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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: -43.96878, 168.61002. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 40 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Jackson Bay - Gorge River area
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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
For an easy walk head to the rocky shore where kids of all ages can explore tidal pools.
This DOC directory entry covers Wharekai-Te Kou Walk in West Coast, within Jackson Bay - Gorge River 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: 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This short walk winds through the Okahu Wildlife Refuge, from sheltered Jackson Bay to the rocky shore at Ocean Beach. Read stories about tidal pools and the life of the rocky shore on interpretation panels.
At low tide, explore the tidal pools but leave shellfish untouched for others to see. During their breeding season, you may be lucky enough to see a Fiordland crested penguin/tawaki. Return via the same track, do not attempt to return to Jackson Bay via the coastline as it is very rugged and dangerous.
Getting there
The track begins from the end of the road in Jackson Bay, located 48km south of Haast. A carpark is available for bikes, cars and campervans.
History and culture
European settlement was attempted at Jackson Bay Okahu during the 1870s. The pioneers' attempt to "tame" the landscape was largely unsuccessful but their efforts left a tradition of South Westland residents as being tough, resilient and independent.
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.
