Discover Lenz Reserve in the Catlins
Lenz Reserve, situated in the Catlins along the Southern Scenic Route, is 33 km southwest of Owaka near Tautuku Bay. This 550-hectare reserve is managed by Forest and Bird, having been acquired in the 1960s through a bequest from Mrs Lenz. The reserve has several walking tracks and lodge-style accommodation at the Tautuku Forest Cabins.
Walking Tracks and Historical Insights
There are two short walks and a longer hiking option.
To begin the short walks, start from the car park and follow the access road for a short distance. This leads to an easy track to the Traill Tractor site, which is heavily overgrown with long grass. Despite the overgrowth, you will find a series of informative panels detailing the area's history and the development of Traill Tractor technology. Scattered sawmilling relics can also be found among the grass, with some old signs that highlight past features.
From the Traill Tractor site, take the Link Track, which follows an old forestry tramway. The track is narrow and encroached by forest regrowth, particularly clusters of attractive mahoe trees (whitey wood). This path leads to the Nature Walk loop track, where small plaques identify and describe the trees and plants along the way. Look out for small fenced-off areas designed to exclude deer and other pest mammals, showcasing the significant difference in undergrowth between protected and unprotected forests.
There is also the Long Track, a more arduous 9 km looped hike into the depths of the old-growth podocarp forest. Parts of this trail are poorly marked, so allow plenty of time and be prepared.
How to Get to Lenz Reserve
To reach Lenz Reserve, drive along the Southern Scenic Route in the Catlins, located 33 km southwest of Owaka near Tautuku Bay. The entrance and public parking area are almost directly opposite the access road for the Tautuku Estuary Walk. Park in the unmarked area before the access road to Tautuku Forest Cabins, as this road is narrow and blocked by a locked gate.
Other nearby places include Papatowai, Tautuki Bay Nature Walk, Lake Wilkie Walk, Cathedral Caves and McLean Falls.
