Open Day - Free guided walks
Sunday November 22nd, 2026
The Hidden Valley Conservation Trust invites you to explore this tucked-away jewel of biodiversity, by joining us for a guided walk on our Community Open Day!
The reserve does not have general public access, so please take advantage of this opportunity to explore this special place and to learn more about the regeneration project. On this occasion we are also grateful to Paul from Manaaki Mai, and Barry and Anne-Maree Ward for allowing access to adjacent properties.
What to expect
The land is steep and dramatic so please wear walking boots or sturdy footwear and consider a walking pole as well. Sun protection and a water bottle are advisable, but also bring warm, windproof clothing and wet weather gear, especially for the longer walks. The higher parts of the property require up to 500m of ascent to reach. However, there are less strenuous options which have much to offer. All tracks do contain some steep and rough terrain so may not be suited to everyone - please ask for advice.
Registration via the website (below) are essential so we can keep the groups small. You will receive email confirmation of your registration.
The walk options are:
- The Hidden Valley Family Explore (2 hours) leaving at 10.30am. This guided walk explores the streams and forest of Hidden Valley with lots of time to stop, look and take part in activities along the way. Suitable for accompanied children who like adventure and can walk (or have parents who can carry them) two hours on rough ground. Not suitable for buggies. Bring a picnic lunch to eat under the gum trees that mark the site of the original farmhouse.
- Big Tōtara walk (2 hours) leaving at 10.30am. Shorter walk with 100m ascent to see our native planting, regenerating forest and one of our large Tōtara trees, before descending via Singing Rock. Bring a picnic lunch to eat under the gum trees that mark the site of the original farmhouse.
- Knobbly Ridge walk (4 hours) leaving at 10am (6-7 hr). Climb through regenerating bush and grassland to a rocky spur for views of the valley and Purau Bay (~320m ascent). A few sections will give you a good work out but we think the views are worth it!
- Hidden Valley Circular walk (5-6 hours) leaving at 9.30am. The most challenging hike through Hidden Valley with return via the adjacent farm. This walk offers expansive views across the harbour to Godley Head, the Alps and Lake Ellesmere (~500m ascent) and features bush, tussock, rocky outcrops and a good overview of the regeneration happening on the land. Good level of fitness required.
Don’t want to walk but want to see what we are doing? If you can walk the 15 minutes up to the gate (contact us if you need to be provided with closer drop-off access) we would be pleased to show you our native tree planting which can be seen from there, and answer any questions you have.
Access and parking
Please park on the Purau Port Levy Road and enter on foot via the road to 65 Purau Port Levy Road. Note: It is a 15 minute walk (following the signs) from the main road to the entrance gate of Hidden Valley. You will be met at the entrance gate by your guides.
Additional notes
- Any postponements will be notified by email and on our Facebook page
- Cellphone coverage on the property is patchy
- No dogs please