Last updated October 2026
The Hawkes Lookout Walk is a short track on Tākaka Hill in Kahurangi National Park, right beside State Highway 60. It passes dramatic rock formations and sinkholes on its way to a viewing platform with wide views over the Riuwaka River, Tasman Bay and the surrounding ranges.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy short walk, 10 minutes return and about 800 m. It is about 42 km from Nelson. Dogs are not allowed, and DOC asks everyone to keep to the track and supervise children because of hidden sinkholes.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Hawkes Lookout Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Hawkes Lookout, on State Highway 60 on Tākaka Hill
- Distance from the city
- About 42 km from Nelson; around 14 km from Riwaka
- Walking time
- 10 min return
- Track length
- About 800 m return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy short walk
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Short walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Hawkes Lookout Walk
Tākaka Hill is a karst landscape, made of cave-riddled marble. This walk gives a quick, close look at that landscape: the track weaves between sharp rock formations and sinkholes before reaching the lookout.
From the viewing platform you look down over the Riuwaka River valley. DOC describes the view as spectacular, taking in Tasman Bay and the mountains of the Richmond Range and Kahurangi National Park.
Because it sits right on the highway, the walk makes an easy leg-stretch on the drive between Motueka and Golden Bay. At 10 minutes return on an easy grade, it is a quick stop, provided children stay close.
It pairs naturally with Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence further down the hill, where the river you see from the lookout comes out of the ground.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC is clear that walkers must keep to the track at all times. The area has unstable, sharp rock formations, and sinkholes that can be hidden by grass and shrubs. Some go down hundreds of metres. Supervise children closely, check DOC before you go, and tell someone your plans.
Camping is prohibited at the lookout and fires are not allowed.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Hawkes Lookout Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kahurangi National Park: other walks, huts and visitor information for the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hawkes Lookout Walk?
DOC gives 10 minutes return, about 800 m via the same track.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy short walk.
Where is Hawkes Lookout?
On State Highway 60 on Tākaka Hill, around 14 km from Riwaka and about 42 km from Nelson.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
What can I see from the lookout?
The Riuwaka River valley, Tasman Bay and the mountains of the Richmond Range and Kahurangi National Park.
Are there hazards on the track?
Yes. DOC warns of unstable, sharp rock and sinkholes that may be hidden by vegetation. Keep to the track and supervise children.
Can I camp at the lookout?
No. Camping is prohibited and fires are not allowed.
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