Highcliff Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track provides stunning views of the Otago coastline along the length of the Otago Peninsula.

This DOC directory entry covers Highcliff Track in Otago, within Dunedin area / Otago Peninsula 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: 4 km return loop
• Walking time: 1 hr 20 min return
• DOC grade: Advanced

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.

• Pest control at coastal Otago tracks; First published on 12 February 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

Access to Boulder Beach Conservation Area is closed annually from 1 November – 28 February to protect breeding wildlife. The tracks remain open during this period. Stay on the track.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Stacked stone walls, macrocarpa stands, and regenerating farmland are features of this track and provide a glimpse of what farming on the Otago Peninsula was like in the late 1800s - early 1900s.

The walk starts at a small car park on McMeeking Road. A short downhill walk on a gravel road transitions to a grass track which follows a stone stacked wall. The first 400 m of the grass track is a gentle flat walk. Follow the track until you reach the coast to find a stunning view of the Otago coastline.

From this point, the track becomes rugged and steep as it descends to sea level, where it joins Braidwood Track. Braidwood Track is managed by the Dunedin City Council.

The Dunedin City Council also manage Buskin Track and Paradise Track which can be combined with Braidwood and Highcliff Track to extend the walk. Find information on the Dunedin City Council managed tracks.

Getting there

From Dunedin, drive along Highcliff Road until you reach Karetai Road. Turn down Karetai Road and then turn left down McMeeking Road. Follow McMeeking Road to the first closed gate where a small car park is located.

Know before you go

Take extra care on the narrow access road

Karetai Road is narrow with tight corners. There is limited room to pass other vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. Take care and drive at low speed while navigating the narrow road.

Be prepared for known track hazards

• Take care around cliff areas as they may be slippery and unstable after heavy rain.

• This track involves a creek crossing. Ensure you are prepared with appropriate footwear.

• Be careful of the ongaonga (stinging nettle) that grows in places along the track.

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.

Keep safe around the macrocarpa trees

Avoid the macrocarpa stands during high winds as branches may fall out of trees.

There is no toilet on site

The closest public toilet is at Bayfield Park in Andersons Bay.

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.