🌱 A wild forest reborn — nature doing its own thing

Hidden on Banks Peninsula near Akaroa, this privately managed reserve quietly unfolds a story of regeneration—spreading from gorse-choked farmland to 1,250 hectares of lush native bush known as Hinewai Reserve. It has 47 known waterfalls!

Operated by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust since 1987, it’s regarded as one of the most remarkable ecological restoration stories in Aotearoa. The philosophy is simple: let nature lead, while selectively removing threats. This approach has turned alien scrub into mature rainforest with towering tōtara, tree ferns, and native podocarps.

🏞️ What makes it special

• A network of more than 20 km of walking trails, from short loops to longer circuits like the iconic Hinewai Falls Loop (~4.3 km), which passes several small cascades and takes about 1.5–2.5 hours.

• Home to dozens of waterfalls, the tallest being Whakamate Falls at around 30 m. Expect rushing streams framed by pristine native bush.

• Exceptional biodiversity—over 330 plant species including six types of tree fern, plus native birds like tūī, bellbird, kererū, nifty geckos, tomtits, and shining cuckoo.

Watch the doco on the Hinewai Reserve here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VZSJKbzyMc

Visit the website here: https://www.hinewai.org.nz/

The easiest access falls are Wairuru Falls: https://waterfalls.co.nz/waterfalls-by-region/88-new-zealand-waterfalls/south-island/canterbury/384-wairuru-falls

Tip: Head to the information centre and pick up a map as there is minimal reception here, loads of walks and reviews show that it easy to get a bit lost.

Reviews:

"Amazing, a little known gem that is the product of a lot of top notch conservation work. A private nature reserve that is open to the public for a small donation. A look into the way Banks Peninsula bush would've once looked prior to widespread human habitation and farming. Fitness will likely be tested on the full loop, as you walk back from the beach to the top of valley. Keep the eyes open for bellbirds and other natives which have taken up residence!" - Dafyyd, Google

"My advice to get the most from this wonderful reserve would be to go to the visitor centre and pick up the very vital track map . Wear proper walking footwear and don’t go alone, i did and felt aware(as no phone signal ) that if something happened on a slippery track you may lay there sometime before anyone came along to rescue you. I really enjoyed my mornings trek although steep in places: - Kevin, Google