Hike or Bike the Karetai Track
Dunedin, New Zealand
Details
Distance
2.5 miles
Elevation Gain
656.2 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Maggie Evans
This is an amazing but under-appreciated 'bang for your buck' hiking/running/mountain biking track that is less than 10km from Dunedin's city center! It can be enjoyed as a 4km out-and-back trip or can be the start of a longer adventure if used to connect to the Highcliff Track, Buskin Track and Paradise Track on the Otago Peninsula.
This track starts at the end of Tomahawk Road (by Smaills beach) and climbs 200 meters uphill over its 2km one-way length. The walking track ends at Karetai Road, so you could also start it at that end.
The track provides amazing views of Smaills beach and the beautiful coastline further south. And about half a kilometer along the track (starting from the bottom) you get to the cliff edge and you have the worthwhile option of doing a little (50 meter-ish) out-and-back detour along the Karetai cliffs to a vista that gives you great views of Boulder Beach and Sandfly Bay to the north/northeast, as well as the best sunrise view around if you're there early enough! If you're there for sunset, just turn around and you'll be spoiled with a very romantic sunset view.
After enjoying the cliffside detour, you pick up the main track again and continue upwards for just over a kilometer, gaining great views and sheep sightings with the elevation, before reaching the end of the track.
If you're not keen on doing out-and-backs, there's a stile at the top of the paddock where the cliffside detour is, and if you climb over it you can follow the single-track down along the cliff edge to Smaills beach and 'loop' back to the track start. It requires a little 'bush-whacking' at times, but is usually easy enough to navigate.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Hike or Bike the Karetai Track Reviews
Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Explore Sandfly Bay
Hike to Tunnel Beach
Hike the Pineapple Track
Hunt for Mussels in Aramoana
Backpack Silver Peaks Track
Explore Katiki Point Lighthouse
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy