Last updated November 2026
The Orokonui lagoon walk circles the Orokonui lagoon near Waitati, through native bush and past a wetland that provides habitat for native fish and foraging birds. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives 50 min. It starts at the signposted DOC car park on Orokonui Road, 800 m from Harvey Street in Waitati, about 15 km from Dunedin.
The lagoon was once a large flax swamp, and community restoration work, alongside the neighbouring Orokonui Ecosanctuary, is bringing the wetland back. Royal spoonbills, New Zealand falcon and kākā are among the birds DOC lists here.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Orokonui lagoon walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- DOC car park on Orokonui Road, Waitati
- Distance from the city
- About 15 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 50 min
- Track length
- 2.4 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Facilities
- No toilets or rubbish bins
- 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 Orokonui Lagoon Walk
From the DOC car park, cross the fence by the stile and follow the signs to the right around the lagoon and wetlands. After about 500 m you reach the lagoon walk itself, which circles the lagoon and loops back to the car park. DOC notes that this loop section is not maintained by DOC.
The walk passes through native bush and restoration planting of harakeke, tōtara and tī kōuka. DOC lists royal spoonbill (kōtuku ngutupapa), New Zealand falcon (kārearea), fantail (pīwakawaka) and kākā among the birds, and predator trapping is under way across the valley.
DOC says the track is flat, well maintained and suitable for all ages. For a longer walk, the Orokonui Creek track continues 700 m up the forested valley to the ecosanctuary boundary fence.
History and Restoration
DOC says the name Orokonui translates to “a healthy place”, and local iwi gathered food and supplies here. The lagoon was once a large flax swamp surrounded by forest.
European settlement from the late 1850s changed the landscape, and large-scale flax cutting for rope destroyed the estuary’s flax swamps. Community groups, the Halo project and Orokonui Ecosanctuary are now restoring the wetlands and forest.
Getting There and Safety
Turn off SH1 into Waitati, drive 600 m along Harvey Street, then turn left onto Orokonui Road and drive 800 m to the signposted car park on the left. Part of the track crosses private land, so stay on the formed track and watch for vehicles.
Sections may flood after heavy rain. DOC notes the track is susceptible to tsunami: if a siren sounds, move to higher ground and stay away from the coast. Check DOC before you go.
From locals
Does the Orokonui lagoon track flood after heavy rain?
Is there much shade around the lagoon loop on a sunny afternoon?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Orokonui lagoon walk take?
DOC gives 50 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate.
Where does it start?
At the signposted DOC car park on Orokonui Road, 800 m from Harvey Street in Waitati.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Are there toilets?
No. DOC says there are no toilets or rubbish bins, so take your rubbish home.
Can I get into Orokonui Ecosanctuary from here?
No. DOC says the sanctuary can only be entered through its visitor centre off Blueskin Road.
What birds might I see?
Royal spoonbill, New Zealand falcon, fantail and kākā, among others.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Orokonui lagoon 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: Purakaunui/Waitati area: other DOC walks around Waitati and Long Beach.
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.