Hay Scenic Reserve walk

This flat track on the valley floor of Pigeon Bay passes alongside a bubbling stream and through ancient forest. This walk is ideal for young children and family groups. It makes a nice stop on the way down to the bay and features a giant miro tree.

From the grassy parking area on Pigeon Bay Road, head around this scenic loop track through one of the best remaining stands of lowland podocarp forest on the peninsula.

Large mataī, kaikahikatea, tōtara, and miro mix with exotics in this small reserve. The track follows the road boundary before looping back to follow a stream for the last part of the walk and returning to the parking area.

From Christchurch follow the Christchurch to Akaroa Highway to Hilltop, then drive along the Summit Road to the Pigeon Bay turnoff. The reserve is adjacent to the Pigeon Bay road, 5 km from the turnoff.

Toilets

The nearest toilets are at the Pigeon Bay Reserve.

Take care near stinging nettle

Urtica ferox (ongaonga) is an endemic stinging nettle and common in this area. Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting. Ongaonga are an important host plant of Vanessa gonerilla (kahukura), the endemic red admiral butterfly.