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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: -45.64024, 170.66761. 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
- 2.4 km loop
- Walking time
- 45 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Dunedin area / Karitane/Waikouaiti 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
Walk around Huriawa Peninsula on a well-formed track suitable for children - take in spectacular views and read plaques with the history of the area.
This DOC directory entry covers Huriawa Pā Walk in Otago, within Dunedin area / Karitane/Waikouaiti 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: 2.4 km loop
- Walking time: 45 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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Note that this track has been damaged by a heavy rain with surface damage and ground movement. Follow onsite signage, stay on the formed gravel track, and take due care.
Starting at the car park at the Domain on Barvas Street, follow the track around the peninsula to Karitane beach. Follow the track through the cemetery back to the Domain. For a longer return walk, continue along the beach.
The walk passes blow holes where the incoming tide is forced up through the rocks.
Views from the walkway are spectacular out over Taiaroa Heads to the south and Matanaka and Butterfly Bay to the north.
Huriawa Peninsula is the site of the pā of Te Wera and the legendary siege. Plaques along the way tell the history of the area and show the site of the old Waikouaiti Whaling Station and Tavern.
Getting there
North of Dunedin, turn off SH1 onto Coast Road, drive through Karitane and park at the Domain on Barvas Street.
Know before you go
This is private land owned by Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki. Out of respect for the local people do not dig or remove plants.
Erosion and fall risk
Huriawa Peninsula is coastal and exposed to erosion and land movement.
There is a risk of falling on sections of this track due to cliffs. Keep to the marked track and avoid cliff edges. Keep children within sight and do not let them near edges.
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.
Poisonous plants
Poroporo can be found along this track and the surrounding area. A native shrub that can grow to 3–4 m, flowers coloured white to violet. The fruit of this plant are poisonous and should not be eaten.
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.
