Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve Walk

Alert/Important notice

The dune edge is eroding rapidly so care should be taken accessing the beach itself.

Track category

Walking track

Time:

10 min

Description

Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve covers 831ha of peat dome and wetland at Te Whanga Lagoon. It also extends over the road to Kaiangaroa to include 4 km of coastal dunes.

A very short track from the stile takes you to the dune edge and views of the beach and sea. The Department of Conservation and community groups are slowly replanting forest and coastal species in the area.

Getting there

A sign and cattle stop indicate each end of the reserve on the north road to Kaiangaroa, 12 km from the Wharekauri turn off. Around 2 km into the reserve, a vehicle track to the north takes you to a stile over the fence from which the beach can be accessed. There are good views of the reserve from the elevated roadside. Around 4 km past the reserve, to the right, is the turnoff right to Hapupu, and another 6 km away is the township of Kaiangaroa.

Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Places to visit in the Chatham Islands

Chatham Islands website

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Chatham Islands Area Office
Phone: +64 3 305 0098
Email: amckillop@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

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Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai