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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: -46.12825, 168.60670. 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
- 3.6 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hour
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Central Southland 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
This gentle walking track follows the banks of the river through attractive native bush in Hokonui Forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Forks Flat Track in Southland, within Central Southland 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: 3.6 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hour
- 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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Starting at Dunsdale Scenic Reserve, this well formed, easy, one-hour loop takes you through the beautiful remnant native Hokonui Forest. The track winds through matai and kahikatea alongside the Dunsdale stream and past a small waterfall.
The first section of track to the waterfall is accessible to wheelchairs. Return the same way as track further on is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Midway around the loop you will find yourself in a large grassy clearing often abundant with a variety of butterfly species.
The walk begins in a large camping area administered by the local council and accessed via forestry roads. This site also includes toilets and a water supply.
Getting there
From Winton travel East on highway 96 for 26kms.
Turn left onto Dunsdale Valley Road, continue straight onto Hokonui Road. Follow forestry signs to Dunsdale reserve.
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.
