09 October 2026
Fine, then low cloud or fog at night. Southerlies dying out early evening.
8° / 20°
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1 / 4Invercargill area
Rover and Petries Loop Track
Situated within Sandy Point Domain, west from Invercargill, this loop walk heads along the coastal Rover Track to Daffodil Bay and returns via the open pine forest of Petrie’s Track.
Distance
4.81 km
Walking time
1 hour 15 mins
Difficulty
Easiest
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Invercargill forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 7:36 pm
10 October 2026
Low cloud or fog in the morning and again at night, otherwise partly cloudy with the odd shower. Easterlies for a time in the afternoon.
9° / 20°
11 October 2026
Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. Northerlies, turning southwesterly in the afternoon.
8° / 21°
12 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
10° / 22°
13 October 2026
A few showers becoming widespread in the afternoon. Northwesterlies, dying out in the evening.
7° / 19°
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Rover and Petries Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Rover and Petries Loop Track
From the carpark on Daffodil Bay Road, the track splits into two. The left-hand track is Rover track, which winds along the Oreti riverbank through regenerating native vegetation. For the full loop, continue to hug the shoreline until reaching Daffodil Bay, passing by a small raised lookout with views across the estuary. Alternatively, several tracks link between the two tracks to enable a shorter loop walk. Just before completing the track at Daffodil Bay, Petrie's Track starts on the right. This track winds through the recently replanted open pine forest back to the carpark. For a longer walk, the Daffodil Bay Loop Track can be added onto your journey. Continue to Daffodil Bay picnic area and beyond to the south to complete this loop.
Essential information for Rover and Petries Loop Track
Dogs Sandy Point Domain, excluding playgrounds, marked sports fields and the ponds and lagoons designated as wildlife habitats, is an area designated for dog exercise where dogs are permitted to be off leash. Please keep your dogs under control at all times. Please refer to the dog bylaw for dogs on walking tracks. Visitor Centre The Sandy Point Visitor Centre, located part way along Sandy point Road, contains a series of displays and interpretive material covering Sandy Point Domain and the vegetation and wildlife found within the grounds. They tell the story of Sandy Point’s human and natural history. The visitor centre is open most weekends and by arrangement with groups. More information about Sandy Point Domain can be found on the Invercargill City Council website
Getting there for Rover and Petries Loop Track
Sandy Point Domain is seven kilometres from Invercargill, with the only road access being via Dunns Road. After crossing the Dunn Road bridge, turn left onto Sandy Point Road. Follow the road along the river, and turn left into Daffodil Bay Road. After 650m, you'll see the carpark directly ahead where the road bends to the right . Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Alternatively, drive all the way to Daffodil Bay , and start your walk from there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Rover and Petries Loop Track
Dogs must be under control, but may be off leash
Before you walk Rover and Petries Loop Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.