Oreti Beach & Estuary Walk
Walk the wild 30-km sweep of Oreti Beach on the Foveaux Strait — one of New Zealand's most exposed and dramatic beaches, backed by sandhills and estuary wetlands.
- 1
Oreti Beach Access
Just 9 km from the city centre, Oreti Beach stretches 30 km northwest along the Foveaux Strait — the Southern Ocean roars in from Antarctica just 2,000 km south.
- 2
Sandhill Dune System
Wind-sculpted sand dunes up to 10 metres high back the beach — they shift constantly with the fierce Southland winds and support rare dune plant communities.
- 3
New River Estuary
The estuary at the beach's southern end is a Ramsar-listed wetland — a globally significant habitat for wading birds including rare migratory godwits from Alaska.
- 4
Foveaux Strait View
The strait visible from the beach separates the South Island from Stewart Island / Rakiura — one of the world's stormiest and most productive fishing grounds.
- 5
Toheroa Clam Habitat
Oreti Beach was historically famous for toheroa clams — huge shellfish that once existed in millions on this beach, now protected after near-extinction by over-harvesting.
- 6
Sunset Dune Overlook
The dune crests face west across the Foveaux Strait — on clear evenings the sun sets over Stewart Island and the distant Tin Range, painting the sky vivid orange.
Walk this route with audio
Stories play automatically as you reach each stop — no tapping needed.
