Last updated October 2026
The Papaitonga Track is a short, easy walk to lookouts over Lake Waiwiri, a dune lake in Papaitonga Scenic Reserve about 46 km from Palmerston North. It starts from the car park at the end of Buller Road, about 5 km southwest of Levin.
DOC grades it as an easy short walk: 10 minutes to a picnic area and viewing platform, or a 20-minute loop on to a second lookout.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed this track as closed: “Papaitonga Track will be closed from 28 September 2026 while a section of boardwalk is replaced. The track will reopen on 20 October 2026.” Check DOC before you go to confirm it has reopened.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Papaitonga Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCPractical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Buller Road, about 5 km southwest of Levin
- Distance from the city
- About 46 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 10 min to the viewing platform; 20 min loop to the second lookout
- Track length
- About 1.2 km
- Grade
- Easiest (DOC: easy short walk)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Forest track and boardwalk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (a section of boardwalk is being replaced; DOC’s alert gives a reopening date of 20 October 2026). Check DOC for reopening.
About Papaitonga Track
From the car park, a 10-minute forest track and boardwalk leads to a picnic area and a viewing platform looking out over Lake Waiwiri. From there, a 20-minute loop carries on to a second lookout at the southern edge of the lake, where the reserve meets farmland.
The reserve covers 135 ha of lake, wetland and lush coastal forest. DOC describes it as “the only intact sequence from wetland to mature dry terrace forest in Wellington and Horowhenua”, and some of the forest types here, such as kahikatea and pukatea wetland forest, are now rare. The mānuka on the forested side of the lake is home to the rare leafless mistletoe Korthalsella salicornioides.
Papaitonga is also an important refuge for birds that rely on wetlands and lowland forest. Waterfowl and wading birds use the lake, and forest species live around its edges, so the lookouts are good spots to stop, watch and listen.
DOC rates it a good option for kids. Bear in mind that DOC also describes the track as being in poor condition and slippery, especially when wet, so take care with children.
The Lake and Its Islands
Lake Waiwiri formed in a hollow behind sand dunes laid down around 35,000 years ago, where water from several sources collected. There are two islands in the lake. Papaitonga is the larger, and the karaka brought to the island still grow there in thick groves.
The smaller island, Papawhārangi, was built by the Muaūpoko people in the late 18th to early 19th century. They drove poles into the lake bed to mark out the island, then filled the space with clumps of pūrei, a tussock-forming sedge pulled from the lake edge with earth still on its roots.
Kākahi shells were laid over the pūrei, and canoeloads of soil were then thrown on top. Access to the islands is not permitted.
Reserve Rules and Track Conditions
Papaitonga Scenic Reserve protects rare plants and wildlife and fragile habitats. Dogs, fires, hunting, mountain biking and trail bike riding are not permitted. Stay on the formed tracks and in the marked lookout areas, and take your rubbish home with you.
Wasp nests may be present in summer. The track can be slippery, especially in wet conditions, and when we checked on 18 October 2026 DOC had the track closed for boardwalk work, so check the DOC page before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Papaitonga Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Ōtaki area: other walks and places to visit in the area, with current alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Papaitonga Track open?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC’s alert said it was closed from 28 September 2026 while a section of boardwalk is replaced, and would reopen on 20 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
How long does the walk take?
About 10 minutes to the picnic area and viewing platform, or 20 minutes for the loop to the second lookout.
Is it good for kids?
DOC says it’s a good option for kids, but the track is in poor condition and slippery when wet, so keep a close eye on children.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted in Papaitonga Scenic Reserve.
Where does the track start?
At the car park at the end of Buller Road, about 5 km southwest of Levin.
Can I visit the islands in the lake?
No. Access to the islands is not permitted.
What birds might I see?
DOC says the reserve is home to waterfowl and wading birds, as well as forest birds around the lake’s edges.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.