Ashcott Loop

The Ashcott Loop Trail is marked out in red on the map above.

  • Please note that the bridge at Black Creek (Kahahakuri Bridge) was washed away during Cyclone Gabrielle - there are plans to reinstate it but in the meantime there is no viable loop, but all other parts of this trail is “there and back” from both ends.

  • The Ashcott Loop trail is a mixture of limestone and river berm trails, but mainly atop river stopbanks along the Tuki Tuki River and parts of the Tukipo River. They are suitable for cyclists and walkers and are relatively flat.

  • There are three main entrances - Russell Park in Waipukurau, Higgins carpark off Lindsay Road and Lindsay Bush at the end of Scenic Road (off Lindsay Road).

  • Along the river berms there are additional trails which will provide additional challenges, but nothing more than level 2.

  • There are two new bridges across key water courses. The Kahahakuri Bridge crosses Black Creek near the Lindsay Tunnel and a smaller bridge known as Wilson’s Bridge a short distance east of Ashcott Road Bridge on the northern side of Tukipo River.

  • The north side of the trail has two special attractions - Lindsay Bush Reserve (Otaia) and Lindsay Tunnel. There is an area near the entrance to Lindsay Bush suitable for a picnic or if its hot easy access to the river for a dip.

  • Lindsay Tunnel is an historic site which has had an access upgrade and is a fun thing for families to try - kids love it.

  • The total distance is approximately 20km.

  • Biking time is around 75 minutes - walking approximately 3 hours 45 minutes

  • Click here for more info - Lindsay Bush - Lindsay Tunnel

  • Maps are available here - other things to see and do in Central Hawkes Bay are here

Russell Park - starting point and carpark. Turn left and cross the SH Bridge

After crossing the SH 2 road bridge - Higgins Carpark is here and is a good starting point also.

Aerial view of the trail above LIndsay Tunnel, with Kahahakuri Bridge at immediate right and Lindsay Bush in the distance

Lindsay Bush site map - click here for more information

Entrance to Lindsay Tunnel - click here for more information

Kahahakuri Bridge across Black Creek and up on to the limestone stopbank all the way to the Onga Onga road bridge - across the bridge turn back on to the limestone stopbank to Wilson’s Bridge.

Wilsons Bridge

Pass under the bridge and continue along the river trail to the limestone stopbank

Back up on to the limestone which continues to Waipukurau