Village on the North Side of Blueskin Bay
Warrington sits on the northern shore of Blueskin Bay, about 25 km north of Dunedin, a compact settlement that has drawn Dunedin people to its beach since the 1890s. It grew up alongside Doctors Point and Karitane as resort villages serviced by excursion trains out of the city. Although the trains are long gone, the appeal of a wide beach a short drive from town hasn't changed. Two large early 1900s houses stand on the hill above the beach, remnants of Warrington's holiday heyday.
Beach and Estuary
Warrington Beach runs along the ocean side of the settlement, a broad stretch of sand backed by the Warrington Domain, with an active surf lifesaving club patrolling through Summer, making it one of the safer swimming spots on this stretch of coast.
On the sheltered estuary side, Blueskin Bay opens out into tidal flats that are genuinely important for birdlife. Oystercatchers, godwits, gulls, terns, shags, herons and kōtuku ngutupapa (royal spoonbills) feed here in numbers second locally only to Otago Harbour. Shellfish gathering is popular on the flats, within the posted daily limits. Expect to share the beach with birdlife, and occasionally sea lions, rather than crowds.
Walking the spit
A walking track follows Warrington Spit out toward the mouth of Blueskin Bay estuary, with paths through the centre of the peninsula giving elevated views back over the beach and bay. Allow around 45 minutes there and back.
An Old Māori Settlement
Warrington was an important Māori settlement long before European arrival, and the middens at the base of the spit still contain large numbers of moa bones, along with other evidence of sustained occupation uncovered during excavations in the 1800s.
Facilities and Camping
The Warrington Domain has a playground, picnic areas, toilets and showers, along with a seasonal kiosk café. Freedom camping is permitted on the domain, making it a popular stop for self-contained travellers and day trippers from Dunedin.
How to Get There
Warrington is on Coast Road, signposted off State Highway 1 shortly after the highway crests the hill at the north end of Blueskin Bay. The 25 km drive from Dunedin takes about 25 minutes.
Nearby places to visit include Truby King Reserve, Karitane and Huriawa, short drives north on Coast Road, and Doctors Point on the south side of Blueskin Bay.
