Maukaatua Route: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A place of significance to Ngāi Tahu, Maukaatua gazes over the Taieri plains to the coast and inland over rolling tussock-covered hills.

This DOC directory entry covers Maukaatua Route in Otago, within Dunedin area / Outram 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: 2.7 km return via same track
• Walking time: 1.5 hr one way
• DOC grade: Expert

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 with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track begins from the end of the Woodside Glen Walk where it crosses Lee Creek, as indicated with an orange marker. From this point the track is an advanced tramping track so requires a higher degree of care. Follow the central path according to orange waymarks as you go up – there are many tracks used for other purposes such as hunting, which diverge into the bush.

As you move upwards from the valley floor, experience a rare, unbroken transition in vegetation. Podocarp broadleaved forests shift through tawai/silver beech forest and montane shrubland, to low-alpine snow-grass and cushion bog communities as you reach the summit plateau. Pīwakawaka/fantails and other native birds and occasionally wild pigs or deer may be sighted.

Once reaching the bush-line where the tussock begins, orange poles mark the final ascent to a cluster of schist and the end of the track. Take a break from this vantage point and take in spectacular views that extend in all directions.

The managed track finishes at this orange marker. You will need to return via the same track.

Getting there

The track starts at Woodside Glen Reserve which is approximately 30 min from central Dunedin.

From Dunedin city, travel through Mosgiel to Outram. Drive through Outram and follow SH87/Lee Stream-Outram Rd for approximately 9 km until reaching a turn-off on the left to Woodside Rd. Drive until an intersection and then take a right turn at Ravensburn St, at the end is the reserve.

There is no public transport option available for this track.

Know before you go

Visitors to Maukaatua should be prepared for a steady and somewhat challenging climb uphill to the open tussock tops. Correct footwear and clothing is essential.

Maukaatua can be exposed in bad weather and visibility can be impaired by fog – make sure you are adequately prepared.

Some sections of the track are steep and require care. Walking poles are recommended, especially during or after wet weather.

This track involves creek crossings. Flash flooding can occur during periods of high rain fall. Avoid the area during or immediately after periods of heavy rain.

There are several picnic tables close to the entrance of the Woodside Glen reserve.

There are no toilets or bins at this site. Make sure to take your rubbish with you when you leave.

The Woodside Glen reserve gates will be open at differing times seasonally:

• November – March: 8 am–9 pm

• April – September: 9 am–5 pm

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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.