The track starts from the Sandymount Recreation Reserve carpark and drops down to Sandfly Bay beach via the large sand dunes which has formed Sandymount.

The track is loose sand and is steep in some sections at the top before it transitions to a flatter gradient as you get closer to the beach.

Follow the orange track markers to find your way in the sand dunes and you will emerge onto the beach at Sandfly Bay.

After exploring the beach, you must return via the same track. The times and distances refer to the track only and do not account for any activity on the beach.

Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road. The track begins at the end of the road.

Take care

• Sandymount Road turns into gravel and is narrow and windy. Keep to the left and drive to the conditions.
• Don't leave valuables in your car, as there have been break-ins.
• Swimming at Sandfly Bay can be dangerous where there are strong winds and currents.

Be prepared for known track hazards

• This is an exposed coastal site. Take care around cliff areas as they may be slippery and unstable after heavy rain.
• Be careful of the ongaonga (stinging nettle) that grows in places along the track.

Amenities

• The nearest toilets are in Macandrew Bay.
• There are picnic tables at the car park.

Dunedin Wildlife Care Code

Dunedin is home to rare and special wildlife. Do not disturb, touch, feed or go too close to wildlife.

Sea lions and other seals

View all seal and sea lions from a safe distance of at least 20 m and do not disturb them. If you must pass sea lions on the beach, keep as much distance as possible and do not loiter.

Penguins

Stay at least 50 m away from penguins. Never approach them. Do not block their entry and exit from the water as this prevents them from returning to feed chicks. Do not use flash photography.

Red-billed gulls

Do not feed or harass gulls. Don’t let dogs chase them. They are endangered and vulnerable to human disturbance.

Drones and wildlife

It is an offence to fly drones within 150 m of marine mammals or 300 m vertically above. The use of drones is prohibited in many sensitive areas and can require a permit elsewhere. 

Find more information on recreational drone use on conservation land.