Orokonui HeavenBeginner
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Urban fringe
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Native bushPlantation/exotic forestRiversideOpen tussock/grasslands
Beginner
2:15 (Slow)
1:30 (Moderate)
0:50 (Fast)
-8.6%
+8.7%
This a a paid entry site, it will cost you $20 and it's well worth it. You will get some amazing bird pics and almost certainly see Takahe, as well as contributing to a fantastic conservation resource.
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Description
From the Information centre entry, head down and through the pest gate and turn left. You will have a map that they gave you on paying - suggest you read these instructions at the start while looking at the map and it will all seem very clear.
You are heading onto Aviary Road. Follow this until you see the sign for Easter Orchid Track, follow that (not very far) and turn left on a short out and back to the orchids (hopefully you get them in flower). Once back to the branch turn left again (this is a pattern you will see). You will rejoin the Aviary Track at the Aviary itself.
From the Aviary, carry on along Aviary Rd until you reach an intersection (signposted) where you turn left again onto Kiwi Track. Follow Kiwi Track to the sign for Fuschia Gully Track - this is another out and back and like the orchids, if you choose the right time of year you will see the flowers.
Once you reach the end of the trail, head back to Kiwi and turn left again. A short distance later you reach the sign for Robin Valley Track, a bit of work in this one... not going out though as it is about 2.5km of downhill. On the way you will pass NZ's tallest tree, don't turn back here, carry on the the end of the track where it reaches the fences. Then head back up the trail, which is a good climb. When you get to the intersection, turn left into Bellbird Track, then left into Pokaka Loop Track, back left onto Bellbird and at the next intersection TURN RIGHT onto Tui Track.
Follow Tui Track down past bird feeders and turn left onto Butterfly Track, turn left again onto Kaka Track and follow it all the way to the viewing platform. Then turn back, turning left yet again into Fernbird Track and follow this right around to the skinks and the other pair of Takahe. Then hop onto Tui Track to the next intersection where you turn left onto Kiwi Track again. Follow this along the fence and then turn left onto Aviary and follow it back to the gate you came in.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Wonderful birdlife including accessible Takahe and Kaka
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 0%
Technical Single Track: 0%
Moderate Single Track: 0%
Easy Single Track: 100%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 0%
Gravel Road: 0%
Sealed Road: 0%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
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Access
Orokonui is clearly signposted both from S.H.1 north of Dunedin where you turn off at Waitati and get on to Blueskin Road. Alternatively, you turn up the hill from Port Chalmers - again clearly signposted.
No public transport, but there is a sizeable carpark.
20 km
26 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Moderate.
Just read the map at the start and compare to my instructions and it will be easy.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
There was water at several spots... not sure how drinkable, but you are only ever a couple of km from the cafe at the base.
Well formed trails should be great all year round.
None of note
-
Post run indulgence
Orokonui Ecosanctuary Cafe
At the end of the run
Great food and awesome coffee and it supports the sanctuary. -
Sponsor this trail
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