Last updated October 2026
Turn off just after the Taieri River Bridge on the way into Outram and a gravel road follows the river to a picnic area at the start of a forested riverside track. Outram Glen is a Department of Conservation site 23 km from Dunedin by road, and DOC describes it as a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
From the picnic area, a forested track follows the Taieri River upstream to where Lee Stream joins it, starting as an easy walk and becoming a tramping track along a traverse above the river. DOC allows about 3 hours for the walk, and the brochure adds a shorter option to a river beach.
Practical Information
- Location
- Outram Glen picnic area, off Outram-Mosgiel Road: turn right just after crossing the Taieri River Bridge towards Outram and follow the gravel road beside the river
- Distance from the city
- 23 km from Dunedin by road via Three Mile Hill (DOC)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Walking times
- To the Taieri River beach: 30 min, 1.5 km one way; to the Lee Stream confluence: 1 hr 30 min, 4.4 km one way (DOC brochure); DOC’s page allows 3 hours
- Facilities
- Picnic area and car park at Outram Glen
- Status
- Department of Conservation: Outram Glen to Lee Stream Walk page
About Outram Glen
The river is the centre of everything here. DOC’s description of the track is “a very pleasant forested walking track” following the river round to the Lee Stream confluence, and the Dunedin walks brochure mentions native birdsong along the way.
The glen is part of a wider area DOC promotes for enjoying the Taieri River on foot, in the water or over a picnic. DOC places Outram itself about 26 km west of Dunedin, and from the glen keen walkers can go further along Lee Stream and up to the summit of Maungatua.
The Walk to Lee Stream
The first 20 to 30 minutes are on an easy walking track. The brochure puts a river beach about 30 minutes and 1.5 km from the picnic area, and DOC notes a short side track that gives access to the water.
Beyond that, the route becomes a tramping track with a short, steep section, then makes a long traverse above the Taieri River. After about an hour on this section it drops back to the river at the junction with Lee Stream, about 4.4 km from the start. DOC says there are plenty of swimming options around the confluence.
The track floods easily. DOC warns that heavy or prolonged rain nearby or further inland can flood it, and that there are no other evacuation routes, so check the weather forecast and warnings before you go and take care after heavy rain.
Swimming and Water Quality
DOC says the site meets water quality guidelines for swimming most of the time, but bacteria levels are raised at times, and DOC names ruminant animals (sheep and cows) as the source. Its advice is to stay out of the water for 48 hours after rain or high river flows, to avoid rural runoff.
DOC links to the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) swim site for the Taieri River at Outram for water quality results.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Outram Glen to Lee Stream Walk: reserve and track information, water quality advice and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Outram area: walking, swimming and picnicking on the Taieri River near Outram, with routes on to Lee Stream and Maungatua. Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Outram Glen?
Beside the Taieri River near Outram, 23 km from Dunedin by road via Three Mile Hill. Turn right just after the Taieri River Bridge as you approach Outram and follow the gravel road to the picnic area.
Who manages Outram Glen?
The Department of Conservation.
How long is the walk to Lee Stream?
About 4.4 km and 1 hr 30 min one way, according to DOC’s brochure. DOC’s walk page allows 3 hours.
Is the walk easy?
The first 20 to 30 minutes are easy walking track. After that it becomes a tramping track with a short, steep section and a long traverse above the river.
Can I swim at Outram Glen?
DOC describes it as a picnic and swimming area. It advises staying out of the water for 48 hours after rain or high river flows, because bacteria levels rise at times.
Does the track flood?
Yes. DOC says heavy or prolonged rain can flood the track and there are no other evacuation routes, so check the forecast before you go.
Is there a shorter walk?
Yes. The brochure gives about 30 minutes and 1.5 km one way to a beach on the Taieri River.
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