Blowhard Bush Reserve
The 63-hectare Blowhard Bush reserve is rich in natural and social history. It has been repeatedly covered in pumice ash from central North Island eruptions, and is covered in a distinctive red-brown soil base. The forest contains many caves, fascinating rock formations and water-cut passages.
Despite being repeatedly felled for timber, several forest giants still exist in Blowhard Bush, including one matai that is 25 metres tall and is thought to be 7-800 years old. The various walks in the reserve take you through kanuka and beech forest and many interesting rock passages. The reserve is also home to a cave that housed a family in the 1800s, and the remnants of old coach trails can also be seen. Forest & Bird volunteers work on the reserve planting native species and eradicating introduced pests - their efforts have been rewarded with flourishing birdlife.
Highlights: Native birds found in the reserve include bellbird, tui , North Island fantail, grey warbler, whitehead , kereru , shining cuckoo, long-tailed cuckoo, pied tit, North Island fernbird, NZ pipit, morepork, silvereye and North Island robin.
Facilities: The reserve contains a picnic shelter, lodge and two toilets. The reserve contains four walking tracks: the Tui Track (2 ½ hours), the Trogolodyte Track (30-45 mins), the Rewi Track (half an hour) and the Rakaunui Track (45 mins).
Location: How to get there: Blowhard Bush Reserve is located at the corner of Lawrence Rd and Napier- Taihape Rd (approximately 53km north-west of Hastings).
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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