Last updated October 2026
The Soldiers Memorial Walk on the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin leads visitors to the Otago Peninsula Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, a tribute to local men who died in the First World War. The short but steep path from Highcliff Road rewards walkers with expansive views across Otago Harbour and the surrounding countryside.
The memorial, also known locally as Arthur’s Seat, stands on a prominent hill and serves as a place of quiet reflection. Native vegetation lines parts of the route, and the site connects walkers with both the region’s wartime history and its coastal landscapes.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Dunedin City Council for updates on Soldiers Memorial Walk on the day you walk.
Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Location
- Highcliff Road, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin
- Access
- Short steep walk (5-10 minutes) from roadside layby on Highcliff Road; longer route via 41-Peg Track from Tomahawk Lagoon
- Difficulty
- Moderate, steep sections and stiles
- Time
- 5-10 minutes one way from Highcliff Road; about 1 hour one way from Tomahawk Lagoon (about 2.5 km)
- Facilities
- None at the memorial site
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Cost
- Free
- Dogs
- Not allowed on the 41-Peg Track (council rule); not recommended on the short walk because of livestock
- Best time
- Clear weather for views; spring and summer for vegetation
About Soldiers Memorial Walk
The Soldiers Memorial Walk climbs from Highcliff Road to the Otago Peninsula Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial on a hill approximately 280 metres above sea level.
The memorial was unveiled in 1923 and bears the names of local men from the Otago Peninsula who died during the First World War. It stands on a rock outcrop and offers wide views over Otago Harbour, Dunedin suburbs and the surrounding farmland.
The short route from the roadside layby involves a steady uphill climb with some stairs and crosses farmland. A longer option follows the 41-Peg Track from the Tomahawk Lagoon picnic area in Ocean Grove. Both routes pass through a mix of open paddocks and patches of native vegetation. The terrain includes stiles and is unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
The memorial commemorates the Peninsula community’s contribution to the war effort and remains a focal point for quiet remembrance. Visitors often pause to read the names and reflect on the local stories behind them. The elevated position provides a striking vantage point, especially on clear days when the harbour and distant hills are visible.
History of the Memorial
The Otago Peninsula Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial was completed and unveiled in 1923 to honour the men from the Peninsula county who lost their lives in the First World War. It is known locally as Arthur’s Seat and features a soldier statue atop a stone plinth. The names of the fallen are recorded on plaques at the base.
The site reflects the widespread community effort across New Zealand to commemorate those who served. Local residents raised funds and organised the construction, which was typical of many small memorials built in the years after the war. The memorial continues to serve as a place for annual remembrance activities.
Access and Walking Routes
The most direct access is a 5-10 minute steep walk from the small layby on Highcliff Road. Walkers follow a formed path that climbs through farmland and past occasional native shrubs. The longer 41-Peg Track from Tomahawk Lagoon is a longer, harder approach through rural land, about 2.5 km and an hour one way (see below).
Both routes cross private farmland, so visitors must use stiles where provided and keep to the marked paths. Electric fences are present in places, and livestock may be grazing nearby. There are no toilets, water or seating at the memorial itself, so walkers should carry what they need.
The 41-Peg Track from Tomahawk Lagoon
The second way up to the monument is the 41-Peg Track, also called the Tomahawk Track, which climbs from Ocean Grove to Highcliff Road. It is about 2.5 km one way. The Dunedin City Council allows about an hour to 70 minutes for the climb and 50 minutes back down, and its Otago Peninsula Tracks leaflet rates the walk Hard.
The route
Start from Oregon Street and walk through the picnic area beside the top of Tomahawk Lagoon, then follow the track around the eastern side of the lagoon through regenerating bush. It then climbs through gorse and native bush to a stile and follows a faint track beside a fence line.
Once you reach the ridge, turn sharp right. The upper part of the track crosses open paddocks, and near the top a short detour of about 100 m leads to the monument.
Before you go
The track can be wet and boggy in places. It crosses private land, so stay on the formed track and keep your distance from any stock. The council’s leaflet allows dogs only on the peninsula tracks it marks as dog-friendly, and the 41-Peg Track is not one of them.
Making a loop
Rather than going back the same way, the leaflet suggests carrying on from the monument down to Highcliff Road, turning right, then right again onto Centre Road and following it back to the start at the lagoon. Allow about 2 hours for the whole loop.
Views and Scenery
From the memorial the panorama extends across Otago Harbour, the city of Dunedin and the rolling hills of the peninsula. The elevated position gives broad sightlines in most directions, particularly striking at sunrise or sunset. Native plants such as tī kōuka (cabbage tree) grow along parts of the route, adding seasonal colour.
The surrounding landscape combines farmland with remnant coastal vegetation. On clear days the views reach toward Saddle Hill and the wider Otago region. The site is popular with photographers seeking wide harbour vistas without a long hike.
Where to Learn More
NZHistory.govt.nz: Detailed page on the Otago Peninsula war memorial including names and historical context.
Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Photograph and description of the memorial and its setting.
Wild Dunedin: Local account of the walk and memorial with practical access notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Soldiers Memorial Walk suitable for children?
Yes, the short route from Highcliff Road is manageable for most children with appropriate footwear, though the steep sections require care.
Are there toilets or picnic facilities at the memorial?
No facilities are available at the site. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities at Tomahawk Lagoon or other nearby locations.
Can I drive closer to the memorial?
No vehicle access exists beyond the Highcliff Road layby. The final approach is on foot only.
Is the site open year-round?
Yes, the walk and memorial are accessible at all times, though conditions can be muddy after rain.
Are dogs permitted on the track?
Dunedin City Council allows dogs only on the peninsula tracks it marks as dog-friendly, and the 41-Peg Track isn’t one of them. The short walk crosses farmland with livestock, so dogs aren’t recommended there either.
Is there an entry fee?
No, access to the Soldiers Memorial Walk and memorial is free.
What should I wear?
Sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection are advised for the exposed hilltop.
Are guided tours available?
No dedicated tours operate specifically for the memorial, though some Otago Peninsula tours include the site as a stop.
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