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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: -46.36404, 168.70895. 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
- 1.3 km loop
- Walking time
- 40 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Invercargill 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
This is an easy well-formed loop track in native forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Seaward Downs Loop 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: 1.3 km loop
- Walking time: 40 min
- 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.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This loop track showcases diverse birdlife and podocarp trees. The track is in Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve – a pocket of native forest.
The track starts in a large picnic area.
Getting there
From Invercargill travel east on SH1 for 16 km. Turn right onto Woodlands-Morton mains Road. Turn right onto Dacre-Morton mains Road. Turn left onto Tramway Road west, continue 1.5 km.
Reserve on right, ample 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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
