Tautuku Beach & Estuary Walks

Tautuku is a spectacular, forest-fringed bay that sweeps round to an impressive headland. There are three scenic walks around this area. The walk to the bay is only a 15 minute return that suits all ages, starting from opposite the Outdoor Education Centre.

To see the Tautuku Estuary, you can start near the Forest and Bird Society Lodge for a gentle 30 minute return walk, with a section entirely made out of boardwalks.

There also a 30 minutes return walk to Lake Wilkie which features a variety of plant life. From podocarp forest at the track’s start to the impressive viewpoint – that can be accessed by wheelchair – to the plant communities around the lake. Good interpretation panels explain the lake’s formation and vegetation succession. When the rata is flower it’s an impressive and colourful place, with an active bird population.