Tūhaitara Coastal Park

This park was established as a result of a Ngāi Tahu settlement with the Crown. It is a recreational reserve managed by a local trust. The land is largely pine forest, but includes the large Tūtaepatu Lagoon, and is undergoing extensive revegetation work.

Highlights

• 5km Tūtaepatu Trail (walk/run/cycle)
• 10.5km Pegasus Walkway (walk/run/cycle/horses)

How to get there

Access the park from road ends at:

• Reid Memorial Avenue at The Pines Beach
• Woodend Beach Road, Woodend Beach
• Te Kohanga Drive, Pegasus 
• Bridge Street or Kiwi Avenue, Waikuku Beach

Where to stay

Holiday parks are located at Kairaki, Woodend Beach, and Waikuku Beach.

The basics

• Entrance fee: no fees.
• Pets: dogs on leash permitted except at the lagoon. They may be taken on the Tūtaepatu Trail.
• Vehicles: bicycles and horses are permitted in some areas.
• Overnight camping is prohibited.

Hazards

• Coastal seas may be unsafe for swimming. Surf patrols operate seasonally at Waikuku Beach, Woodend Beach.
• Active forestry occurs in the park. Forestry operations are indicated by signage.

Visitor information

Te Tai Kōhaka
1 Woodend Beach Road
Woodend Beach

+64 3 313 1768​
Full contact details