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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: -45.84482, 170.24917. 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
- 8.5 km return return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Dunedin area / Outram 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
A very pleasant forested walking track that follows the Taieri River round to the confluence of Lee Stream with the river.
This DOC directory entry covers Outram Glen to Lee Stream Walk 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: 8.5 km return return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hr
- 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
Outram Glen is a popular picnic and swimming area. The track is made up of an easy walking track and then a more difficult tramping track.
The easy walking track begins at the Outram Glen picnic area off Outram Mosgiel Road. After 20 – 30min the walking track transitions into a tramping track. At this point, a short track provides access to the water, while the tramping track leads to a long traverse above the Taieri River.
After about 1 hour the track returns to the river and soon reaches the confluence of Lee Stream/Taieri River junction. There are numerous swimming options.
Getting there
Outram Glen is 23 km from Dunedin via Three Mile Hill. Approaching Outram township, turn right immediately after crossing the Taieri River Bridge. Stay on the gravel road that runs alongside the river to reach the carpark.
Know before you go
This site meets water quality guidelines for swimming most of the time, but the levels of bacteria in the water are elevated at times.
Research shows that the source of bacteria in the water at this site is ruminant (sheep/cows), and therefore we recommend you stay out of the water for 48 hours after rainfall or after high river flows to avoid swimming in rural-run off that can contribute to high bacteria concentrations.
For more information visit: Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Taieri River at Outram
Flood risk
This track can be subject to flooding during heavy or prolonged rain nearby or inland, with no alternative routes to evacuate. Check weather forecasts and weather warnings before visiting.
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.
