By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -46.61695, 169.01550. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 1.3 km one way
- Walking time
- 30 mins
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Catlins coastal area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The Forest Walk is a wheelchair accessible track which winds through native bush and crosses the Waipohatu stream. It connects to the Waipohatu Waterfalls Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Forest Walk in Otago, within Catlins coastal area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.3 km one way
- Walking time: 30 mins
- DOC grade: Easiest
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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Forest Walk begins in the picnic area and gently winds through native bush and crosses Waipohatu stream. This track brings you out at a second car park area where you can choose to progress to the start of the more rugged Waipohatu Waterfalls Track, or follow the road back down to the picnic area or simply return through the forest walk.
Don’t miss the historic diesel hauler on display in the lower picnic area.
The area also features several camping spaces, picnic tables and a toilet.
Getting there
From Invercargill travel 70 km south-west for approximately one hour. Follow Southern Scenic Route, Fortrose-Otara Road and Otara-Haldane Road to Tokanui-Haldane Road in Tokanui.
Continue on Tokanui-Haldane Road. Drive to Waipohatu Road. Follow gravel road for 1 km into the carpark.
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.
