Okia Reserve

A 4.5km series of loop tracks through restored native scrubland, with spectacular geologically formed pyramids, and natural habitat of our taonga – the Yellow Eyed Penguins.

Track overview

• 4.5km length
• 1.5-hour return
• Walking, running, mountain biking, adventure buggy destination.

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.

Directions

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.

No Bus access to this track - you will need your own car.

Know before you go:

Mountain Biking and adventure buggies (strollers) can be taken to this track however access to the track requires the navigation of two styles in farmland and therefore you will need to be able to lift equipment over these fences.

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 a minimum distance of 10m from both animals as much as possible and try not to scare them.

Dogs

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.

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