Elsthorpe is a locality in southern Hawke's Bay on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It has a population of about 200.

Understand

The picturesque northern entrance to Elsthorpe

Get in

Due to the remote location of Elsthorpe, the only way to reach it is by road.

Directions: Drive south from Hastings and Havelock North. Head down Waimarama Road. Go straight ahead at the second intersection where the road to Waimarama splits to the left (after bridge). You should then be on Kahuranaki Road. Stick to the main road and you can't miss it after about 30 km (20 min drive).

Get around

Elsthorpe is small enough to walk around in a few minutes.

Do

The bustling central business district of Elsthorpe

• 1 Kairakau Beach (5–10 km from Elsthorpe). The beach has views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. There are some baches and a camping ground. (updated Nov 2017)
• 2 Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve. A beautiful 35 ha reserve on the outskirts of the main village centre is one of the best remnants of podocarp forest in the district. The larger trees are mainly kahikatea, rimu, matai, and totara and the second tier is made up of tawa, titoki and mahoe. (updated Nov 2017)

Eat

• Pack a picnic.

Sleep

• A clearly sign posted area is available at the end of the beach road for overnight stops for fully self contained motorhomes only.