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Sandy Point, Invercargill
1.8 km
48 minutes
20 metres
If you find yourself in the deep south of Aotearoa, specifically near the friendly city of Invercargill, you might be looking for a quick escape from the urban hum. While Southland is often known for its rugged coastlines and expansive farmlands, there is a hidden pocket of serenity just a short drive from the city centre: Petrie's Track.
Located within the sprawling Sandy Point Domain, Petrie’s Track is a quintessential local favourite. It is the kind of walk that fits perfectly into a busy schedule—whether you have three-quarters of an hour to kill before lunch or you want to give the kids (and the dog) a bit of a run-around in the fresh air. At just 1.8 kilometres, this loop trail is an easy-going introduction to the unique coastal ecology of the region.
Stepping onto Petrie’s Track feels like stepping into a different world, despite being only a stone’s throw from Invercargill. The trail is a gentle, mostly level loop that takes about 45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. Because the total elevation gain is a mere 20 metres, it is accessible for almost everyone—from toddlers finding their feet to older walkers looking for a steady, scenic stroll. It’s also one of the best "buggy-friendly" tracks in the area, thanks to its well-maintained surface.
The terrain is a delightful mix of well-trodden dirt and gravel paths. As you begin the walk, you’ll find yourself enveloped by regenerating native bush. There is something deeply restorative about the smell of the damp earth and the rustle of the leaves here. As the track progresses, the landscape shifts into sections of open pine forest. The tall, straight trunks create a cathedral-like atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the needles in long, golden shafts on a clear day.
The path is easy to follow, making it a stress-free experience for visitors. You aren’t constantly checking a map; instead, you can focus on the sensory details: the crunch of needles underfoot, the salty tang of the estuary air, and the chatter of local birdlife. While it is a short walk, the variety of the landscape makes it feel much more substantial. If you finish the loop and find yourself wanting more, the beauty of Sandy Point is its interconnectedness. You can easily transition onto the Rover Track to extend your journey along the coast, creating a longer 4.8km loop that takes you deeper into the domain.
Ample parking is available at the Daffodil Bay Road car park within Sandy Point Domain. This car park serves as a primary access point for Petrie's Track and other trails in the area.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2km away
A popular local spot known for its delicious Kiwi cuisine, generous portions, and friendly service. Offers a cozy atmosphere with fireside seating and outdoor options. Specialities include crispy chicken salad and fresh seafood.
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Loop
The undeniable star of the show on Petrie’s Track is the view over the estuary. As the track winds along the edge of the land, the bush opens up to reveal the sweeping expanse where the Oreti River meets the Foveaux Strait. Depending on the tide, the views can vary from shimmering blue channels to vast, intricate sandflats. It is a fantastic spot for photography, especially during the "golden hour" just before sunset when the light reflects off the water.
Another highlight is the sheer diversity of the flora. For those interested in New Zealand’s ecological restoration, Petrie’s Track is a living classroom. You’ll see young mānuka and kānuka pushing through, alongside ferns and various native shrubs that are reclaiming the land.
For families, the highlight is often the ease of the trail. There are plenty of spots where the kids can stop to inspect a curious fungus or watch a beetle without the pressure of a steep climb. It’s a "low-stress, high-reward" trail that makes for a perfect weekend morning outing.
Getting to the trailhead is a breeze. From Invercargill, head west along Dunns Road toward the coast. Follow the signs for Sandy Point Domain. Once you enter the domain, look for Daffodil Bay Road.
There is ample parking available at the Daffodil Bay Road car park, which serves as the primary gateway for Petrie’s Track. The car park is spacious and well-marked, and you’ll find trail maps and signage near the entrance to help orient yourself. It’s a popular spot, but because the domain is so vast, it rarely feels overcrowded.
If you’re a bird enthusiast, bring your binoculars! The mix of native bush, pine forest, and estuary frontage creates a "triple-threat" habitat that attracts a wide range of feathered residents.
The most common companion you’ll have on the trail is the Fantail (Piwakawaka). These friendly little birds are known for following hikers, flitting about to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll also likely hear the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī echoing through the trees long before you see them.
The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active and the "dawn chorus" or evening songs are in full swing.
Sandy Point Domain (officially the Otatara-Sandy Point area) is a place of immense significance. Covering over 2,000 hectares, it is one of the most important recreational and ecological sites in Southland.
Historically, this area was a vital site for Māori settlement, providing a rich source of mahinga kai (food gathering) from the river and sea. Later, in the 19th century, the area was utilised for whaling and flax milling—industries that shaped the early colonial economy of the south.
Today, Sandy Point is a testament to conservation. Much of the native bush you see on Petrie’s Track is the result of dedicated ecological restoration and pest control efforts. The goal is to return the sand-dune forest to its original state, providing a sanctuary for native species. When you walk here, you’re walking through a landscape that is slowly but surely being returned to its roots.
After you’ve stretched your legs and filled your lungs with coastal air, you’ll likely be looking for a spot to refuel. You don’t have to go far.
Just 2km away from the domain is Ziff’s Cafe & Bar. This is a legendary local institution and the perfect "après-hike" spot. It’s got a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, complete with fireside seating for those chilly Southland days and an outdoor area for the summer months.
Their menu is classic Kiwi fare at its best. If you’re hungry, their generous portions of fresh seafood or their famous crispy chicken salad are highly recommended. It’s a friendly, relaxed environment where you’ll feel just as comfortable in your walking gear as you would in a suit. It’s the perfect way to cap off a morning exploring the beautiful Petrie’s Track.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round