Sandymount to Sandfly Bay Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Explore the large sand dunes that have formed Sandymount and walk to Sandfly Bay to immerse yourself in the rugged and wild coastline of the Otago Peninsula.

This DOC directory entry covers Sandymount to Sandfly Bay Track in Otago, within Dunedin area / Otago 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: 4.4 km return return via same track
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min return
• 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.

• Pest control at coastal Otago tracks; First published on 12 February 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

The far end of Sandfly Bay Wildlife Refuge/beach is closed from 1 November to 28 February inclusive to protect wildlife in the area. The closed area is identified on a sign near the start of the track. If you are on the beach, do not walk past the track markers which identify Sandfly Bay Track as they mark the boundary of the closed area.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track starts from the Sandymount Recreation Reserve carpark and drops down to Sandfly Bay beach via the large sand dunes which has formed Sandymount.

The track is loose sand and is steep in some sections at the top before it transitions to a flatter gradient as you get closer to the beach.

Follow the orange track markers to find your way in the sand dunes and you will emerge onto the beach at Sandfly Bay.

After exploring the beach, you must return via the same track. The times and distances refer to the track only and do not account for any activity on the beach.

Getting there

Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road. The track begins at the end of the road.

Know before you go

Take care

• Sandymount Road turns into gravel and is narrow and windy. Keep to the left and drive to the conditions.

• Don't leave valuables in your car, as there have been break-ins.

• Swimming at Sandfly Bay can be dangerous where there are strong winds and currents.

Be prepared for known track hazards

• This is an exposed coastal site. Take care around cliff areas as they may be slippery and unstable after heavy rain.

• Be careful of the ongaonga (stinging nettle) that grows in places along the track.

Tsunami risk

This track is susceptible to tsunami. If a siren sounds or a tsunami alert is received move to higher ground and stay away from the coast until the risk or alert period is over.

Amenities

• The nearest toilets are in Macandrew Bay.

• There are picnic tables at the car park.

Dunedin Wildlife Care Code

Dunedin is home to rare and special wildlife. Do not disturb, touch, feed or go too close to wildlife.

Sea lions and other seals

View all seal and sea lions from a safe distance of at least 20 m and do not disturb them. If you must pass sea lions on the beach, keep as much distance as possible and do not loiter.

Penguins

Stay at least 50 m away from penguins. Never approach them. Do not block their entry and exit from the water as this prevents them from returning to feed chicks. Do not use flash photography.

Red-billed gulls

Do not feed or harass gulls. Don’t let dogs chase them. They are endangered and vulnerable to human disturbance.

Drones and wildlife

It is an offence to fly drones within 150 m of marine mammals or 300 m vertically above. The use of drones is prohibited in many sensitive areas and can require a permit elsewhere.

Find more information on recreational drone use on conservation land.

Nature and conservation

New Zealand fur seals/kekeno and New Zealand sea lions/pakake haul out on the rocks and beach and wallow in the sand. Seals and sea lions may look placid but they are powerful, wild predators and can be very dangerous if they are approached too closely.

Other seabirds such as spotted shags, sooty shearwaters and variable oystercatchers are also based in the area.

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.