Information on Okia Reserve.
Fancy a day spent amongst pyramids? Amazing geological features? A wealth of native fauna? Look no further than Okia.
Track overview
- Distance: 4.5km
- Track Type: Walking
- Time: 1.5hrs return
- Mountain biking: Easy: Grade 2
- Dogs: Dogs not allowed
- Difficulty: moderate
About this track
A restoration effort owned and managed by the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust and Dunedin City Council. Okia is a hidden jewel that is full of native flora and fauna. Starting at the end of Dick Road, head towards the distinctly shaped hills known as the big and little pyramids. From the little pyramid, the track leads you down to Victory Beach. Walk down Victory Beach to the next marker and re-enter the main track circuit. Follow the main track back to the little pyramid via the big pyramid and Margaret Hazel Slope. The Margaret Hazel Slope is covered in Cabbage Trees and Buttercups and provides an idyllic picnic spot for those lazy sunny days.
Important: Dogs are not allowed! Dogs pose a major risk to nesting Yellow Eyed Penguins/ Hoiho and can scare them off their nests. They also pose a risk to other native animals found at Okia.
Getting there
From Portobello Road, turn down Weir Road and at the Papanui Inlet take a left down Dick Road. Follow Dick Road until you reach the carpark and start of the Okia Track.
Know before you go
Okia is home to both Yellow Eyed Penguin/ Hoiho and Hooker Sea Lions/ Whakahao. Both are nationally endangered with Hoiho currently threatened/ Nationally Endangered. Please keep your distance from both animals as much as possible and try not to scare them.
Contact:
Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust:
email: enquiries@yeptrust.org.nz
website: yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz