Discover the Whinray Scenic Reserve, a pretty slice of native forest on the Motu River.
The Whinray Scenic Reserve(opens in new window) is a small nature reserve, roughly the size of the Vatican City, located near the Motu township on the East Cape. Here, you’ll find spectacular waterfalls and ancient native trees, such as kahikatea, rimu, totara, miro, and matai – some of which are more than 40 metres tall.
The park is also an important conservation site, helping to protect rare and endangered species of native birds and animals, including kākā and North Island brown kiwi. It is managed by the Department of Conservation, with the support of the Whinray Ecological Charitable Trust(opens in new window), which formed in 1999 to help restore the kiwi population and control predators.
Choose from several options for cycling and short walks, including the Whinray Scenic Reserve Track(opens in new window), a five-kilometre track that follows an historic Māori trail that once connected Gisborne to the Bay of Plenty. The park also has several picnic areas.
