Last updated July 2026
When you visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary, you enter a 307-hectare predator-free biodiversity sanctuary just north of Dunedin. The site protects native forest and reintroduced species within a cloud forest setting in the Orokonui Valley. Self-guided walking tracks and guided tours allow visitors to explore the area at their own pace or with expert insight. The Visitor Centre provides a café, shop, and educational displays, while the sanctuary supports ongoing conservation through community partnerships.
Practical Information
| Location | Orokonui Valley, near Waitati, 20 km north of Dunedin |
| Size | 307 hectares |
| Opening Hours | Thursday to Monday, 9:30am – 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm); closed Tuesday and Wednesday |
| Entry Fees | Adults $26, Children $13, Family $65 (self-guided); higher for guided tours |
| Tracks | More than 10 km of walking tracks of varying difficulty |
| Fence | 9 km predator-exclusion fence |
| Accessibility | Some tracks wheelchair friendly; Visitor Centre accessible |
| Pets | Not permitted |
About Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Orokonui Ecosanctuary, known in te reo Māori as Te Korowai o Mihiwaka, is a community-led conservation project managed by the Otago Natural History Trust. It protects 307 hectares of regenerating coastal Otago forest enclosed by a 9 km predator-exclusion fence completed in 2007. The sanctuary restores habitat through planting and pest removal while reintroducing species such as kākā, takahē, and tuatara.
The valley lies under the kaitiakitanga of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, who participate in cultural and conservation activities. The landscape includes remnant podocarp forest, regenerating kanuka, and notable features such as New Zealand’s tallest tree, a Eucalyptus regnans. Over 250 native species now inhabit the area.
Visitors experience a peaceful encounter with native wildlife in a secure setting. Educational programmes, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with the University of Otago and the Department of Conservation support research and community engagement.
Walking Tracks and Self-Guided Exploration
Orokonui Ecosanctuary offers more than 10 km of walking tracks through diverse forest types and habitats. Self-guided walking is available during opening hours with no booking required; staff provide maps and current track information on arrival.
Easy tracks include the wheelchair-friendly Kākā Track, which passes bird feeding stations and takes about 15 minutes to the platform feeder. The Tūī Track and Mātātā/Fernbird Track suit beginners and offer good birdwatching. Medium-difficulty options such as the Korimako/Bellbird Track and Pōkākā Loop lead through old-growth forest with large rimu and miro trees.
The challenging Kakaruwai/Robin Valley Track descends steeply to sea level, following the Orokonui Stream past tree ferns and the tall eucalypt; it requires good fitness and takes up to three hours return. Some tracks connect to the DOC-managed Orokonui Stream Track outside the fence.
Tracks vary in surface and gradient, with some sections featuring stairs or uneven ground. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and check conditions on site, as the forest can reclaim paths over time.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently praise the knowledgeable guided tours that reveal hidden wildlife and conservation stories, noting that the time passes quickly and sightings of kākā and other birds feel special in the predator-free setting.
Many appreciate the variety of walking tracks suitable for different fitness levels, the scenic forest atmosphere, and the welcoming café with views, describing the overall experience as peaceful and educational for all ages.
Where to Learn More
Orokonui Ecosanctuary official website: Current opening hours, track details, tour bookings, and species information.
Track Information page: Detailed descriptions of all walking tracks and difficulty levels.
DunedinNZ visitor guide: Overview of the sanctuary as a Dunedin attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wildlife might visitors see at Orokonui Ecosanctuary?
Over 250 native species live here, including kākā, takahē, tūī, bellbirds, tuatara, jewelled geckos, and Otago skinks, all protected within the predator-free fence.
Are guided tours available and do they require booking?
Yes, 1.5-hour guided tours are offered and require advance booking. Self-guided walking needs no booking but operates only during opening hours.
Can pets be brought to the sanctuary?
No, pets are not permitted to protect the native wildlife and maintain the predator-free environment.
Is Orokonui Ecosanctuary wheelchair accessible?
The Visitor Centre and some tracks, such as the Kākā Track, are wheelchair friendly. Other tracks have varying surfaces and gradients.
How long are the walking tracks and what difficulties are available?
More than 10 km of tracks range from easy flat gravel paths to steep, narrow routes with stairs and significant elevation change; staff can recommend suitable options on arrival.
What are the current opening hours and entry fees?
The sanctuary is open Thursday to Monday from 9:30am to 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm) and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Self-guided adult entry is $26, with concessions and family rates available.
Can visitors volunteer or join educational programmes?
Yes, volunteer roles and education programmes for schools and the community are offered; contact the sanctuary for current opportunities.
Is there a café on site?
Yes, Horopito Café operates inside the Visitor Centre from 10am to 3pm on open days, offering refreshments with views of the sanctuary.
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