Are you eager to explore the stunning East Coast of New Zealand which boasts abundant wine and breathtaking views? Discover why hiking Bell Rock to your bucket list is a must in this guide.
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Spoiler alert. There are a few things to know before heading on this 7.1km loop track located in the Hawkes Bay. In this post I have outlined everything you need to know about this hike and hopefully answered all of your questions along the way!
HOW TO GET TO BELL ROCK
Bell Rock, nestled in the Hawkes Bay, lies an hour and a half from Napier City. The drive is incredible, making the road trip just as magical as the destination itself.
I hiked for sunrise, so it was an early start. This also meant that most of the views for the drive portion of the trip unfolded on my way back. I also combined the hike to Bell Rock with the to walk to Shine Falls but unfortunately due to the 2023 floods the falls have been closed for the last year.
The easiest place to park and start your hike to Bell Rock is by inputting ‘Bell Rock Loop Track Parking’ into Google Maps but be warned that parking spaces are limited.
Also keep in mind, a personal vehicle is necessary for hiking Bell Rock, as no tours are available. As I mentioned earlier, the drive is incredible so consider making stops along the way, such as at Lake Tutira. If you are driving from the Hawkes Bay or Napier this will turn the journey into a worthwhile day trip.
HIKING BELL ROCK
The 7.1km loop track presents various landscapes, from lush forests, farmlands, and cliff-top views. These are all beautiful but keep in mind that some of the trail sections can be slippery when influenced by recent weather. The farmland segment also has no shade so exposure to direct sunlight is unavoidable. If it’s a beautiful day it is best to bring some sunblock! This section is also often overgrown and, as I discovered, prone to bees and an abundance of pollen (cue the sneezing).
The hike, taking approximately 2 hours will offer panoramic views of Mahia Peninsula and the Kaweka mountain range. Also, as a cautionary note: the ridge line lacks barriers, so exercise caution regarding significant drops.
Like most in New Zealand, this trail is clearly marked; however, ensure you keep an eye out for the pinned arrows to ensure you’re going in the correct direction!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
While hiking Bell Rock is doable in most seasons, early Autumn or late Spring promises the most enjoyable time to hike. During these months, the weather is milder, however if you are considering summer I would recommend either sunrise or sunset so it isn’t too hot.
During my hike, I reached Bell Rock about an hour after sunrise, experiencing perfect conditions with no crowds and ideal temperatures for the entire journey.
Additionally, be cautious of the wind; check the weather beforehand, as it can affect your hike along the cliff edge.
CAPTURING BELL ROCK
Capturing Bell Rock is easy with ample space and various lookout areas along the trail. The light (as long as you don’t visit during midday) is spectacular, I can definitely vouch for sunrise. I also bought along my drone which gave me even more opportunities of capturing Bell Rock from different angles with its high vantage point over the mountain range.
THE HISTORY
Formed over millions of years, Bell Rock has a unique formation, composed of sediment and seashells. According to the official Hawkes Bay website this was due to the seafloor twisting and lifting. To learn more you can visit the website here.
There is also a lot of general history about the Hawkes Bay region, and additional to that, New Zealand, which you can find on the Te Ara website here. Alternatively if you are interested in the goings on of Napier, you can visit the Napier City Council website here.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AROUND BELL ROCK
Wineries: After the hike, treat yourself to some of the Hawkes Bay’s wineries. The region has a renowned reputation for producing some of New Zealand’s finest wines.
Consider a bike tour which can cater to your specific tastes. One that comes highly suggested is the Napier, Cape Coast Winery Bike Tour on GetYourGuide.
Some of my favourites are Askerne, Church Road, Trinity Hill and Craggy Range so make sure to add them to your list!
Te Mata Peak: Te Mata Peak sits just shy of 400 meters and looks out over Te Mata Hills in the Hawke’s Bay. It is one of the most stunning lookout points and well worth seeing either at sunset or sunrise.
If you are looking for a little more info on visiting this spot, check out my post on ‘How to Enjoy Te Mata Peak at Sunset’ which will fill you in on everything that you need to know.
Cape Kidnappers: The Cape Kidnappers coastline sits gracefully to the east of Hastings in Hawke’s Bay. Here you can find the world’s largest and easily accessible gannet colony.
The sandstone cliffs are also a draw-in as they are visible from both the colony and hilltops, giving you a stunning view of the South Pacific Ocean.
Embarking on the Bell Rock adventure promises a diverse and unforgettable experience through lush forests, farmlands, and cliff-top vistas. Being situated in the Hawkes Bay also further provides some other exciting activities which I hope you will make the most of! I hope after reading this post you are inspired to make the trip to this special part of New Zealand.
Please note that there has been significant damage to the area due to the floods at the beginning of 2023 so if you can support local during your visit, this would be very much appreciated.