Tautuku walks
Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region
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Introduction
Three walks on and around the very scenic Tautuku Bay.Dog access
Image gallery
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Lake Wilkie from the viewpoint Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Lake Wilkie.]( "Lake Wilkie.")
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Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk.]( "Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk.")
Tautuku Bay Nature Walk
Time: 30 min return
Getting there
Opposite the Outdoor Education Centre on the Southern Scenic Route
Tautuku is a spectacular, forest-fringed bay that sweeps round to an impressive headland. The walk to the bay suits all ages.
The walk is suitable for buggies from the carpark to the beach. It is not suitable for wheelchairs. There is sand at the end of the walk and boxed steps.
Lake Wilkie
Time: 30 min return
Getting there
The carpark is just south of the Outdoor Recreation Centre
The track can be accessed by wheelchairs and buggies from the carpark to the lake and return. Assisted wheelchair is needed at the high gradient section.
The walk features a variety of plant life. From podocarp forest at the track’s start to the impressive viewpoint to the plant communities around the lake.
Good interpretation panels explain the lake’s formation and vegetation succession. When the rata is in flower it’s an impressive and colourful place, with an active bird population.
Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk
Time: 30 min return
Getting there
Off the Southern Scenic Route near the Forest and Bird Society Lodge
The track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies from the carpark/roadend to the platform in the estuary and rreturn. Care should be taken on the boardwalk as it is narrow. Assisted wheelchair is needed at the high gradient section.
The track is partly board-walked and also incorporates a section an old sawmilling road. It starts in podocarp forest then leads out to the estuary flats. The vibrantly coloured jointed rush/oioi takes on an extra glow at sunrise and sunset. There is also a resident population of the shy but noisy fernbird.
There is direct access to all three walks off SH92, the Southern Scenic Route.
Dogs are not permited in Tautuku Bay.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
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| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| invercargill@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |