The Otago Peninsula has a network of walking tracks that act as recreational connections between the landscape, biodiversity and people’s desire to explore the region.

Many of those tracks have been created over unformed legal roads, colloquially referred to as paper roads, and provide access in conjunction with private landowners. The 328-hectare Hereweka to Harbour Cone is one such block perfectly exemplifying this and was purchased by the Dunedin City Council in 2008.

Its combined outstanding landform, biodiversity and heritage value creates a central core to recreational links on the Peninsula. Bearing that in mind, the Hereweka Harbour Cone Trust recently opened up a new walking route from Portobello to the Harbour Cone property.

The trust has worked hard to see this project come to fruition, with the support of the Peninsula Community Board and the generosity of the private landowners involved. The path crosses private property through an outstanding Rimu Forest remnant, and then traverses the Harbour Cone. This new walkway was enjoyed by over 250 people on its opening day on 28 April.

With panoramic views of Hoopers Inlet and the Otago Harbour, this challenging route provides new recreational opportunities for people to connect with Portobello, Te Awa Ōtākou, public transport and local businesses in the area.

Paul Pope
Otago Peninsula Community Board Chair