Sandfly Bay Track
Located in Dunedin area and Otago Peninsula area in the Otago region
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Introduction
Walk to Sandfly Bay and enjoy beautiful coastal views.560 m return via same track
Seasonal restrictions
Part of Sandfly Bay Wildlife Refuge is closed from 1 November to 28 February inclusive to protect wildlife in the area. From the viewing platform, follow the signs to access the beach.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Walking down to Sandfly Bay Image: Samuel Mann | Creative Commons
![Children walking down to Sandfly Bay.]( "Children walking down to Sandfly Bay.")
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Playing in the sand dunes Image: Samuel Mann | Creative Commons
![Children playing in the sand dunes.]( "Children playing in the sand dunes.")
Take a stroll down the path through farmland to the viewing platform. Enjoy the views of Sandfly Bay, the coastline and the wild ocean.
Past the platform, the track to the beach follows a sandhill and is steep. It is maintained to a tramping track standard only, due to sand movement and erosion. Follow the orange marker poles and signs to stay on the track.
A good level of fitness is required on this track.
Take care as erosion can damage the sandhill making some parts difficult to walk.
Turn off Highcliff Road onto Seal Point Road. The track begins at the Sandfly Bay carpark at the end of this road.
Don't leave valuables in your car – there have been break-ins.
Swimming can be dangerous where there are strong winds and currents.
Track crosses private land – stay on formed track.
There may be stock – do not disturb and keep your distance.
New Zealand fur seals/kekeno and New Zealand sea lions/pakake haul out on the rocks and beach and wallow in the sand. Keep at least 20 m away from sleeping sea lions and if you are in a group don't surround them. Seals and sea lions may look placid but they are powerful, wild predators and can be very dangerous if they are approached too closely.
Other seabirds such as spotted shags, sooty shearwaters and variable oystercatchers are also based in the area.
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 | |