Woodside Glen Walk: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A short walk through native forest full of culture and spiritual significance.

This DOC directory entry covers Woodside Glen Walk in Otago, within Dunedin area / Outram 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: 700 m return via same track
• Walking time: 15 min one way
• DOC grade: Easy

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 track is at the base of Maukaatua. It offers a chance to take in the sound of birdsong and be in a culturally and spiritually important place. Winding from the carpark, the track ascends for a short distance then settles to a gentler up and down until you reach Lee Creek.

Enjoy the variety of trees and boulders to explore, before wandering your way back to the reserve, an ideal spot for a picnic.

The walk finishes at Lee Creek. Past this point the track transitions to a tramping track and is suitable for experienced and prepared walkers.

From Lee Creek, the Maukaatua Track is a steep climb to open tussock tops.

Getting there

Woodside Glen Reserve is approximately 30 min from central Dunedin.

From Dunedin city, travel through Mosgiel to Outram. Drive through Outram and follow SH87/Lee Stream-Outram Rd for approximately 9 km until reaching a turn-off on the left to Woodside Rd. Drive until an intersection and then take a right turn at Ravensburn St. At the end of the street is the reserve.

There is no public transport option available for this track.

Know before you go

There are several picnic tables at Woodside Glen Reserve, close to the entrance to the track.

There are no toilets or bins at this site. Make sure to take your rubbish with you when you leave.

The Woodside Glen Reserve gates will be open at differing times seasonally:

• Summer, November – March: 8 am – 9 pm

• Winter, April – September: 9 am – 5 pm

Flooding

This track can be subject to flooding during heavy or prolonged rain nearby or inland, with no alternative routes to evacuate. Check weather forecasts and weather warnings before visiting.

Flash flooding can occur during periods of high rain fall. Avoid the area during or immediately after periods of heavy rain.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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.