Last updated November 2026
The Heyward Point Track is a cliff-top track near Aramoana, through farmland and regenerating forest, with coastal views over the mouth of Otago Harbour and the Otago coast.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives 2 hours. It can be started off Aramoana Road, 50 m before Pari Street, or from the end of Heyward Point Road, which leaves the Port Chalmers to Purakaunui road.
Along the cliffs you look across to Taiaroa Head, before the track drops through bush to the exposed Heyward Point. It is about 19 km from Dunedin. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the track was closed for lambing.
DOC’s track page says: “Access from end of Heyward Point Rd is closed for lambing from 29 August until 4 November inclusive,” and “Access from Aramoana to track junction is closed for lambing from 29 August until 4 November inclusive.”
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Heyward Point Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Off Aramoana Road, 50 m before Pari Street, or the end of Heyward Point Road
- Distance from the city
- About 19 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track length
- 5 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (seasonal lambing closure of both access points, 29 August to 4 November). Check DOC for reopening.
- 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 Heyward Point Track
The track follows the cliff tops, with views of Taiaroa Head and the mouth of Otago Harbour one way and up Otago’s east coast the other. It crosses farmland, then descends through regenerating bush to the more exposed Heyward Point.
The coastal views are the reason to come. The track can also be started from the Heyward Point Road end.
Getting There
For the Aramoana start, follow Aramoana Road towards the settlement; the track leaves the road 50 m before Pari Street. For the other end, take Heyward Point Road, which leaves the road from Port Chalmers to Purakaunui and Long Beach, and follow it to the end.
Track Conditions and Safety
The track runs along cliff tops and out to the exposed Heyward Point, so take care near the edges and keep children close. DOC’s page sets a seasonal lambing closure: access from the end of Heyward Point Road, and from Aramoana to the track junction, is closed from 29 August until 4 November inclusive.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, that closure applied. Check DOC for current conditions before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Heyward Point Track: 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: Aramoana area: other DOC places around Aramoana.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Heyward Point Track take?
DOC gives 2 hours.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Where does it start?
Off Aramoana Road, 50 m before Pari Street, or at the end of Heyward Point Road.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
What can I see?
Taiaroa Head, the mouth of Otago Harbour and the Otago coast from the cliff tops.
What is the terrain like?
Cliff tops, farmland and regenerating bush, ending at the exposed Heyward Point.
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.