Puketitiri’s Reserves exist largely through the efforts of some local dedicated conservationists. Their advocacy for the cause of conservation and generosity in gifting land for reserves was at a time when the need for conservation wasn’t so apparent.

Efforts to first conserve native vegetation in this area began in 1918 when Puketitiri resident Frank Hutchinson bought a forest stand to save it from the saws. His friend Guthrie Smith later wrote that this purchase “was not the chance whim of a wealthy man…it was paid for not in coin, but in personal frugalities and self denials.”

Later in 1930 residents petitioned for the preservation of at least one stand of the magnificent forests. This became Ball’s Clearing Scenic Reserve after the colourful local figure Jack Ball, the man who reputedly pulled his own plough.

Interestingly these earlier pioneering efforts are reflected in many of the local residents’ present efforts of re-forestation and conservation in this area.

From Napier, Puketitiri is a one hour drive through rolling pasturelands.

Hutchinson Scenic Reserve (20 minutes)

Ball’s Clearing Scenic Reserve (10 - 40 minutes)

Little Bush (45 minutes)

William Hartree Memorial Scenic Reserve (20 minutes to 1 hour)