Cape Wanbrow Walking Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This short track offers scenic views, plus the chance to spot coastal wildlife and geological wonders.

This DOC directory entry covers Cape Wanbrow Walking Track in Otago, within Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 185 m return via same track
• Walking time: 5 min
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track begins on the eastern side of Makotukutuku/Cape Wanbrow Reserve, below the old battery gun emplacement. The wide and well-formed track winds round the cliffs down to Second Beach.

Scenic coastal views, nesting seabirds and NZ fur seals/kekeno can all be seen from the track.

Volcanic “pillow lava” rock formations can also be seen from the track. On a low tide it is possible to access the beach and see them up close.

Return using the same track.

Getting there

Access to the start of the Makotukutuku/Cape Wanbrow Walking Track is via the Waitaki District Council track network on Makotukutuku/Cape Wanbrow Reserve.

Entrances and parking can be found at the end of Tamar Street and the car park at the end of Test Street.

Know before you go

• This track is mostly well formed but some sections get slippery when wet and are not recommended in wet weather.

• Always supervise children.

• Only access the beach at low tide.

• There are steep cliffs with significant drops – keep away from the track edge.

• Seals share this beach – keep your distance.

Tsunami risk

This track is susceptible to tsunami. If a siren sounds or a tsunami alert is received move to higher ground and stay away from the coast until the risk or alert period is over.

Nature and conservation

Pārekareka/spotted shags, tarāpunga/red-billed gulls, tītī/sooty shearwater and kororā/little penguins all breed in this area. Kekeno/New Zealand fur seals rest along the shoreline below the track.

A predator control network is monitored and maintained in this area by The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Ōamaru Branch and Ōamaru blue Penguin Colony staff to protect the unique species that live here.

Pillow lava formations are part of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark and can be seen from the track or accessed from the beach at low tide.

Boatman's Harbour | Waitaki Whitestone Geopark

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.