There are a few ways you can access the Ōtipua Wetlands.
1. Park at the cemetery, walk through the middle and out onto an open feild, follow the track to a bridge, cross the bridge, go past the train over bridge and follow the track around the lagoon.
2. Park on the highway, walk over the bridge and enter the wetlands on foot or by bike
3. From central Timaru, follow the Timaru-Pareora Highway south about 4.5km. Turn left onto Scarborough Road. Drive until the end of the road where you can park, and head north onto the coastal track. The walk can alternatively be started at the end of Ellis Road where you can see Tūhawaiki (Jacks) Point Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1903 by the Timaru harbour board, as the harbour light was ineffective. The lighthouse, also known as Jacks point, gets its name from Hone (Jack) Tūhawaiki, a Māori chief belonging to the Ngai Tahu and Kai Tahu tribes. The track runs along the cliff top.
4. Park at end of Rothwell St, Redruth and walk up the side of the creek beside the rubbish tip.
Takes about 1 hour to complete the walk from Ellis Rd to Scarbough and return. Distance: 5km, easy walk and bikes and dogs are allowed
Download Ōtipua Wetlands and the Coastal Track map here A4.pdf
Hone (Jack) Tūhawaiki memorial - Scarbrough Rd
- Cycling through the cemetary
- Jacks Point Lighthouse
- Ellis Rd Entry
- View back to Otipua Beach
