Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Otago > Coastal Otago > Papatowai - Old Coach Road

Papatowai - Old Coach Road

Location
Signposted off the Southern Scenic Route; carpark access is at the northern end of the Tahakopa River Bridge on SH92.
Description

The track follows the original route that horse-drawn coaches took after coming off the beach in Tahakopa Bay. After the track's start, when it forks, go right. It's flat going, alongside the tidal river and a very pleasant walk for all ages and abilities. In parts the original coach road formation can be seen as it passes beneath a canopy of tree fern, silver beech and young totara. Near the track's end, where there's a host of regenerating totara is an important moa hunter archaeological site.

The track ends when it reaches the beach, which can be walked along for some distance to link with a more arduous and often muddy route known as Old Possumers Track. This is a three-hour loop. The start/finish is the left fork off the Old Coach Road.

Duration
0.4 hours
Level
Easy
Amenities
  • Birds
  • Carpark
  • Historical
  • Lookouts
  • Picnics
  • Plant Life
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
Discussion
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