Mapoutahi Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Walk to Mapoutahi Pā along a sandy beach in Purakaunui Bay.

This DOC directory entry covers Mapoutahi Track in Otago, within Dunedin area / Purakaunui/Waitati 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 km return via same track
• 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

From the gravelled end of Osborne Rd in Purakaunui Bay walk 1.2 km on the sandy and unformed road to the beach.

Head left to the steps that lead up Mapoutahi for good coastal views from the 18th century Māori pā site.

Getting there

From Port Chalmers turn left onto Borlases Road, right onto Blueskin Road, right onto Heyward Point Road then left onto Purakaunui Road. Follow the road to Purakaunui Inlet onto Osborne Road.

From Waitati follow Shortcut Road to Blueskin Road, turn left onto Heyward Point Road, then left onto Purakaunui Road. Follow the road to Purakaunui Inlet onto Osborne Road.

Know before you go

This track finishes on the beach and visitors must cross the beach to access the Pā. Check tides before you go and ensure you have time to cross the beach on your return.

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.

History and culture

Te Wera, the Chief of the Kai Tahu, had a pā at Huriawa. After an unsuccessful siege of Huriawa by his feuding uncle, Taoka, from Pukekura (Taiaroa Head), an ally of Te Wera's, Te Pakihaukea, shifted to Purakanui and relocated Mapoutahi Pā.

When Taoka arrived in mid-winter to beseige Mapoutahi Pā he found the pā well defended and impenetrable. However, on one particularly wild night Te Pakihaukea's guards put dummies in their places so they could retreat to the warmth of a fire. Taoka discovered the ploy and the pā was stormed and most of the inhabitants massacred.

The pā fell into disuse, and today many of the terraces can still be seen, although the edges have become less distinct through time.

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.