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Otago Peninsula
6 km
2 hours 30 minutes
40 metres
If you’re looking for a walk that packs ancient volcanoes, a shipwreck mystery, and some of the country’s rarest wildlife into a single afternoon, then The Pyramids and Victory Beach Track on the Otago Peninsula needs to be at the top of your list. Often overlooked in favour of the more famous Royal Albatross Centre, this track is a "hidden gem" in the truest sense of the word. It’s a place where the air smells of salt and harakeke, and the landscape feels like a scene from a prehistoric movie.
Whether you’re a Dunedin local looking for a Sunday stroll or a tourist wanting to experience the rugged soul of the South Island, this 6km loop offers an incredible "bang for your buck." At just 2.5 hours and with a very gentle 40m elevation gain, it’s an easy, accessible adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
The journey begins at the very end of Dick Road, where the Okia Reserve car park marks the transition from farmland to wild conservation land. From the moment you step onto the well-maintained farm track, the first thing you’ll notice is the silence—interrupted only by the occasional bleat of a sheep or the cry of a spur-winged plover.
The initial stretch of the walk takes you across flat, open country. Looming ahead are the stars of the show: The Pyramids. These aren't man-made structures, but incredible geological formations of columnar basalt. As you get closer, the geometric precision of the rocks is staggering. It feels as though you’ve stumbled upon a giant’s abandoned building blocks.
The track leads you directly between the two outcrops. While the larger Pyramid is a bit of a scramble, a well-defined detour leads you up the smaller one, known as Te Matai o Kia. It’s a short, sharp puff to the top, but the reward is immense. From the summit, the Okia Flats spread out beneath you like a green carpet, leading your eyes toward the white-frothed breakers of Victory Beach.
Descending back to the main path, the environment shifts. You’ll wind through the heart of the Okia Reserve, a stunning example of ecological restoration. Once a busy farm, the area is now being reclaimed by native shrubs, toi toi, and harakeke (New Zealand flax), thanks to the tireless work of the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and the local community. The path here is sandy and undulating, softened by the coastal grasses.
Ample parking is available at the Okia Reserve car park, located at the very end of Dick Road on the Otago Peninsula.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Megadyptes antipodes
One of the rarest penguins in the world, hoiho nest in the bushy headlands of the Otago Peninsula and are most likely seen in the late afternoon as they return to shore after a day of fishing.
Best time: Year-round
Eudyptula minor
These are the world's smallest penguins, known for their unique slate-blue feathers that help them camouflage in the ocean.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
Finally, the track spills out onto the sand. Victory Beach is the longest beach on the peninsula, stretching for over three kilometres of pristine, wind-swept beauty. Walking along the shoreline here feels like reaching the edge of the world. The return loop takes you back through the dunes, offering a different perspective of the Pyramids as they change colour in the shifting afternoon light.
The Basalt Columns of the Pyramids The geology here is world-class. These "Pyramids" are the remnants of a volcanic vent from the Dunedin Volcano, active millions of years ago. The way the basalt has cooled into distinct hexagonal columns is fascinating—it’s the same process that created the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. For photographers, the textures and shadows on these rocks are a dream.
The View from Te Matai o Kia Don’t skip the climb! Even though it’s a small ascent, the panoramic view gives you a sense of scale you can’t get from the ground. You can see the entire curve of the beach and the intricate layout of the wetlands. It’s the perfect spot for a quick snack and a few photos.
The SS Victory Flywheel History buffs, keep your eyes peeled. The beach is named after the SS Victory, which met its end on these sands in 1861. While most of the ship is long gone, the massive rusted flywheel remains. At low tide, it emerges from the surf like a ghost from the past. It’s a tangible, salty reminder of Otago’s rugged maritime heritage.
The Wild Dunes The dunes at Victory Beach are some of the most intact in the region. They are massive, shifting structures that provide a sense of wild isolation. Exploring the "dune slacks" (the low areas between dunes) often reveals hidden pockets of native vegetation and quiet spots out of the wind.
Getting to the trailhead is half the fun, as the drive along the Otago Peninsula is widely considered one of the most scenic in New Zealand.
The drive takes about 35–45 minutes from the city. Make sure you have enough fuel, as there are limited services once you leave Portobello.
The Otago Peninsula is the wildlife capital of New Zealand, and the Pyramids and Victory Beach Track is a prime spot for ethical wildlife viewing.
This area holds deep significance for Kāi Tahu, the local Māori iwi (tribe). The Pyramids were known as landmarks for navigation and have stories woven into the cultural landscape of the peninsula. The name Te Matai o Kia reminds us of the long history of occupation and connection to the land here long before European settlers arrived.
The Okia Reserve itself is a triumph of modern conservation. It is managed as a partnership between the Dunedin City Council and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust. When you walk through the regenerating bush, you’re seeing a landscape in recovery. The removal of cattle and the planting of thousands of native trees has allowed the ecosystem to breathe again, creating a sanctuary for species that were once on the brink of disappearing from this coast.
Once you’ve shaken the sand out of your shoes, you’ll probably be looking for a caffeine hit or a hearty meal. The nearby village of Portobello is the perfect place to refuel.
This walk is a reminder of why we love the Otago Peninsula. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and it’s full of surprises. Whether you're there for the geology, the history, or the chance to see a sea lion snoozing on the sand, the Pyramids and Victory Beach will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired by the wild beauty of New Zealand’s south.
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus
Known for its vibrant blue-green plumage and spectacular dive-bombing hunting technique to catch prey.
Best time: Year-round
Vanellus miles
An introduced species, they are often seen in open paddocks and wetlands, known for their distinctive call and aggressive defence of nests.
Best time: Year-round
Phalacrocorax varius
This large black and white shag is a proficient underwater hunter, using its feet for propulsion, and is often seen drying its wings on coastal perches.
Best time: Year-round