Trotters Gorge Walking Track
Image: DOC
Trotters Gorge tracks
Located in Moeraki area in the Otago region
Introduction
Discover river sculpted caves or great views out to sea, as well as see and hear many of New Zealand's bush birds, on these tracks from Trotters Gorge Campsite.
Track overview
700 m | 2.5 km return via same track
Dog access
About this track
Description
Trotters Cave Walk
Time: 30 min one way
Distance: 700 m
Track category: Walking track
This track follows a tributary of the Trotters Creek through native broadleaf forest and arrives at a set of river sculpted caves.
Trotters Gorge Track
Time: 2 hr return from the campsite
Distance: 2.5 km
Track category: Tramping track
This track follows on from the Trotters Cave Walk. It climbs up through kanuka forest and onto the bluffs for great views out to sea. The track then descends into native broadleaf forest and dry creek beds. Some large podocarp trees still remain.
Trotters Creek Track
Time: 30 min one way
Distance: 1.5 km
Track category: Tramping track
Follow the Trotters Creek through kanuka, ribbonwood/manatu and kowhai forest. Keep an eye out for views of the surrounding bluffs. There are several shallow creek crossings so take care during and after heavy rain.
Getting there
These tracks start at the Trotters Gorge Campsite.
From Moeraki: turn off SH1 onto Horse Range Road approx. 2.4 km south of Moeraki Boulders. After 4.2 km turn Trotters Gorge Road and follow this for a short distance to the end.
From Palmerston: turn off SH 1 onto Horse Range Road on the outskirts of Palmerston. Follow this for approx. 11 km, then turn onto Trotters Gorge Road and follow this for a short distance to the end.
Nature and conservation
This is a great place to see and hear many of New Zealand’s bush birds. Listen out for NZ falcon/karearea calling overhead. Also, look out for native fish (galaxiids) in the streams.
The caves and cliffs are a greywacke-breccia conglomerate and were formed after the last ice age 12 - 15,000 years ago.
Know before you go
- These track are mostly well formed but some sections may be steep, rough or muddy.
- There may be a shallow creek to cross after heavy rain.
Contacts
| Dunedin Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 474 3300 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | dunedinvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
50 The Octagon Dunedin |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 5244 Moray Place Dunedin 9058 |
| Full office details | |