Short walk

Time: 10 minutes

Distance covered: 400m

Starting point: Corner of Mills and Walker Street

Description: This is a short walking loop track that goes through a mature kahikatea stand. The forest is currently being restored by the Friends of Hawes Bush, Piako Waihou Catchment Trust. The native forest remnant at the park is ecologically significant. Please respect this by staying on the formed trails. 

Parking: available by the entrance of the reserve, Mills and Walker Street. 

Things to note: Dogs are allowed but on lead. There are no bins or toilets available at the park. The nearest public toilets and bins are at the Waharoa Rest Area, SH 27, Waharoa. 

The Friends of Hawes Bush, Piako Waihou Catchment Trust actively manage pest control and native planting intiatives along the track. Volunteers are welcome - please contact the Trust for more information. 

Short walk

Time: 20 minutes

Distance covered: 950m

 Starting point: 75 Peria Road (opposite Memorial Grove and dog exercise area) or Pohlen Park.

Description: This is a flat walk on a gravel path that runs through the Neil Algar Reserve. There is a stand of native trees near the Peria Road end of the track that were planted by the Kiwanis Club of Matamata in 1991 in commemoration of their 75th anniversary. 

This walkway joins a seperate 600m long path that leads to the Matamata Cemetery.  

Parking: On street parking at Peria Road or at Pohlen Park carpark (off Western Street).

Dogs: Dogs are allowed by must be on lead. 

The nearest public toilets are at Pohlen Park and Matamata Cemetery (open during daylight hours).

Short walk

Time: 40 minutes one way. .

Distance covered: 2km one way. 

Starting point: Firth Tower Reserve and Museum, intersection of Pepper Street and Tower Road.

Description: This is a relatively flat walk from Firth Tower Historic Reserve to the edge of Matamata. Most of the walk is sheltered by established trees. Visit the website to find more information about the history facilities available at Firth Tower. The Hauraki Rail Trail cycleway also runs along this area so watch out for bikers. Visit their website for more information about the Hauraki Rail Trail. 

Parking: available at Firth Tower or on street parking in Matamata. 

Things to note: Dogs must be kept on a lead. Rubbish bins and seats are available along the length of the walkway. There are public toilets available at the Firth Tower Tower carpark.