Last updated November 2026
The Ocean Beach Track is an easy-access coastal track near Bluff with views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura, and part of Te Araroa. It starts on State Highway 1 behind the large metal “Bluff” sign, about 22 km from Invercargill, and links the State Highway 1 section of Te Araroa to Motupōhue/Bluff Hill.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an intermediate tramping track, 3.4 km and 45 minutes one way to Lookout Point. The track crosses private land, so DOC says it may be restricted at certain times of year. Dogs are not allowed on this track.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ocean Beach Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- State Highway 1, behind the large metal “Bluff” sign
- Finish
- Lookout Point (the Foveaux Walkway continues 3.2 km to Stirling Point)
- Distance from the city
- About 22 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 45 min one way
- Track length
- 3.4 km one way
- Grade
- Intermediate tramping track
- Dogs
- No dogs (allowed on leads further along on the Foveaux Walkway)
- 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 Ocean Beach Track
This short coastal track crosses private land between State Highway 1 and Lookout Point on the slopes of Motupōhue/Bluff Hill. The views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura are the highlight.
At Lookout Point you have three choices: return the way you came, turn left up the Millennium Track to the Motupōhue summit, or continue 3.2 km on the Foveaux Walkway to Stirling Point for the classic photo under the signpost.
DOC lists kererū, tūī, white-fronted terns and sooty shearwaters (tītī) among the local birds. In winter you may spot New Zealand fur seals in the surf just off the track, or even southern right whales further out in the strait.
At 45 minutes one way it is a short coastal section near Bluff, and it carries Te Araroa towards Motupōhue.
Know Before You Go
Because the track goes through private land, DOC says it may be restricted at certain times of year. Check DOC before you go. Dogs are not permitted on this track, though they are allowed on leads further along on the Foveaux Walkway. Tell someone your plans.
Getting There
From Invercargill, travel south on State Highway 1 for 25 km. The track begins on the right, behind the large metal “Bluff” sign.
From locals
Can I walk up to the Bluff Hill summit from this track?
Are there any steep bits on the way to Lookout Point, or is it fairly flat?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Ocean Beach Track?
DOC gives 3.4 km and 45 minutes one way to Lookout Point.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an intermediate tramping track.
Where does it start?
On State Highway 1 about 25 km south of Invercargill, behind the large metal “Bluff” sign.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not permitted on this track, but are allowed on leads further along on the Foveaux Walkway.
Can I walk on to Stirling Point?
Yes. From Lookout Point, continue 3.2 km on the Foveaux Walkway to Stirling Point.
Is it always open?
DOC says the track crosses private land and may be restricted at certain times of year.
What wildlife might I see?
Kererū, tūī, white-fronted terns and tītī, and in winter possibly fur seals or southern right whales.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Ocean Beach Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Te Araroa Trail: trail notes for the final Southland section to Bluff.
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.