Highcliff Track

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Highcliff Track is a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s playground. Here are the standout features that make this walk so special:

• The Dry Stone Walls: These historic structures are a defining feature of the Otago Peninsula. Constructed by early European settlers using local volcanic rock, they are some of the best-preserved examples in the country. They provide a beautiful, textured foreground for your landscape shots.
• The Highcliff Views: True to its name, the track offers vantage points from some of the highest coastal cliffs in the area. The sheer scale of the coastline from this height is breathtaking. On a clear day, the horizon seems to go on forever.
• Regenerating Native Bush: While much of the peninsula was once cleared for grazing, you’ll see beautiful pockets of regenerating native New Zealand bush. It’s a testament to the local conservation efforts to bring back the original biodiversity of the area.
• Boulder Beach Overlook: While the track itself doesn't always take you right onto the sand, the views looking down into this secluded cove are world-class. It feels like a hidden paradise, often untouched by anyone but the local wildlife.

Getting There

Getting to the trailhead is a scenic drive in itself. From Dunedin, follow the winding Highcliff Road, which offers stunning views of the Otago Harbour. Turn off Highcliff Road onto Karetai Road, then take a left onto McMeeking Road.

Follow McMeeking Road all the way to the very end, where you’ll find a small car park. A word of warning for those in larger vehicles: the turning space at the end of the road is quite tight. If you’re driving a larger campervan, you might find it easier to park a little further back along the road where it’s wider and walk the extra few hundred metres to the start of the track.

Wildlife Spotting

The Otago Peninsula is often called the wildlife capital of New Zealand, and the Highcliff Track offers plenty of opportunities to see some of our unique feathered friends.

The most famous resident is the Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho). These rare penguins are occasionally seen in the area year-round. However, please be mindful of the Boulder Beach Conservation Area. To protect these endangered birds during their sensitive breeding season, access to the beach itself is restricted from November 1st to February 28th. Even when the beach is closed, you can often spot other coastal birds from the track.

Keep an eye out for the Spotted Shag and Variable Oystercatcher, both common sights along the rocky shorelines. If you look skyward, you might see Sooty Shearwaters during the spring and summer or Red-billed Gulls wheeling in the wind. In the patches of bush near the top of the track, the friendly Fantail (Pīwakawaka) will likely follow you for a bit, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up. You might also hear the sweet song of the New Zealand Pipit (Pīhoihoi) in the open grassy areas.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Highcliff Track is a "four seasons" walk, but each time of year brings a different vibe:

• Spring: The hills are a vibrant green, and the birdlife is particularly active.
• Summer: The best chance for clear blue skies and sparkling water, though the track is very exposed, so sun protection is a must.
• Autumn: Often brings calmer, more settled weather, which is perfect for tackling the steep climb without the summer heat.
• Winter: Expect raw, wild conditions. A southerly blast can make this track feel incredibly dramatic, but you’ll need good windproof layers!

Best time of day: Aim to start early in the morning to catch the "golden hour" light hitting the cliffs, or late afternoon to watch the shadows lengthen over the Pacific.

• Sturdy footwear: The track is steep and can be slippery when wet. Hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended.
• Layers: This is coastal Otago—the weather can change in a heartbeat. Bring a windbreaker even if it looks sunny.
• Water and snacks: There are no water points on the track, and you’ll want some energy for that climb back up!
• Sun protection: Much of the track is open with no shade.

Safety Note: This track is not suitable for dogs or young children due to the steep terrain and sensitive wildlife habitats.

Local & Regional Context

The Otago Peninsula, or Ōtepoti, holds deep significance for mana whenua. For centuries, it has been a place of resource gathering and settlement for Māori. The rugged nature of the Highcliff area meant it was a formidable landscape to navigate, yet its proximity to the ocean made it a vital link to the sea's bounty.

Following Māori settlement, the area became a hub for colonial farming. The dry stone walls you see today are a physical map of that era, marking out the boundaries of early European selections. Today, the area is a focal point for intense conservation work. Local groups work tirelessly to trap predators and replant native species, ensuring that the Hoiho and other native species have a future here. When you walk the Highcliff Track, you aren't just walking on dirt; you’re walking through a landscape that is being actively restored.

After the Walk

After you’ve conquered the "Highcliff Heart-Starter," you’ll definitely be in the mood for a treat. Luckily, the peninsula has some fantastic spots to refuel:

• Cove Cafe (Portobello): About 8.5km away, this is a local favourite. It’s got a great, relaxed atmosphere and is famous for its home baking and excellent coffee. It’s the perfect place to sit back and scroll through your hike photos.
• Glenfalloch Garden Café & Restaurant: Located about 15km away in a stunning woodland garden setting. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial or a "fancy" post-hike brunch, this is the spot. Their menu focuses on fresh, local produce.
• The Duck (Macandrew Bay): A bit further along the harbour (15.5km), this cafe offers gorgeous views and a very inclusive menu (plenty of gluten-free and vegan options). It’s a lovely spot to watch the boats on the harbour as you recover from your climb.

The Highcliff Track is a quintessential Dunedin experience—rugged, beautiful, and just a little bit wild. It might leave your legs a bit sore, but the views of the Otago coastline will stay with you long after you’ve finished your coffee at the cafe!

15km away

Set within beautiful historic woodland gardens, this cafe and restaurant offers superb cuisine crafted with fresh local produce, locally roasted coffee, and a delightful selection of cabinet food, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus.