Tautuku walks
Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region
Introduction
Three walks on and around the very scenic Tautuku Bay.Dog access
Image gallery
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Lake Wilkie from the viewpoint Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Lake Wilkie.]( "Lake Wilkie.")
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Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk.]( "Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk.")
Tautuku Bay
Time: 15 min return
Getting there
Opposite the Outdoor Education Centre on the Southern Scenic Route
Tautuku is a spectacular, forest-fringed bay that sweeps round to an impressive headland. The walk to the bay suits all ages.
Lake Wilkie
Time: 30 min return
Getting there
The carpark is just south of the Outdoor Recreation Centre
The walk features a variety of plant life. From podocarp forest at the track’s start to the impressive viewpoint – that can be accessed by wheelchair – to the plant communities around the lake. Good interpretation panels explain the lake’s formation and vegetation succession. When the rata is flower it’s an impressive and colourful place, with an active bird population.
Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk
Time: 30 min return
Getting there
Off the Southern Scenic Route near the Forest and Bird Society Lodge
The track is partly board-walked and also incorporates a section of the Old Coach Road. It starts in podocarp forest then leads out to the estuary flats. The vibrantly coloured jointed rush/oioi takes on an extra glow at sunrise and sunset. There is also a resident population of the shy but noisy fernbird.
There is direct access to all three walks off SH92, the Southern Scenic Route.
Dogs are not permited in Tautuku Bay.
Contacts
| Murihiku / Invercargill Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 211 2400 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | invercargill@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
7th Floor CUE on Don 33 Don Street Invercargill 9810 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 743 Invercargill 9840 |
| Full office details | |