Fall in love with nature on one of the many walking
and hiking trails across the Waitaki.
Trails range from 30 minutes to full day and are spread out across the Waitaki which gives you a stunning variety of scenery from the golden tussock-lands of the high-country to lush emerald green near the coast.
Our walks focus on easy to moderate tracks and trails which can be enjoyed by all ages and levels of fitness. Whether you have a spare hour or a spare few days in the area, we have a great selection of short walks to choose from and combine as you journey through the Waitaki.
For tougher trails including tramping and multi-day hikes, visit your nearest DOC visitor centre or find out more online on their website.
New Zealand’s longest and most spectacular cycle trail – this is a trail not to be missed. The name says it all; start at Aoraki Mt Cook in the heart of the stunning Southern Alps or the equally beautiful Lake Tekapo Village and wind your way round mountains, deep-blue lakes and canals, then rolling farmland before meeting the Pacific Ocean on the edge of Oamaru Harbour.
Walking Track Time: 2-3hrs (route dependent)No dogs allowed From SH1 in Palmerston, turn onto Tiverton St and carry on down Goodwood Rd until Bushy Hill Rd. Turn left here and almost immediately right onto Anderson Rd. Park up here, climb the stile and make your way past the lagoon to
This circuit track passes through a forest and around a peninsula jutting out into Lake Benmore. The views are very impressive -especially earlier in the mornings when the weather is generally calmest. Complete a loop or return the way you came.
At the southern end of Oamaru, spot New Zealand Fur Seals/Kekeno and Yellow-Eyed Penguins/Hoiho from the platform at the end of this cliff-top walk. This is a stunning cliff-top walk has access to the shingle beach before 3pm daily.
A spectacular walk taking you up to the aptly named Lookout Point, here you can look over the harbour and out to the Pacific Ocean. This walk is steep going up and can be slippery after rain, alternatively, drive to Lookout Point and take a walk on the track around the Cape and visit a former gun emplacement.
Explore these staggering natural land forms. The Clay Cliffs are a geological wonder; ‘bad land’ sharp pinnacles and ridges separated by steep and narrow ravines.
Walking Track Time : 1h one wayDistance :Â 2kmDog access : no dogs Walk near Lake Aviemore within a flooded canyon to the river delta where a shady picnic or fishing spot can be found. It is a great spot for a walk surrounded by Nature that offers spectacular views (and
Enter the Duntroon Wetlands either through the ancient Maori rock art on Harris St or behind the village map beside the old gaol on SH83. This accessway is shared with the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, so please do keep an eye out for and give way to cyclists.
There are a number of options on this track from 45 minutes – 4-hour walks. Dogs on a lead are allowed on the Freehold Creek Track.
The Swallows Circuit Track, Podocarp Loop and Full Loop all begin from the Reid Road carpark, while The Hoods Creek Track begins from the Breakneck Road gate.
Walking Track The Golden Point Historic Reserve in Macraes protects remnants of Otago’s gold mining history. Here you can visit the Golden Point Stamper Battery, Callery’s House and Callery’s Battery Building. With a 5 minute walk up the hill, you can also venture into a tunnel from old mining days.
Walking Track Time : 45 minutes return Visitors go to Katiki Point to view the historic Katiki Point Lighthouse (which still operates today), Te Raka a Hineatea Pa site and marine wildlife including Fur Seals and the critically endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin. Katiki Point offers stunning views over the Pacific Ocean
Walking Track Time: 1 hr one way Distance: 3 km return (via same track) No dogs allowed Turn off SH8 Quailburn Rd, 4km North of Omarama. The road changes from sealed to gravel and it is soon after this change – on the right hand side – where the track begins.
Experience the unmissable views of the Hakataramea Valley from the top of Kurow Hill.
The Kurow Wetlands were constructed and maintained by local volunteers to preserve and protect the stunning natural environment and wildlife in the braided river environment.
Walking Track Time : 3hDistance : 8kmDogs on a lead are allowed on this track This is a magnificent walk around the shores of Lake Ohau with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. This track is part of Te Araroa. Start at either Glen Lyon Road or Lake Ohau Road.
These massive, spherical concretions, commonly known to locals as boulders, were formed around 60 million years ago and can be seen scattered along Koekohe Beach.
Walking Track Distance: 1.4km (one way) The Harbourside walkway is a nice short route that will take you through the heart and hub of Oamaru and easily connect with other walks. Starting from the Oamaru Railway Station, head over to the entrance of the Harbourside Gardens which is on the
Walking / Biking Track Time : 30 minutes – 1h for the loopDistance : 4.5km of trail The Otematata Wetlands take in some some fantastic spots along the shoreline of lake Aviemore. This is an excellent network of small tracks, trails, picnic areas and swimming spots, making it the perfect
Walking Track Distance : 3.8km This begins outside the Athenaeum Building that was commissioned on 30 October 1876 by an Act of Parliament. The original purpose for the building was for a Mechanics Institute/ Public Library for Palmerston. Across the road is the Zealandia Statue – a memoriam to those
A walk up Puketapu (sacred hill) offers stunning 360-degree vistas over Palmerston township, rolling farmland down the Shag Valley and out to sea. The track is steep in parts, but it is well formed.
Shag Point/Matakaea Reserve is a great spot for wildlife viewing and is part of a geologically curious and intriguing coastline. New Zealand fur seals can normally be seen in good numbers on the rock shelves around Shag Point. There are two short seal-viewing walks where visitors can watch the seals
Walking Track Distance : 4.6km (one way) Go you high into the hills and enjoy a good workout on the Skyline Walk. Beginning at Fenwick Park, the 4.6 kilometre track is uphill most of the way, but your motivation is the amazing views from the top. Tall pine trees, fantails,
Walking Track Distance: approx. 9km (full loop) Running between Takaro Park and the Lookout Point, the two-kilometre South Hill Walkway takes you through Oamaru’s historic precinct with the option to make a detour to Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. From the Lookout Point the views of the town and ocean are
Walking Track Time : Approximately 1 hour No dogs allowed From SH1 in Palmerston, turn onto Tiverton St and carry on down onto Goodwood Rd. Wind your way along Goodwood Rd, until Bobby’s Head Rd, where you’ll find parking for Tavora Reserve. This reserve is managed by the Yellow Eyed Penguin
Explore the hidden depths of time throughout North Otago, with a glimpse into lands and seas long before our time.
This self-guided Trail spans coastal localities from Moeraki to Oamaru and extends inland through the Waitaki Valley.