Access to Haywards track can be made from two locations. The first is just outside of the small seaside village of Aramoana or from the end of Haywards road. If you start from Aramoana you will include more uphill walking. I started from the Haywards road entry point as I enjoy the views from driving along the top road. From Haywards Rd you simply follow the yellow markers as they run along farmland fencing to join the track.
View of Aramoana from walk to join Haywards track.
Follow the yellow markers to join up with Haywards track.
After a fairly decent walk you will finally join up with Haywards track. From here you will have an excellent view of Tairaoa head on the Otago Peninsula.
Haywards track view of Taiaroa head and the Otago Peninsula.
Once you have joined up the track you follow a track along the cliff edge at a safe distance. The walk to Haywards point is mostly downhill and quite steep in parts. On a wet day it could be quite slippery. It’s important to note you return the same way as you came, so heading back requires plenty of walking uphill. The walk to Haywards point is about 2.5km each way, not a huge distance at all, but the undulating terrain makes for very good exercise.
End of the hike, looking down to Haywards point.
A pest trap with views on Haywards point in Dunedin.
This rocky outcrop is home to a shag colony. Haywards Point, Dunedin.
Possibly a rusted old whaling winch at Haywards Point in Dunedin.
Views of Purakaunui from Haywards Point.
View of Aramoana beach heading back along Haywards track.
Keyhole rock on Aramoana beach in Dunedin.
Container ship making its way to Port Chalmers in Dunedin.
Container ship passing by Taiaroa head and the lighthouse.
Haywards track is a great way to stretch the legs and get some fresh sea air. Be sure to take layers as Haywards point is exposed to the elements and the sea breezes can drop the temperature considerably. The walk from my parked car was roughly 10,000 steps. Plus if you fancy a coffee afterwards there are plenty of cafes in Port Chalmers to stop off and relax in on the way back to Dunedin.
