Waitati: Coastal Forest, Birdlife and Doctors Point

Waitati brings together coastal forest and native wildlife, nearby walks and Doctors Point Beach. These different highlights can help you plan a stay focused on nature and the coast.

Coastal Forest and Birdwatching

Orokonui Ecosanctuary manages 307 hectares of coastal forest in Otago. A 9-kilometre predator fence keeps introduced predatory mammals out, allowing native wildlife to thrive. Both the forest and the protection of native wildlife shape the nature theme around Waitati.

Nearby Walks

The nearby Orokonui Creek Walking Track runs through native bush and lagoon areas in Orokonui Valley. It is flat, well maintained, suitable for all ages and open year-round. Track details may change, so check current information before setting out. The track is accessible from the SH1 turn-off to Waitati via Harvey Street and Orokonui Road.

Native and introduced bird species can be seen from the track. Possible sightings include spoonbills, New Zealand falcons, fantails and kākā; sightings are not guaranteed.

Another nearby walk, the Mapoutahi Track, leads to an 18th-century Māori pā site. From Waitati, reach it via Shortcut Road, Blueskin Road, Heyward Point Road and Purakaunui Road. This means two different themes sit side by side in the area: a walk through bush and lagoon areas, and access to a historic site.

Doctors Point and Other Coastal Destinations

Small boats and kayaks are launched from Doctors Point Beach. The beach is considered popular on weekends. Waitati is also an option for reaching Pūrākaunui, Whareakeake Beach and Otago Harbour. Nearby Long Beach is accessible via Waitati or Port Chalmers.

Local Life and Travel Planning

The family-run Blueskin Gallery is a restaurant, bar and art gallery. The Orokonui Ecosanctuary visitor centre is home to Horopito Café, which serves food and drinks. As business offerings may change, check the latest information from the businesses for a specific visit.

Waitati hosts the annual Music Festival and Blueskin on Show at the Showground. Check the dates and current programme for your travel dates. Dunedin Railways runs regular excursion train services from Dunedin to Waitati during the summer months; checking the timetable is also recommended for these seasonal trips.

For travel planning, these different timeframes are worth considering: the nearby Orokonui Creek Walking Track is open year-round, excursion trains run during the summer months, and both events take place annually. Match the timetable and event dates to your travel period.

More Destinations in the Wider Dunedin City Destination

The wider Dunedin City destination includes other distinct nature and cultural highlights. On Dunedin’s south coast, the short Tunnel Beach Walk leads to a historic tunnel and a secluded beach. The cliff at Tunnel Beach is home to an endangered coastal grassland ecosystem. At Sandymount, the loop track offers views from a lookout and passes Lovers Leap and the Chasm. The Organ Pipes Track features columnar-jointed basalt formed by the volcanic origins of the Otago Peninsula.

Museums are also a distinct part of the regional offering. Toitū Otago Settlers Museum focuses on the social history of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding region. Its 14 themed galleries, featuring interactive exhibitions, trace the region’s human history from its earliest settlers to its most recent arrivals. These examples add further themes within the wider Dunedin City destination to Waitati’s natural and coastal character.

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