Papatowai walks
WalkOtago
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 1 hr 40 min
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThese tracks start tracks in or near Papatowai, 25 km south of Owaka.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 46.55971° S, 169.47718° E
About this place
Explore the coastal area around Papatowai - where forest meets sea.
The route
Old Coach Road
Time: 40 min return
The track follows the original route that horse-drawn coaches took after coming off the beach in Tahakopa Bay. After the track's start, when it forks, go right. It's flat going, alongside the tidal river and a very pleasant walk for all ages and abilities. In parts the original coach road formation can be seen as it passes beneath a canopy of tree fern, silver beech and young totara. Near the track's end, where there's a host of regenerating totara is an important moa hunter archaeological site. The track ends when it reaches the beach, which can be walked along for some distance to link with a more arduous and often muddy route known as Old Possumers Track. This is a three-hour loop. The start/finish is the left fork off the Old Coach Road. Getting there: The carpark is near the northern end of the bridge over the Tahakopa River, just north of Papatowai.
Papatowai walks
Time: 40 min – 1 hr return
There are several interconnecting tracks that begin from the beach beyond the picnic area and on the way to it, off Cross Street. Picnic Point Track traverses the Papatowai Scenic Reserve, suits all ages and has plenty of variety. After reaching the coast at Picnic Point the return is via the beach. There is an extension of the track to Kings Rock – 20 min each way from the junction. Most of this is over private land. Getting there: In Papatowai, turn off the Papatowai Highway in onto Alexandra Road, then into Cross Road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Papatowai Campsite
Otago • 0.6 km
Papatowai Campsite is a standard campsite nestled in the bush on the Catlins coast in Coastal Otago. It offers easy access to the local beach and estuary, with…
The Whistling Frog Resort
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Purakaunui Bay Campsite
Standard • Otago • 10.4 km
Purakaunui Bay Campsite is a standard campsite located on the coast in the Otago region.
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Tawanui Campsite
Standard • Otago • 11.3 km
Tawanui Campsite is a standard campsite in the Coastal Otago area, situated in an isolated clearing beside the river. It serves as a base for a five-hour day…
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - flush
Tautuku Hut
Basic/bivvies • 4 bunks • Otago • 11.7 km
Tautuku Hut is a basic four-bunk hut located in the Coastal Otago area.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from stream
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).