Last updated October 2026
Hinewai Reserve on the south-eastern corner of Banks Peninsula, east of Akaroa, has permanent streams that feature more than 50 waterfalls. The reserve covers 1,250 hectares and is privately owned by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but it is freely open to the public on foot, with no permission or charge needed.
The tallest fall is Whakamate Falls, about 30 m, in Murderers Gully, and the closest to the Visitors Centre is Fuchsia Falls, about 5 m.
Some of the falls are reached by walking track, and the reserve’s own map shows a Waterfalls Track and the Valley Track running through the gullies below the main entrance on Long Bay Road. It is about 45 km from central Christchurch in a straight line.
Practical Information
- Start
- Main entrance (Wahanui) on Long Bay Road, with the Visitors Centre close by (reserve map)
- Distance from the city
- About 45 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- Short walks of about 10 minutes to about 2 hours; the longest circuits take several hours
- Track network
- About 20 km of signposted tracks
- Height of the falls
- Whakamate Falls about 30 m; Fuchsia Falls about 5 m
- Entry
- Free, no permission needed; donations welcome
- Dogs
- No dogs or other pets
- Managed by
- Maurice White Native Forest Trust (private reserve open to the public on foot)
About Hinewai Reserve’s Waterfalls
Hinewai is a large private nature reserve stretching from Long Bay Road down the valleys towards the coast at Ōtānerito (Long Bay). Its permanent streams feature more than 50 waterfalls, some of which can be visited by walking track. The trust has also looked after the neighbouring Purple Peak Curry Reserve since 2016.
Two falls are named on the reserve’s website. Fuchsia Falls, about 5 m, is the nearest to the Visitors Centre and the easiest to fit into a short visit. Whakamate Falls in Murderers Gully is the highest at about 30 m.
On the reserve map, Murderers Gully and Waterfall Gully both drain towards the Valley Track, and a track named the Waterfalls Track crosses between them. The map also marks Fantail Falls beside Long Bay Road at the Ōtānerito end of the reserve.
Walking here involves a lot of climbing and descending. The reserve suggests short visits of 10 minutes to about two hours from the Visitors Centre, and much longer circuits for fit walkers, including the summit of Taraterehu / Stony Bay Peak at 806 m.
Maps are usually available in pamphlet boxes at the entry points and the Visitors Centre, and the reserve’s website has one to download; take one before heading for a particular waterfall.
Visiting Rules
Hinewai is open because the trust allows it, so its rules matter. Travel is on foot only: no vehicles or mountain bikes beyond the roads and car parks. Dogs and other pets are not allowed: they can disturb wildlife and may be harmed by traps or poison. There is a total fire ban all year, covering smoking and cookers.
Camping isn’t allowed anywhere on the reserve, plants must not be cut or removed, and no rubbish should be left behind, not even tissues. Donation boxes are at and near the Visitors Centre.
Track Conditions
The reserve says walkers go at their own risk. Some sections are steep, some surfaces are slippery after rain, and the weather on the exposed tops can change quickly.
Many tracks may be unsuitable for very small children, who should be kept close and told not to touch traps. Stay on the tracks: they are all signposted, and leaving them tramples the vegetation and makes it easy to get lost. Check the reserve’s website before you go.
Facilities
The Visitors Centre has toilets, drinking water, maps and information. There are more toilets at Ōtānerito and at a few points along the tracks.
Where to Learn More
Hinewai Reserve: visiting information: access rules, waterfalls, facilities and the track network.
Hinewai Reserve: map: the reserve’s track map, showing the entrances, Visitors Centre, the Waterfalls Track and the gullies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission or a ticket to visit Hinewai?
No. Entry is free and no individual permission is needed, though donations are welcome.
How many waterfalls are there?
The reserve says its permanent streams feature more than 50 waterfalls, some of which can be reached by walking track.
Which is the tallest waterfall?
Whakamate Falls in Murderers Gully, about 30 m.
Which waterfall is easiest to reach?
Fuchsia Falls, about 5 m, is the closest to the Visitors Centre.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs and other pets aren’t allowed.
Can I ride a mountain bike?
No. Travel beyond the roads and car parks is on foot only.
Where do I start?
The reserve map shows the main entrance on Long Bay Road, with the Visitors Centre close by. There are toilets and water there, and maps are usually available.
Can I camp?
No. Camping isn’t allowed anywhere on the reserve.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.