Tautuku walks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Three walks on and around the very scenic Tautuku Bay.

This DOC directory entry covers Tautuku walks 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 30 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

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Tautuku Bay Nature Walk

Time: 30 min return

Getting thereOpposite the Outdoor Education Centre on the Southern Scenic Route

Tautuku is a spectacular, forest-fringed bay that sweeps round to an impressive headland. The walk to the bay suits all ages.

The walk is suitable for buggies from the carpark to the beach. It is not suitable for wheelchairs. There is sand at the end of the walk and boxed steps.

Lake Wilkie

Time: 30 min return

Getting thereThe carpark is just south of the Outdoor Recreation Centre

The track can be accessed by wheelchairs and buggies from the carpark to the lake and return. Assisted wheelchair is needed at the high gradient section.

The walk features a variety of plant life. From podocarp forest at the track’s start to the impressive viewpoint to the plant communities around the lake.

Good interpretation panels explain the lake’s formation and vegetation succession. When the rata is in flower it’s an impressive and colourful place, with an active bird population.

Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk

Time: 30 min return

Getting thereOff the Southern Scenic Route near the Forest and Bird Society Lodge

The track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies from the carpark/roadend to the platform in the estuary and rreturn. Care should be taken on the boardwalk as it is narrow. Assisted wheelchair is needed at the high gradient section.

The track is partly board-walked and also incorporates a section an old sawmilling road. It starts in podocarp forest then leads out to the estuary flats. The vibrantly coloured jointed rush/oioi takes on an extra glow at sunrise and sunset. There is also a resident population of the shy but noisy fernbird.

Getting there

There is direct access to all three walks off SH92, the Southern Scenic Route.

Know before you go

Dogs are not permited in Tautuku Bay.

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.