Your Best Guide to Bell Rock Walk, Hawke’s Bay- 2022

Bell Rock Walk, Hawke’s Bay

3-4 hours return

Moderate Hike

All age-friendly 

The Bell Rock Walk in Hawke’s Bay wasn’t originally in my plan, as it wasn’t a very famous or known hike on the North Island. And it’s quite out of the way from other touristic places hence, not very well-known. 

I came across this during my 7 days road trip, so I decided to do it, and I was super excited about this hike! It was one of those spontaneous decisions, and one of the best decisions!!! 

I feel like I need to share this with the world, as it’s too amazing to hide away. But remember to be a respectful and responsible hiker, don’t leave any trace behind, and stay on the right path!

About the Bell Rock Walk, Hawke’s Bay

It is mentioned in the news as “Best walk you’ve never heard of” lol. I totally agree, I never heard about this track until I came across it online when specifically searching up Hawke’s Bay hikes. But it definitely is an amazing hike that offers spectacular views!

The first part of the walk is like a forest walk, with lots of native birds, and vegetation; and some parts are quite steep and muddy. And then it opens up to farmland kind of track which is very exposed and windy, and there are some private lands, so stay on the pathway and don’t wander off to some private lands! You will have to walk through some tall grass, look out for those spikey plants!

I love this hike as it has both the forest walk and expansive farmland walk. With two combined so you don’t feel restless, or feel like it’s never-ending. There’s a lot to explore along the way, and the view is amazing!! Once you reach the top of Bell Rock, you’d get a panoramic, expansive view of the Kaweka Mountain range, Mahia Peninsula, and more. And the rock that shapes like a bell; just like how the name of this track suggests 🙂 Actually, there are many unique shapes of rocks up there, all of them are very instagrammable and incredible!!!

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You’d easily spend a good half an hour or one hour up there, taking pictures, climbing to different viewpoints, or finding the best angles for views! Once you’re done admiring the amazing, incredible view; you can return to your car with the same route (which I did), or there’s another route you can take.

How to get there

It is around 45 minutes- an hour drive from Napier. Head towards State Highway 2 for Tutira from Napier. The turn left into Matahorua Road, and onto Pohokura Road. Be mindful that the last part of the road is an unmaintained long gravel road, it is quite a bumpy ride I have to be very honest. But I can promise it is worth it 🙂 Prepare yourself for this before you drive, then you would feel better!

Google Map is very handy now, just type in Bell Rock Track Parking then you should be all good! Remember to download the map if needed as signals can be weak along the road. Parking is quite random, just down the start of this track, and if it’s busy it could get quite hectic! There are no lines or anything, just park at a spot where you fit and not block the main road. Be respectful, don’t block other cars!!!

Guides and Tips for hiking the Bell Rock Walk, Hawke’s Bay

• Pack plenty of water as it gets very exposed up there, with the sun blazing in your face, you would definitely want to stay hydrated.
• Pack some easy picnic-type food, I was very hungry when I got up there; it’s a bit too windy to enjoy a good picnic, it’s a fun experience eating on one of the rocks and having the best lunch view 🙂
• Wear sturdy shoes, runners are fine, I do see some kids with flips and flops. But I really wouldn’t recommend this!
• Sunscreen Sunscreen Sunscreen is very very important if you don’t want to look like a lobster after your hike. New Zealand sun is very dangerous, I learned the hard way haha
• Bring a long sleeve shirt or jacket, as it does get really windy up there. 
• Sunglasses are optional, but I find them very useful as the sun was in my face and it wasn’t pleasant. 
• Be mindful when climbing on the rocks, or when trying to take good pictures. As there are many significant drops.
• Avoid midday if you can when the sun is the most exposed

Where to stay in Hawke’s Bay

Napier is a very good destination to base yourself at when you do this hike, as it’s only an hour’s drive and Napier has a lot of other things to do. And it’s one of the most visited places in Hawke’s Bay, so they have a big range of accommodation ranging from budget to luxury stays.

Budget Stay

Archies Bunker

Stables Lodge Backpackers

Mid-Range Accommodation

Scenic Te Pania

Swiss-Belboutique Napier

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Other walks near Bell Rock Walk, Hawke’s Bay

Te Mata Peak- 1.5 hours drive from Bell Rock

Cape Kidnappers- 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Bell Rock

Maraetotara Falls Track- 1.5 hours drive from Bell Rock

Sunrise Hut Track: Just over an hour drive from Bell Rock

Lake Tutira- half an hour drive from Bell Rock

There are many many other hikes/ walks in Hawke’s Bay, ranging from essay short walks, day walks, or more advanced multi-day walks. You’ll find something suitable here for you 🙂

North Island, New Zealand Travel

If you’re traveling to North Island, New Zealand. Hawke’s Bay is one of the must-visit places on North Island, and this Bell Rock Walk in Hawke’s Bay is definitely worth the drive. I loved my time here, and would not hesitate to do it again when I’m back. I used to work in Napier for 6 months, and it’s a shame I didn’t discover this hike earlier haha!

Read the detailed travel overview of traveling in New Zealand

Make your way to Bell Rock, Hawke’s Bay to appreciate the beauty of mother nature, and witness the unique rock formations! One of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve made, I am so glad that I came across this place. I hope you guys would enjoy this hike as much as I do 🙂

Drop a comment down and let me know how you find this track? Is it worth the drive out? And what are your other favorite hikes in Hawke’s Bay?

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