Last Updated: 7th Jan 2025

Beginner - Intermediate

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The 3 Peaks

Dunedin, Otago

Submitted by Steve Tripp

Last Updated: 7th Jan 2025

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 40 ?

Gnarl Factor: 29 ?

26.4km

Length of run

1630m

Total Ascent

1635m

Total Descent

670m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Point to Point (one way)

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

60%

20%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.4%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:15

Moderate

2:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Head off along Woodhaugh St and then turn left onto Rockside and then into the trail up to Ross Creek.

Past the reservoir turn right before crossing the bridge to Wakari Rd to take the route up Craigieburn then cross Tanner St onto the Pineapple track.

Head up to Flagstaff summit, then double back to the connection with Swampy Ridge track.

At Swampy cell tower go down Leith Saddle track about 200m take a right turn through flax chute onto 4WD powerline track. Follow this down to the left until it heads into the bush and down into Morrisons Gully.

Keep going down to hit Leith Valley Rd. Turn left and run up 1.8km till you cross the motorway on the overhead bridge. Immediately after bridge the tracks goes off to right, down some stairs and over a couple of bridges, and then up through the forest.

At Cowen Rd turn left to Mt Cargill and follow track down to Bethunes Gully.

Head down the road to the finish at Chingford Park.

This trail includes the peaks Flagstaff and Mount Cargill.

Great skyline views of Dunedin city, Otago Peninsula and the Harbour. This is the route of the iconic Three Peaks Mountain Race. It's been going since 1984 so has a bit of history.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

Lots of parking on Woodhaugh Street.

Distance from Dunedin:

4 km

Driving time from Dunedin:

9 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Lots of spots to take a wrong turn. Best to use gpx. If in doubt you're never that far from the city!

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

There's a drink fountain soon after the start of the Pineapple Track but apart from that nothing.

Seasonality Issues:

Can get cold windy and low visibility.

Hazards:

Mud, some technical bits, roots, slippery rocks

Inch Bar
8 Bank St
https://www.facebook.com/Inch-Bar-100507150007389/
Some good beer on tap

Trail Legend

Maria Earl

has completed The 3 Peaks twice in the last year.

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.