Pyramids to Papanui via Victory Beach

The track through the Okia Reserve is clearly marked. There is no formed track along the beach or while you're running along the sandy shore of the Papanui Inlet. It is recommended to only run this track at low tide.

From the Okia Reserve car park at the end of Dick Rd, head down the straight track until you reach the small pyramid (a short detour will get you to the top with some pretty views of the reserve).

You can now head directly to the beach or take the slightly longer way to the left, following the Loop Track sign (shown in the map). Either way, you should follow the track signs to Victory Beach.

Follow the beach southward to the mouth of Papanui Inlet and around the spit (can you spot the remains of the SS Victory that ran aground here). Make sure to stay relatively close to the dunes or you might have to awkwardly loop back after finding your way blocked by water.

Staying close to the dunes, you can keep running on sand for much of the way towards the saltmarshes close to Dick Rd. If the tide is too high, there are tracks running close to the beach, including a rough road through pine forest.

After you reach the saltmarshes, find a way to the right to reach Dick Rd; you'll probably have to hop over a couple of small streams. Then just need to follow the gravel road to your right back to your car.