Last updated November 2026
The Forks Flat Track is a gentle loop that follows the stream banks through attractive native bush in Hokonui Forest, starting at Dunsdale Scenic Reserve, about 37 km from Invercargill.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, a 3.6 km loop of about 1 hour. It winds through mataī and kahikatea beside Dunsdale Stream and past a small waterfall. The first section to the waterfall is wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Forks Flat Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Dunsdale Scenic Reserve camping area, off Hokonui Road
- Distance from the city
- About 37 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 1 hour
- Track length
- 3.6 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Wheelchairs
- Accessible as far as the waterfall (return the same way)
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Dunsdale Recreation Reserve, where the track starts, closes for a period each year from late April until spring. Check DOC and Southland District Council 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 Forks Flat Track
The loop begins in a large camping area at Dunsdale Scenic Reserve, run by the local council and reached via forestry roads. DOC notes the site has toilets and a water supply.
From there the well-formed track winds through remnant Hokonui Forest of mataī and kahikatea alongside Dunsdale Stream and past a small waterfall.
Midway around the loop you come out into a large grassy clearing, which DOC says is often abundant with a variety of butterfly species.
The first section of track as far as the waterfall is accessible to wheelchairs; beyond it the track is unsuitable, so wheelchair users should return the same way. The full loop is well formed and easy, about an hour all up.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: from Winton, travel east on State Highway 96 for 26 km. Turn left onto Dunsdale Valley Road, continue straight onto Hokonui Road, and follow the forestry signs to Dunsdale reserve.
Know Before You Go
Keep dogs on a leash. The camping area is administered by the local council, so check with them about camping. Southland District Council closes Dunsdale Recreation Reserve for a period each year from late April until spring, and reopening depends on weather and ground conditions. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Is there anything to see partway round the Forks Flat Track loop?
Has anyone taken a pram around the loop past the waterfall? How did it go?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Forks Flat Track?
DOC gives a 3.6 km loop taking about 1 hour.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track; it is well formed and gentle.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The first section to the waterfall is. Return the same way, as the rest of the track is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a leash only.
Where does it start?
At the camping area in Dunsdale Scenic Reserve, reached via Dunsdale Valley Road and Hokonui Road from State Highway 96.
Are there toilets?
DOC says the camping area at the start has toilets and a water supply.
Is there a waterfall?
Yes, a small waterfall beside Dunsdale Stream.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Forks Flat Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Southland District Council: information on council-run camping areas and reserves in Southland.
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.