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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: -46.47482, 169.71819. 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
- 500 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 20 min return via same track
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Catlins coastal 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 short walk runs parallel to Surat Bay Beach and goes through sand dunes. It can only be accessed at low tide.
This DOC directory entry covers Surat Bay Beach Walk in Otago, within Catlins coastal 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: 500 m return via same track
- Walking time: 20 min return via same track
- 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 short walk runs parallel to Surat Bay Beach and goes through sand dunes. Follow the poled route to pass through the dunes.
Access to the walk is limited to low tide as the only bridge is on private land and is closed.
In most conditions, you may be able to see New Zealand sea lions interacting or sleeping on the beach.
Getting there
The track is 5.6 km from Owaka. From Owaka, turn off Pounawea Road onto Newhaven Road and turn right for the carpark. The track starts at the end of Surat Bay Road in Newhaven.
Track entrance details
Location: GPS coordinates -46.473518, 169.716341
Know before you go
Two toilets owned by Clutha District Council are nearby.
Nature and conservation
The Catlins coast is frequented by sea lions, other marine mammals and vulnerable birdlife. New Zealand sea lions come ashore to rest and socialise here.
You may also see some of our native sea and shorebirds nesting here like the variable oystercatcher/tōrea.
History and culture
Formerly known as Forsyth’s Bay, the bay is now named after the sailing ship “Surat” which became shipwrecked here on New Years Day in 1874. The ship was carrying emigrants and cargo from England to Dunedin, all passengers and crew survived.
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.
