[1] A sealed road leads to the popular lookout at the summit, as well as many trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

As the highest peak in the area, it offers views over the Heretaunga Plains, and Hawke's Bay, including Napier.

[3][4] Beneath Te Mata Peak rests the Craggy Range vineyard and the Tukituki River.

[9][10] The government bought the land from the local iwi in 1850, and it was subsequently purchased by John Chambers in the 1850s for use as a farming station.

[1][7] In October 2019 the Hastings District Council began work on filling in 1.3 km (0.81 mi) of a controversial walking track.