The Orokonui Valley is a picturesque and secluded north-facing area nestled below the 307-hectare Ecosanctuary and adjoining the Orokonui Wetlands Reserve. The surrounding area is full of trees, bird life, walking tracks, beaches and within walking distance of the Waitati township.
What's nearby?
WALKING TRACKS
Orokonui Estate looks out over the Blueskin Bay estuary. A walking track skirts around the front of the estuary, and splits off in two directions - track-1 takes you around the edge of the estuary towards Doctors Point, and track-2 leads you along a meandering creek up the Orokonui Valley towards the Ecosanctuary.
THE OROKONUI ECOSANCTUARY
The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is New Zealand's only Cloud Forest, home to a huge range of native creatures living in the wild, free from the threat of introduced pests. Some of New Zealand's most interesting and rare forest wildlife live here, including bellbird, tui, kaka, gecko, morepork, the NZ falcon, wood pigeon, and even kiwi.
With a visitors center, a cafe overlooking the Ecosanctuary and the rugged Silver Peak mountain range, regular special events, and guided tours, the Ecosanctuary is a wonderful resource to have right on our doorstep.
BEACHES
Tucked in behind a tidal estuary, this property is close to a number of beaches.
Warrington and Karitane beaches are short drive to the north, and both are great spots for walking, exploring rock pools, swimming and surfing.
The stunning Long Beach is just a short trip up Blueskin Road, and lies nicely tucked into a bay - it's almost completely unaffected by swells, making it a fun, safe swimming beach. Long Beach also has some fascinating (and huge!) caves to explore, and is a rock climbing mecca.
Doctors Point Beach is a beautiful spot for a walk - watching the power of the ocean feed the estuary is a humbling experience. Two large natural rock arches lead you around the bay, with stunning views along the coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean spreading to the horizon.
WAITATI TOWNSHIP
Waitati, known in Māori as Waitete, is a small seaside settlement in Otago, within the city limits of Dunedin. It is located close to the tidal mudflats of Blueskin Bay, 19 kilometres north of the Dunedin city centre. The small Waitati River flows through the bay to the sea. Waitati has a Public Library, Blueskin Bay nurseries and café, Waitati Designs, Harvey Street Merchant, Gallery on Blueskin, Arc Brewing Co, Waitati Primary School, Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade and general store. The town buzzes on the first Sunday of the month, when the Blueskin Community Market hosts a huge variety of stalls.