The Tautuku Estuary Walk access road is off the Southern Scenic Route in the Catlins, almost opposite the Forest and Bird Lenz Reserve entrance, and 2 km west of the Lake Wilkie Walk. Drive south down the 2 km access road to the car park at the end. The walk provides access to the Tautuku River Estuary at the south end of Tautuku Bay.
From the car park, follow the signposted track through regenerating mānuka and native shrubbery to the boardwalk that runs about 100 metres through the oioi (jointed wire-rush) to the estuary viewpoint. The oioi is incredibly colourful with greens, reds and golds. Even on a grey, drizzly day, it was vibrant and would be stunning during the golden hour at either end of the day. There is also a chance of seeing rare native mātātā (fernbirds). However, these are shy and hard to spot. The walk is easy and takes about 15 minutes each way.
A second feature of the estuary is its industrial past. The access road was a forestry road, and there is plenty of evidence of human activity, especially on the west side of the road, closer to the river and estuary. Some activities are marked by rather dilapidated wooden signs that note the past presence of families and a sawmill. An unmarked track (a bit muddy) on the west side of the car park takes you into an area that was logged, planted in grass, and once had a house. A large clump of mature eucalyptus trees and some big exotic pines contrast sharply with the untouched native forest to the east.
The Tautuku Estuary Walk is 33 km southwest of Owaka on the Southern Scenic Route, and it takes just over 30 minutes to get there.
