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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: -43.75042, 173.01528. 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
- 1.7 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 mins
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Banks Peninsula 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
This loop track reaches the summit of Lavericks Peak with a 'goblin forest' on the way – trees hung with weeping moss.
This DOC directory entry covers Ōtepatotu Scenic Reserve walk in Canterbury, within Banks 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: 1.7 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 mins
- 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This steep but short track will take you up through some original forest of Banks Peninsula to a summit with great views. Ōtepatotu is popular with families. This is a steep track with steps, and a reasonable level of fitness is required. Not suitable for children under 5.
From the carpark the track climbs through a remnant of mountain tōtara forest to reach the summit of Lavericks Peak (755 m). Nearing the summit, trees are hung with weeping moss, creating a 'goblin forest' atmosphere. This is appropriate to the loose translation of the name Ōtepātotu, 'place of the fairies'. The summit offers grand views of the Akaroa harbour and the surrounding peaks.
The return track travels down through a native fuchsia/kōtukutuku gully forest on the southern side.
Picnic tables and a toilet are available at the car park.
Getting there
Follow the Akaroa Highway, SH75 to the top of the hill above Little River, then take the Summit Road (Tourist Drive) to the Pigeon Bay turnoff. Continue on the Summit Road 13.5 km past the turnoff to find the reserve. Ōtepatotu is located along the Summit Road midway between Okains and Le Bons Bays. The reserve is adjacent to the road, with limited roadside parking
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
