Last Updated: 27th Nov 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

The 3 Peaks

Dunedin, Otago

Submitted by Steve Tripp

Last Updated: 27th Nov 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open More info

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

Share your photos

Send to phone

View other trails

Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Point to Point (one way)

Very hilly

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%

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.

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.

Transport and parking:

Lots of parking on Woodhaugh Street.

Distance from Dunedin:

4 km

Driving time from Dunedin:

9 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

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

Ruth Maltby

has completed The 3 Peaks once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and The 3 Peaks

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for The 3 Peaks!

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

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.