Turn off SH1 at the historic city centre of Oamaru. Follow Tyne Street south up to South Hill. Near the top of the hill turn right onto Bushy Beach Road and follow to the end.
No dogs are allowed in the reserve.
To avoid disturbing the yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho, keep off the beach between 3 pm and 9 am.
Keep at least 20 m distance from marine wildlife.
There are no toilet facilities at Bushy Beach.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.
Visit our Drone use on conservation land page for more information.
The natural coastal vegetation at Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve is the last remaining in the area. Wind-sheared scrub, dominated by hebe, ngaio, mahoe and broadleaf, clings to the cliffs and shelters penguins, other seabirds and a variety of insects.
A unique flora and fauna exists here – a number of native plants and insects are at either their southern or northern geographical limit.
Yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho breed at Bushy Beach. Adult penguins return to feed their young at any time of the day. You can also regularly see New Zealand fur seals, with New Zealand sea lions and elephant seals occasional visitors to the beach.
The oldest known fossil remains of a tuatara in New Zealand were found here on this geologically fascinating headland.
Cape Wanbrow is a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock features that are internationally significant. Pillow lava surge deposits and volcaniclastic sediments and breccias form steep cliffs with rocky platforms below.
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| dunedinoffice@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |