Last updated November 2026
The Hawksbury lagoon and beach walk is a loop around the shallow Hawksbury Lagoon in Waikouaiti, a wildlife refuge where causeways crossing the pools give good views of ducks and native birds. It starts at the beach end of Beach Street, off SH1 at Waikouaiti, and heads along the beach and up the river before circling the lagoon.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives 1 hr 30 min. Royal spoonbills, white-faced herons, little shags and pied stilts are among the birds DOC lists. It is about 34 km from Dunedin, and dogs are not allowed around the lagoon.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Hawksbury lagoon and beach walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Beach end of Beach Street, Waikouaiti
- Distance from the city
- About 34 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Track length
- 4 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs (DOC: dogs on a lead on the beach only, not around the lagoon)
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Hawksbury Lagoon and Beach Walk
From the end of Beach Street, head left along the beach, then up the river to the lagoon. Follow the causeway around the lagoon, cross it, and return to Beach Street to complete the loop.
The lagoons are shallow, less than half a metre deep, and parts often dry out over summer. Large numbers of birds use the lagoon at different times of year, as a stopover on migration or for nesting. DOC lists royal spoonbill (kōtuku ngutupapa), white-faced heron (matuku moana), little shag (kawau paka) and pied stilt (poaka) among them.
Hawksbury Lagoon Inc helps protect the lagoon.
Lagoon Rules and Safety
DOC says dogs are allowed on a lead on the beach but not around the lagoon, and no water transport of any kind is permitted on the lagoon.
The track is susceptible to tsunami: if a siren sounds or a tsunami alert is received, move to higher ground and stay away from the coast until the risk has passed. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Hawksbury lagoon and beach walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Karitane/Waikouaiti area: other DOC places near Waikouaiti.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Hawksbury lagoon walk take?
DOC gives 1 hr 30 min for the loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate.
Where does it start?
At the beach end of Beach Street, off SH1 at Waikouaiti.
Can I bring my dog?
No dogs around the lagoon. DOC says dogs are allowed on a lead on the beach only.
What birds can I see?
Royal spoonbill, white-faced heron, little shag and pied stilt, among others.
Is the lagoon always full?
No. DOC says it is less than half a metre deep and parts often dry out over summer.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.