The Otipua Creek Walk follows the creek from Coonoor Road to Centennial Park on a well-maintained shared path — a green corridor through the western edge of Timaru that connects the Saltwater Creek walkway system to the city’s main scenic reserve. The walk takes about 30 minutes one way and passes open paddocks on both sides of the creek with an unusual array of farm animals visible from the path.
Practical Information
| Start | Coonoor Road, Timaru (end of the Saltwater Creek Walk) |
|---|---|
| End point | Centennial Park, Timaru |
| Time | ~30 minutes one way |
| Difficulty | Easy — well-formed, mostly flat path |
| Shared use | Walking, running, dog walking (on leash), mountain biking |
| Managed by | Timaru District Council |
| Entry | Free |
About the Walk
The Otipua Creek Walk is a linear track following Ōtipua Creek through the western urban-rural fringe of Timaru. The path is well-made and maintained by the Timaru District Council, with extensive native plantings along the creek corridor as part of the ongoing development of the track.
On either side of the creek, open paddocks contain an eclectic mix of farm animals — horses, chickens, pigs, llamas/alpacas, goats and donkeys are commonly visible from the path, making it an entertaining walk for children. Aquatic birds are also present along the creek margins.
Green Corridor Connection
The Otipua Creek Walk forms the middle section of a green corridor linking the coast to Centennial Park:
Otipua Wetlands (King Street) → Saltwater Creek Walk (King Street to Coonoor Road) → Otipua Creek Walk (Coonoor Road to Centennial Park) → Centennial Park (native bush, lake, quarry tramline)
The full corridor can be walked in a half-day, with Centennial Park as the turnaround point at the far end.
Where to Learn More
Timaru District Council — Otipua Creek — official page with access and track information.
Free Walks NZ — Otipua Creek Walk — walk description with features and access notes.
Venture Timaru — Otipua Creek Track — local tourism overview of the walk.
FAQ
Where does the Otipua Creek Walk start?
At Coonoor Road — the far end of the Saltwater Creek Walk from King Street. It’s the connecting section between the Saltwater Creek route and Centennial Park.
How long is the Otipua Creek Walk?
About 30 minutes one way from Coonoor Road to Centennial Park.
What animals can I see on the walk?
Horses, chickens, pigs, llamas/alpacas, goats and donkeys in the paddocks on both sides of the creek, plus aquatic birds along the water.
Can I cycle the Otipua Creek Walk?
Yes — it’s a shared path suitable for walking, running and mountain biking.
How do I connect to the full green corridor walk?
Start at the Otipua Wetlands on King Street, walk the Saltwater Creek route to Coonoor Road, then continue via the Otipua Creek Walk to Centennial Park.
The Otipua Creek Walk is listed in the Timaru Walking Tracks guide. The connected routes are the Saltwater Creek Walk (King Street to Coonoor Road) and the Otipua Wetlands Walk at the coast end. At the other end, Centennial Park has its own walking tracks and lake.
