HOME | OUR LOCATIONS > Doctors Point

Doctor's Point

During the early 1900's a group of doctors purchased sections near the beach to create a reserve.

As its name suggests, 'Doctor's Point Reserve' as we know it today was historically privately owned residential land.


Located at the mouth of Blueskin Bay Estuary, Doctor's Point is a beautiful location popular for its white sand and crystal clear blue sea which sets the perfect scene for a hot summers day.


Wildlife and sea birds make their home at Doctor's Point and along cliff faces.  The prominent island within Blueskin Bay is know as Rabbit Island and regarded as a mystical destination accessible by boat or kayak only and also habitat to a variety of birds and wildlife.


Doctor's Point has high population of cockles which have been commercially harvested in recent times.


On route from Waitati, the destinations of Opeke and Miches Crossing are prior to Whites Road which leads up to walking tracks heading to the Mopanui ridge-line. Stunning views across to Warrington are visible from the track entry point.

Location

 
History

Evidence of early Māori settlement including the unearthing of adzes, stone blades and moa bones make the location one of cultural significance. It is thought that the location of Doctor's Point would have been as an anchor point for early sea going expeditions.

During the early 1900's a group of doctors purchased land bordering the beach as their seaside holiday residences, the area becoming known as Doctors Point. The Doctors collectively purchased the remaining sections near the beach and created a reserve. Further sections were eventually bought to the right of the access road heading down to the beach.

In the 1950's the 'Waitati Beach Reserve Society' was formed to safeguard and 'preserve the reserve' for - "all time." 

In 1992 the Society obtained a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant on the reserve land immediately behind the shoreline to protect its special nature.

The Society continues to protect and manage Doctors' Point reserve including preservation of Māori archaeological sites, native flora & fauna, birds & wildlife and its unique Otago landscape.

Destinations

Doctor's Point Reserve and Taoka's Arches beach walk compliment the unique beauty of this location.


In attempting to highlight all the magic spots of this location the writer is presented with a great challenge as Doctor's Point in its entirety is simply jaw dropping. If you time your visit with a low tide you are presented with a beautiful sandy beach which stretches below cliff tops which form the route of the railway line from Dunedin to Waitati and beyond. If you happen to experience the train passing high overhead you will appreciate the great engineering  achievement as the train rounds through a rail tunnel constructed over 100 years ago. The view from the train is something else. If you have the opportunity to take the Dunedin Railway 'Seasider' you will experience majestic views only possible from the train.


Doctor's Point Beach stretches South through Taoka's Arches toward Mapoutahi Pā and it is essential to only undertake that pathway at low tide. High tide blocks clear access along the beach at many points.


Doctor's Point is a great summer swimming destination and popular spot for family picnics, surf casting, cockle collecting & kayaking, walking and dreaming.


As with all of Dunedin, we are fortunate to share our environment with birds & wildlife and Doctor's Point is no exception. Nesting birds, sea lions, seals and penguins all frequent this location. It is important that dogs are kept on their leads here.