New Coastal Trail Delivers Surge of Visitors to Orokonui Café
PRESS RELEASE
Just months after the opening of Stage 1 of the Coastal Connection trail, the café at Orokonui Ecosanctuary is experiencing a remarkable increase in visitors, and bikes are driving the change. Since the 4.3-kilometre trail between Waitati and the ecosanctuary opened in February 2026, cyclists have been arriving in numbers that have delighted the team at Orokonui, demonstrating the tangible economic benefits that quality trail infrastructure can bring to local destinations.
"We have been absolutely thrilled by the response from the cycling community since the trail opened," said Louise Havill, Chef and Café Manager, Orokonui Ecosanctuary. "The café has seen a wonderful increase in visitors arriving by bike, and it has made a real difference to us. This is exactly the kind of connection with the community we had hoped for."
The trail climbs 300 vertical metres from Waitati through outstanding natural landscapes, with sweeping views of Blueskin Bay and the surrounding hills, before arriving at the end of Mopanui Rd beside the ecosanctuary. From there it is an easy ride along the road to the visitor centre and cafe.
For cyclists, the route has quickly become one of the most rewarding rides in the region, combining a genuine physical challenge with a world-class natural destination at the top. The first month has seen an average of over 80 walkers and cyclists per day using the track. Compare that to the 500 average users the harbour cycleway bridge gets each day. The demand is there for pedestrian infrastructure in our north coast communities.
"What we are seeing at Orokonui is a clear demonstration of what trail investment can do for local businesses and communities," said Emily Cooper, Project Coordinator. "The Coastal Connection is already bringing new visitors to the area, and this is only the beginning."
The good news comes at a timely moment. Blueskin Road is currently closed to vehicles until 19 June, requiring drivers to take alternative routes to the sanctuary. The Coastal Connection trail is unaffected by the closure, and visitors are welcome to park at Waitati and cycle in, avoiding the detour entirely. Those travelling by car can access the sanctuary via SH88 through Port Chalmers.
The Coastal Connection is a project of the Dunedin Tracks Network Trust. Stage 1 is the first completed section of a trail that will ultimately link the coastal communities of Waikouaiti and Port Chalmers, connecting to the harbour shared path forming part of a wider vision for a world-class track network in the Dunedin region.
For any questions about visiting Orokonui Ecosanctuary during the road closure, contact info@orokonui.nz. The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is open Thursday to Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
