VICTORY - the wild but not lonely beach

Chance viewing of yellow-eyed penguins, bypass a basalt rock formation called the Pyramids, see the SS Victory flywheel at low tide.

Victory beach is the longest beach on the Otago Peninsula stretching for 3.5km.  Start by walking the back dunes of Okia flats, a 2km walking track to the beach past two large outcrops of columnar basalt known as The Pyramids. They are fascinating rock formations and you climb to the top of the Little Pyramid which offers a great 360degree view of the back dunes and ocean.

Okia Reserve is 231ha and the largest reserve managed by the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust. Penquin monitoring is carried out during breeding season and pest control is a year round activity.

Farmed for over 100 years, Okia's revegetation commenced in 1992 to enhance breeding habitats, and increase the biodiversity value thereby offering new oppourtunities for native species - flora and fauna.

Victory beach is habitat for rare species of wildlife notably the yellow-eyed penguin and New Zealand hooker sea lions and fur seals. 

Once on the beach, at low tide you can see the flywheel of the SS Victory, which ran aground at the southern end of the beach in 1861. The chief mate in charge of the ship at the time was later to be found intoxicated.

Best walked at low tide, allow a good 2-4 hours, even better, take a picnic.

Stay at boutique eco-lodge Kaimata Retreat. Located on Papanui Inlet not far from Victory itself.  The retreat offers a Wild Peninsula package - perfect compliment to your invigorating scenic beach walk.