Last updated November 2026
The Ōtepatotu Scenic Reserve walk is a short, steep loop to the summit of Lavericks Peak (755 m) on the Summit Road of Banks Peninsula, passing through a moss-hung “goblin forest” on the way. It starts at the reserve car park beside Summit Road, midway between Okains Bay and Le Bons Bay.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives 1 hr 30 mins, but notes the track has steps and needs a reasonable level of fitness.
The loop climbs through mountain tōtara forest and returns down a gully of native fuchsia. It is about 39 km from Christchurch and popular with families, though DOC says it is not suitable for children under 5.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ōtepatotu Scenic Reserve walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Reserve car park beside Summit Road (limited roadside parking)
- Distance from the city
- About 39 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 mins
- Track length
- 1.7 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Facilities
- Picnic tables and a toilet at the car park
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Ōtepatotu Scenic Reserve Walk
DOC says the name Ōtepatotu loosely translates as “place of the fairies”, and the forest near the top lives up to it. Close to the summit, the trees are hung with weeping moss, giving the track its goblin forest feel.
The loop climbs through a remnant of mountain tōtara forest to the summit of Lavericks Peak at 755 m. From the top you look over Akaroa Harbour and the surrounding peaks. The way down follows the southern side of the hill through gully forest of native fuchsia, or kōtukutuku.
The reserve protects some of the original forest of Banks Peninsula. The track is short but steep, with steps, and DOC says a reasonable level of fitness is required. DOC advises that it is not suitable for children under 5.
Getting There
Follow the Akaroa Highway (SH75) to the top of the hill above Little River, then take Summit Road (Tourist Drive) to the Pigeon Bay turnoff. Continue 13.5 km past the turnoff along Summit Road. The reserve is beside the road, midway between Okains Bay and Le Bons Bay, and DOC notes that roadside parking is limited.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ōtepatotu Scenic Reserve walk: 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: Banks Peninsula area: other DOC walks, reserves and huts on Banks Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ōtepatotu Scenic Reserve walk take?
DOC gives 1 hr 30 mins for the loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate, but the track is steep with steps and needs a reasonable level of fitness.
Is it suitable for young children?
It is popular with families, but DOC says it is not suitable for children under 5.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Are there toilets?
Yes. DOC lists picnic tables and a toilet at the car park.
What is the goblin forest?
Near the summit, the trees are draped in weeping moss, which gives the forest its goblin-like look.
What can I see from Lavericks Peak?
Akaroa Harbour and the surrounding Banks Peninsula peaks.
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.