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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: -46.66167, 169.09804. 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
- 150 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 10 min return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Curio Bay/Porpoise Bay
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
Easy access track to a well located viewing platform overlooking the famous petrified forest. Look out for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.
This DOC directory entry covers Petrified Forest Walk in Southland, within Curio Bay/Porpoise Bay. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 150 m return via same track
- Walking time: 10 min return
- DOC grade: Easiest
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.
Description
This short, sealed track provides access from the roadside parking area through mature flax to a viewing platform overlooking the fossilised remains of an ancient forest. Interesting sign panels at the view point, explain the history and significance of the petrified forest.
At low tide the petrified forest can be explored- access via the steps from the viewing platform.
The track is wheelchair/buggy friendly to the viewing platform.
Getting there
Curio Bay is signposted from the Southern Scenic Route, which follows SH 92 through the Catlins from Invercargill to Balclutha.
Know before you go
No drones are allowed at the fossil forest.
Nature and conservation
In the summer Hector's dolphins/papakanua play in the surf. Yellow-eyed penguins/hoioho nest in the area around Curio Bay/Waikaawa and fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water along the coastline.
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.
