Highcliff Track

We only went to the lookout point today, because the beach is closed until March to protect the wildlife. A really nice walk in the late afternoon, and not like the other walks around Dunedin - the path through the trees and along farmland feels unique, and the views are easily worth the short walk. If you haven't visited it's a great one to see!
Mar 2nd, 2023

I dont recommend going on this track beyond the lookout point. Unless youre very sure-footed on rough and steep terrain with no proper path, and have no fear of heights. I tend not to shy away from cliff edges, and Ive a low centre of gravity which helps me to feel stable on edges but I did not enjoy this walk. Like another reviewer pointed out, this is hardly a track but more like a vague wading amongst waist-high grass. There is no clear path, you have to look ahead and make out where people have walked before from figuring out where the grass has flattened. The track is barely 15-20cm wide, and because youre stepping on overgrown grass and weeds, the footing is never firm. The cliff also drops off next to the path, its a stunning view but not a great experience. Ive some photos if anyone wants to see what Im talking about. I got in about 1km of the messy track and decided to turn back, because the track dips down the cliff sharply and without a clear path, the cons outweighed the pros for proceeding. Unlike other DOC tracks that are marked with the iconic orange poles telling you where to go, on this track you cannot see the next pole from the one youre at. So theres even less certainty in the correct path to take. Still, enjoy the stunning view of boulder beach from the viewing point where the bench is. I couldve sat there for hours.
Jan 18th, 2023

I originally intended to walk the harbour cone track but when I got there I found that the track is closed until 1 November for lambing, so decided to walk the paradise /buskin /highcliff track instead and I'm sooooo glad because it's a fantastic track! Beautiful scenery out over the water, and no sounds apart from birds and sheep. Quite steep in spots so is sufficiently challenging for those who are quite fit. I walked the whole length including the off tracks (paradise and buskin) and it was 16km. The doc website says it's a loop track but in order to make it a loop you have to walk some way along highcliff road which I'm not interested in so I did it as an out and back trip
Jul 28th, 2021

Apr 21st, 2020

Nice views, excellent workout. Make sure you bring loads of water!
Jan 13th, 2020