Waipatiki Domain
Waipatiki Domain is situated at the edge of the village on the northern side of the valley off the beach road. This is an area of regenerated native New Zealand bush. The area is fenced (to protect against goats) and a pest control program is set up to eradicate possums. This kind of coastal bush is hard to find in Hawkes Bay these days. The forest is dominated by kahikatea . Some of these are thought to be around 400 years old. Two very large trees are perhaps 600 years old. The larger tree has a circumference of 7.4 metres. The tracks through the domain lead you through impressive archways formed by the fronds of the nikau palm, Tītoki , karaka and kawakawa are also present. Birds found in the domain include tui, bellbird, fantail, kererū, grey warbler, shining cuckoo and morepork. There is a 15-minute walk through the domain. There is a side walk up the hill with a view overlooking the valley. The Domain is managed by Hastings District Council.
Waipatiki Scenic Reserve
Waipatiki Scenic Reserve is managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. It lies at the head of the valley and covers 64 ha. Like Waipatiki Domain this reserve contains an important piece of remaining coastal kahikatea forest. In the lower part nikau palms are dominant. At the side of the streams delicate lichens hang in long curtains from the trees. Higher up kānuka is abundant. Titoki, tawa, karaka and rewarewa are also found. In the gullies and streams rimu, matai, kahikatea, ponga and makomako are present. Through the reserve leads a part of the original Māori track between Napier and Wairoa. In 1860 a bridle track was cut to take the mail from Napier to Gisborne by pack horse. Pack trains used the route for nearly 40 years until 1899 when an inland route via Tutira was constructed. In the past goats and sheep have grazed the area, but since being fenced regeneration of the vegetation has taken place.
There are entrances from Waipatiki Rd and Aropaoanui Rd.
Southern coastal walk
From the beach a well maintained track leads south along the limestone cliffs. After a 15-minute walk a small bay is reached. The track continues further south. The walk gives excellent views over Hawke's Bay, from Mahia Peninsula to Cape Kidnappers. Birds that can be seen are: gannets from the gannetry at Cape Kidnappers), gulls, terns, oystercatchers and shags.
Northern coastal walk
From Waipatiki Beach a well-maintained track leads north to Aropaoanui beach. The walk takes about an hour each way, and follows the lower part of the limestone cliffs. These cliffs rise up to 100 metres high and form an impressive backdrop for views over Hawke's Bay.