About 28 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 30 min
- Track length
- 900 m loop
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Toilets
- Nearest at Pigeon Bay Reserve
- 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 Hay Scenic Reserve Walk
The loop is short and flat. DOC describes the reserve as one of the best remaining stands of lowland podocarp forest on the peninsula.
From the parking area the track follows the road boundary through the trees, loops back, and for the last section follows a bubbling stream to return to where you started. Along the way you walk beneath large mataī, kahikatea, tōtara and miro, with some exotic trees mixed in. Look for the giant miro, one of the walk’s highlights.
It suits young children, family groups and anyone travelling to Pigeon Bay who wants a short leg-stretch in the forest.
Getting There
From Christchurch, follow the Christchurch to Akaroa Highway to Hilltop, then drive along Summit Road to the Pigeon Bay turnoff. DOC says the reserve sits beside Pigeon Bay Road, 5 km from the turnoff.
Track Notes
Ongaonga, an endemic stinging nettle, is common in the area. DOC warns: “Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting.” The plant is an important host for kahukura, the native red admiral butterfly. There are no toilets at the reserve; the nearest are at Pigeon Bay Reserve. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Hay Scenic Reserve walk: 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: Banks Peninsula area: other DOC walks, reserves and huts on Banks Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Hay Scenic Reserve walk take?
About 30 minutes for the 900 m loop.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. DOC says the flat track suits young children and family groups.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule is dogs on a leash only.
Where does the walk start?
At the grassy parking area on Pigeon Bay Road, 5 km from the Pigeon Bay turnoff on Summit Road.
Are there toilets?
Not at the reserve. DOC says the nearest are at Pigeon Bay Reserve.
What trees will I see?
Lowland podocarps including mataī, kahikatea, tōtara and miro, among them a giant miro.
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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.