Last updated October 2026
The Sutton Salt Lake walk is a self-guided loop to Sutton Salt Lake, which DOC describes as New Zealand’s only inland salt lake. It is in the Sutton Salt Lake Scenic Reserve near Middlemarch, with the car park about 2.5 km along the unsealed Kidds Road off SH87.
DOC grades the walk Easy to intermediate and gives 45 min to 1 hr for the loop, though it is not wheelchair accessible. The start is about 47 km from Dunedin.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Sutton Salt Lake walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Reserve car park, about 2.5 km along Kidds Road off SH87
- Distance from the city
- About 47 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 45 min to 1 hr loop
- Track length
- 3.5 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Sutton Salt Lake Walk
The walk is a self-guided loop from the car park out to the lake and back. The lake itself is the highlight: DOC calls it New Zealand’s only inland salt lake, which makes it an unusual sight in the Otago hill country.
DOC’s brochure for the Rock and Pillar Conservation Area has more on the walk and nearby tracks.
Day Trip from Dunedin
From Dunedin, drive south to Outram and take SH87 towards Middlemarch. Turn left onto Kidds Road before crossing the railway at Sutton, and the reserve entrance is about 2.5 km along on the left.
From Middlemarch, drive south on SH87 and turn right onto Kidds Road just after crossing the railway line for the second time. DOC says the car park is about 9.5 km from Middlemarch.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Sutton Salt Lake 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: Sutton Salt Lake Scenic Reserve: more about the reserve and the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Sutton Salt Lake walk take?
DOC gives 45 min to 1 hr for the loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No. DOC says it is not wheelchair accessible.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Where is the car park?
About 2.5 km along the unsealed Kidds Road off SH87, about 9.5 km from Middlemarch.
What makes the lake special?
DOC describes it as New Zealand’s only inland salt lake.
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.