Sandfly Bay
Image: Karen Connor | DOC
Located in Dunedin area and Otago Peninsula area in the Otago region
3 km return via same track
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 1 km along the beach.
Turn off Highcliff Road onto Seal Point Road. The track begins at the Sandfly Bay carpark at the end of this road.
Sandfly Bay has a significant colony of yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho. Don't linger on the beach 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.
New Zealand fur seals/kekeno and New Zealand sea lions/rāpoka haul out on the rocks and beach and wallow in the sand. Keep at least 10 m away from sleeping sea lions, 20 m from active animals and if you are in a group don't surround them.
Other seabirds such as spotted shags, sooty shearwaters and variable oystercatchers are also based in the area.
Don't leave valuables in your car – there have been break-ins.
Swimming can be dangerous where there are strong winds and currents.
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 |