Last updated November 2026
The Long Beach (South) Walking Track is a gentle 20-minute walk through bush at the southern end of Long Beach, north of Port Chalmers.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and describes it as a short, flat grass track that is good for stretching your legs. It runs through the Long Beach Recreation Reserve, with stiles at both entrances, and starts near the road end of Beach Road, where you can park. It is about 18 km from Dunedin. Dogs are allowed under control.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Long Beach (South) Walking Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Road end of Beach Road, Long Beach
- Distance from the city
- About 18 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track length
- 600 m loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed – under control
- 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 Long Beach (South) Walking Track
This is a short, flat walk on grass through bush at the southern end of Long Beach. Stiles at each entrance give access to the track, which crosses Dunedin City Council land planted in pines.
Getting There
From Dunedin, drive to Port Chalmers and turn left as you enter the town, then follow the signs to Long Beach via Blueskin Road, Purakaunui Road and Mihiwaka Road. Drop down into Long Beach on Mihiwaka Road, turn right at the intersection onto Beach Road and drive to the road end, where you can park.
Track Notes
DOC warns: “Be aware of tree fall during periods of high wind.” The track is also susceptible to tsunami. If a siren sounds or a tsunami alert is received, DOC says to move to higher ground and stay away from the coast until the risk has passed. Check DOC before you go.
From locals
Are there stiles on the Long Beach South walking track?
Is this a good little walk to take young kids on?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Long Beach (South) Walking Track?
DOC gives 20 min for the 600 m loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate. It is a short, flat grass track.
Can I take my dog?
Yes. DOC’s rule is dogs allowed under control. DOC notes sea lions breed at Long Beach in summer, and dogs must be on a lead within 20 m of wildlife.
Where do I park?
At the road end of Beach Road, Long Beach.
What should I watch for?
DOC warns of tree fall in high wind, and the area is susceptible to tsunami.
How do I get to Long Beach?
Via Port Chalmers, following signs along Blueskin Road, Purakaunui Road and Mihiwaka Road.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Long Beach (South) Walking 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: Purakaunui/Waitati area: other DOC walks around Long Beach and Waitati.
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.