Last Updated: 29th Oct 2026
Okiwi Bay Seaward Valley Track
Last Updated: 29th Oct 2026
Open
Grunt Factor: 41 ?
Gnarl Factor: 42 ?
19.8km
1700m
1700m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
With permit
Native bush
Coastal
Open tussock/grasslands
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +17.20%
Average Downhill Gradient: -17.10%
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5:00
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Starting from the carpark, follow the track to the lookout up the hill. You will soon reach a grass area with a picnic table providing a first view over the bay. From there follow the main track up the hill, ignoring the turnoff to the right onto the Patutu Route.
Another 3km up the track you will get to the side track to the Pacific lookout which climbs another 700m to another grassy area providing great views across the Pacific ocean.
Retrace your steps back to the main track and continue on, after a short downhill with a few small stream crossing you will reach the next climb which takes you to the highest point of the route. From there it is a 2.5k downhill into an impressive part of original, native bush with black beech, rimu and matai trees which ultimately ends in a stream crossing to climb back out on the other side of the valley. This downhill is steep in places and would probably be slippery post rain (clay type mud).
The climb up to the final hill of this track starts of gentle and is quite runnable until the last push. Once you reach the grassy saddle area you are rewarded with an amazing view of the snowcapped seaward Kaikoura Range.
Take pictures, have a snack and then retrace your steps back to the carpark.
Note: If you can organize to be dropped off it is possible to do this as a one way track, starting from the Blue Duck Valley Road (which would add another 4km and appr 500m of elevation) - with the end point (Okiwi) being a stunning bay that has access to a rocky beach front, seal viewing opportunities and a cafe this could potentially be an option on a road trip with a (very patient and understanding) family :D
Views of the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura Ranges, native bush and Seals at the start/finish.
Public Toilets are located at the beach carpark and there's a long drop at the Okiwi Bay carpark itself.
You can either park on the coast in the main carpark of the bay (look out for the Karaka Lobster Cafe) or if this is busy there is loads of parking across the railway lines (towards the hills) which is where the track starts from
10 km
10 minutes
With Permit
Moderate.
Easy to follow, just keep an eye on the orange triangles as there are some farm tracks crossing the course.
Very patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Ohau Stream.
The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.
Karaka Lobster
https://www.karakalobster.com/
Located right at the start/finish of the track and famous for its seafood. Stunning views across the bay
The Store at Kekerengu
Kekerengu
https://www.thestore.kiwi/
Short drive, great views, access to a windswept beach, yummy food - also there are coin operated showers at the campsite behind the store
Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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