Last updated November 2026
The Seaward Downs Loop Track is an easy, well-formed loop through native forest in Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve, a pocket of bush east of Invercargill, about 28 km from the city. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy short walk, a 1.3 km loop taking about 40 minutes.
The track starts from a large picnic area and shows off diverse birdlife and podocarp trees. Dogs are allowed on a leash. It is a short bush walk with a picnic stop at the start.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Seaward Downs Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Picnic area, Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve, Tramway Road
- Distance from the city
- About 28 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 40 min
- Track length
- 1.3 km loop
- Grade
- Easy short walk
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- 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 Seaward Downs Loop Track
Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve protects a pocket of native forest east of Invercargill. The loop gives a short, easy walk under podocarp trees, with plenty of birdlife to listen for along the way.
The track begins and ends at a large picnic area, so it is easy to combine with lunch or a break on a drive east of the city.
With its short length and well-formed surface, it is an easy 40 minutes of native bush.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: from Invercargill, travel east on State Highway 1 for 16 km. Turn right onto Woodlands-Morton Mains Road, then right onto Dacre-Morton Mains Road, then left onto Tramway Road West and continue 1.5 km. The reserve is on the right, with ample parking.
Know Before You Go
Keep dogs on a leash. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
What's the driving route to Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve from Invercargill?
Has anyone taken a wheelchair around the loop? Wondering about roots, steps or soft patches.
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Seaward Downs Loop Track?
DOC gives a 1.3 km loop taking about 40 minutes.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy short walk on a well-formed track.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a leash only.
Where does it start?
At the large picnic area in Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve on Tramway Road West.
Is there parking?
Yes. DOC says there is ample parking at the reserve.
What will I see?
Podocarp trees and diverse birdlife in a pocket of native forest.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Seaward Downs Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Invercargill City Council: information on other parks and walks around Invercargill.
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.