Last Updated: 20th Nov 2023

Intermediate

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Alternative Flagstaff Circuit

Dunedin, Otago

Submitted by Dan Boulton

Last Updated: 20th Nov 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 23 ?

Gnarl Factor: 37 ?

14.4km

780m

780m

663m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

60%
25%
15%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:45

Slow

2:00

Moderate

1:30

Fast

Head up through the gardens, keeping the Leith River to you right. Cross over Malvern Rd and immediately head up Woodhaugh St for 150m before joining the Leith Walkway again. Stay on this for 600m crossing a couple of bridges. After the second bridge, turn left and head up the trail. Further along, cross the stream and head up the left hand side of the stream until you get to the road. Turn right onto the road for 800m until until you get to the Ross Creek Carpark . Head into the trails again and take the first left, follow this for 200m cross the road and join the trail again. Follow the McGoun Track which switch backs all the up to McGoun Rd. Turn left onto McGoun Rd. Continue up this road for 350m and look out for a less defined track to your right. This the start of the technical single trail that climbs you right up to the main Flagstaff Summit track. This a 2km climb. Keep an eye on the track as easily disappears.

Once on the main track, turn left and take this to the Flagstaff Summit about 1km. Turn around and head back down, but stay on the main trail until you hit a T junction. Take a right and head down Pineapple TK for 1.6km and then right on to McGuon Tk. Once on the 4WD road, turn left until you get to a sealed rd. Turn tight and after 50m cross over the road and head into the bush trails again. Stay on these, keeping the Ross Creek Reservoir on your right until you hit Rockside Rd, turn left onto Rockside and then right onto Tanner and then left back onto Rockside again following the road down until you get to the Leith Walkway entrance on your right. , just before Malvern Rd. Follow the Leith Walkway all the way back to your car.

This trail includes the peak Flagstaff.

Great views over Dunedin, and some brilliant bush trails.

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.

Lots of parking on George St.

3 km

7 minutes

Yes

No

Hard.

The steep track up to Flagstaff isn't well defined, just keep your eyes peeled. Sometimes the tussock and flames can grow over the trail.

Generally good.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Nil

Icy in winter and the clouds can come in so be careful.

Clouds and visibility. You are close to Dunedin but very exposed in places.

Trail Legend

DP

Daniel Pettigrew

has completed Alternative Flagstaff Circuit once in the last year.

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