Hawke's Bay's most spectacular waterfall, the 58-metre Shine Falls is located on the Boundary Stream. The walk to the waterfall goes through the mixed lowland forest including kanuka, kawakawa, kowhai and titoki.
Hike duration
30 minutes
Walking and driving instructions
Shine Falls is roughly a 1.5-hrs' drive away from Napier. The road surface is gravel for the last 6.5km.
From Napier head east on the SH-2 and follow it for the next 43.5km until you see a sing 'Shine Falls', where you need to turn left into Matahorua Rd. After 11km turn left into Heays Access Rd. Follow this road for 6.5 km until you reach a DOC car park, on your left, with a picnic table, a shelter and a toilet.
A walking 1.5-hours' return Shine Falls track leads to the base of the waterfall. The walk goes through the farmland and beneath towering sandstone bluffs. There are some uphill sections on the track as well as stream crossings, but they are all bridged and easy.
There is a picnic table near the waterfall, so you may have a rest and enjoy a spectacular 58-metre Shine Falls there. Return via the same track, or continue on to the track until you reach a car park on Pohiokura Road (roughly 45-60 minutes). If you choose the last option, make sure you organize a mode of transport to pick you up from the end of the track.
Waterfall height
58 meters
Waterfall video
Waterfall location
Hike difficulty