Bushy Beach is not as well known as the other features of Ōamaru. However, it is a small but exceptional orange sand beach towards the south end of Cape Wanbrow. The name arises from the native forest-clad steep slopes and cliffs overlooking the beach. This is the only beach in the region overlooked by native forest, with other beaches generally having farmland to the coast.
It is also an opportunity to see rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) in the wild as they nest in the forest above the beach. You will almost certainly hear them even if you don’t see them! To top off the nature experience, the beach is popular with fur seals. If you plan to sunbathe, make sure you give them some distance.
The beach is accessed at the end of Bushy Beach Road. From the south end of Thames Street in downtown Ōamaru, turn left into Itchen Street, then right into Tyne Street. Follow Tyne Street south until it veers slightly left onto Bushy Beach Road. At the end of the road is a car park at the top of the cliff. Walk onto the track, and there is a gate for the beach access. The track down to the beach is steep and will not suit everyone.
The gate is closed between 3 pm and 6 pm to protect penguins as they cross the beach to their nests from the sea. Between these times, follow the track along the cliff’s edge to the penguin-viewing locations to the north.
