Otago Peninsula walks

Walking track

Getting there

From Dunedin the two main routes to the peninsula are clearly marked. For Sandymount and Sandfly Bay take the Highcliff Road and for Allans Beach take the Coast Road to Portobello.

Description

Sandfly Bay

Sandfly Bay

Time: 1 hr return

Getting there
Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road, then right onto Seal Point Road. The carpark is at the end of this road.

A path crosses farmland to the top of the sand dunes. Go down the sand hill – which can be rather testing on the return, uphill journey – and walk about a kilometre along the beach. Near the southern end a marked track leads up to a hide to view the locals – yellow-eyed penguins.

Please keep at least 10 metres away from sleeping sea lions, 20 metres from active animals and if you are in a group don't surround them.

With penguins, please don't linger on the beach below the hide, or anywhere else where they may come ashore. If you encounter a penguin on the beach keep well away and crouch down. If they feel threatened they will not come ashore.

Please respect the very special wildlife on this beach.

Sandymount

Time: Lovers Leap 50 min return
Sandymount Circuit 1 hr return

Getting there
Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road and the carpark is at the end of the road.

The loop track begins at the carpark at the end of Sandymount Road. This walk via The Chasm and Lovers Leap – with a side track to Sandymount summit – gives spectacular views of Otago Peninsula’s coastline and cliff tops. Another marked route provides alternative access to Sandfly Bay.

The Lovers Leap and Chasm tracks are closed for lambing, 1 August – 31 October.

Allans Beach

Yellow-eyed penguin, up close and
personal

Time: 5 min to the beach

Getting there
From Portobello turn onto Allans Beach Road. The carpark is at the end of the road.

Special wildlife such as sea lions and penguins frequent this wild ocean beach. Please respect their needs by keeping at least 10 metres away from sleeping sea lions, and 20 metres from active animals. Do not linger on beaches where penguins may come ashore.

To protect wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the eastern end of the beach.

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required