Blowhard Bush is home to some fairly unique limestone. In appearance it is rougher and more porous than your standard grey water-worn limestone found in places like Waitomo. On the Troglodyte Wall in particular, it has formed some great climbing terrain, with shallow ‘hueco’ pocket features and impressive water flutes.
Blowhard Bush, being part of Forest and Bird reserve, is granted good shade from the surrounding bush. This, combined with a slight elevation, mean that it is climbable in summer if you feel so inclined. It can be quite damp so is best avoided in all but the driest of winters. The best time to climb would be a dry spell in autumn or spring.
Blowhard Bush Reserve is on Lawrence Road, just off Taihape Road in the Hawkes Bay region. it is 44km from the SH50 turn-off near Hastings. it is recommended to approach from that direction as Taihape Road is slow going, although it travels through some amazing countryside. The reserve is 91km from Taihape if you do approach from that direction. Once you’ve turned into Lawrence Road it is just a short distance to the reserve itself, which is signposted on the left and has a small parking area.
Blowhard Bush Reserve is maintained by Forest and Bird, and is on land owned by the department of Conservation. Climbing here is a privilege and climbers should not abuse that privilege by camping in the area, lighting fires, leaving rubbish or treating the provided facilities without respect. The toilets and shelter are provided for all to enjoy and climbers should be aware that, without the presence of walkers and sightseers, those facilities would not exist. Please follow all signposted instructions for behaviour within the reserve. Forest and Bird has barred further track development, please respect that decree.
