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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: -46.60707, 168.31814. 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
- 3.4 km one way
- Walking time
- 45 min one way
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Invercargill area
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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
An easy-access coastal track that offers stunning views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Ocean Beach Track in Southland, within Invercargill 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: 3.4 km one way
- Walking time: 45 min one way
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This coastal track across private land connects the SH1 section of the Te Araroa trail to Motupohue/Bluff Hill.
It is a 45 min walk to Lookout Point from SH1.
At Lookout Point return the way you came, turn left up the Millenium track to Motupohue summit or continue 3.2 km on the Foveaux Walkway to Stirling point for the iconic ‘end of the world’ photo under the signpost.
Local birdlife includes New Zealand pigeon/Kererū, tūī, white fronted tern and sooty shearwater/tītī. During winter you may spot New Zealand fur seals in the surf just of the edge of the track or even Southern right whales further into the strait.
Getting there
From Invercargill, travel South on SH1 for 25 km, track begins on the right behind the large metal “Bluff” sign.
Know before you go
Track goes through private land so may be restricted at certain times of year.
Dogs are not permitted on this track but are allowed further along on Foveaux Walkway on leads.
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.
