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Warrington

Ōkāhau in Māori, Warrington sits on the northern side of Blueskin Bay off Coast Road

With a population of around 450, Warrington is a strong community with a host of activities making it an eclectic coastal town.


The Warrington Hall acts as a busy community hub, the venue for arts, crafts, sporting activities, community meetings and parties.


Nearby, St Barnabas Church is recorded as the oldest building in Warrington which features historic ornate lead-light windows.

 

Warrington Beach is a long white sandy beach stretching the coast with views South to Mapoutahi Pā, Purakaunui and Aramoana in the distance. The coastal cliffs of Doctor’s Point Beach create a striking vista. What’s more, you can often walk the beach towards the mouth of Blueskin Bay estuary and not see another human.

 

It is however, not uncommon to be sharing the beach and reserve with sea lions and birdlife which are plentiful with oystercatchers, godwits, gulls, terns, shags, herons, spoonbills and even penguins making their home around the edge of Blueskin Estuary, among the sand dunes and wider Warrington flora and fauna.


A new community centre is planned for the former play-centre site with the Waiputai Trust acquiring the lease of that building.

 

Warrington Domain features the Esplanade Surf Lifesaving Club, seasonal kiosk style cafe with great coffee, public toilets & showers, popular children’s playground & family picnic area.

 

Freedom camping is permitted at the Domain and quality facilities have been provided to make Warrington a popular camping destination, ordinarily.

Location

 History

Hocken Snapshot | Ex Otago Witness 10/4/1912 p50 - The popular weekend resort (of Warrington) on the Main North Line, Dunedin. View looking across to Blueskin Bay & Purakanui

The location of Warrington was an important Māori settlement and the middens at the base of Warrington spit contain a large number of moa bones. Various artefacts discovered at the spit indicate a wide range of cultural activity. Excavations during the 1800's are know to have uncovered Māori whare sites.

In later times Warrington became a popular settlement and resting point for foot travellers arriving from inland ranges.

Further reading is available through the Department of Conservation publication 'The Archeology of Otago'.

Destinations

Warrington Beach is at times iscolated and, like many Otago beaches, it is not uncommon to have Warrington beach entirely to yourself, and perhaps your dog. 


At other times Warrington Beach is a very busy recreation playground for sea going sports, surf lifesaving and family days out.


Warrington Domain includes a well developed freedom camping area that would ordinarily be humming with international tourists. A safe childrens play area, seasonal cafe & well kept facilities make this a great location.


Warrington Beach has many walking tracks among the dunes, through forest and along side Blueskin Bay estuary. This location is habitat to many birds and wildlife including seals, sealion and penguin.


A walk Southward along the beach towards the mouth of Blueskin Estuary makes for a dramatic experience, particulalry on a moody winters day.


Dogs are permitted, on lead during nesting season and at all times where there is risk. Birds & wildlife take priority over dogs.

 

A stunning location well worth a visit.

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