Last Updated: 14th Apr 2025
Ross Creek and McGouns
Last Updated: 14th Apr 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 16 ?
10.9km
300m
300m
303m
Last Updated: 14th Apr 2025
Last Updated: 14th Apr 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 16 ?
10.9km
300m
300m
303m
Urban
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Sealed Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.7%
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1:30
Slow
1:10
Moderate
0:50
Fast
Starting at the lower carpark in the Gardens, head through and out the main entrance. Head along Bank St and under the overbridge. Turn right after going over the Leith and head through Woodhaugh Gardens. Stick to the Leith as you go through and then cross over the bridge once out of the gardens on your right. The next part of the track starts off Woodhaugh St which is on your left as you cross over the Leith bridge.
Follow the tack through the bush and up to Ross Creek Reservoir. Head for a wee loop around then head up the track towards Booth Rd (heading on tracks upwards will get you there). Cross over the road and then along a bit and you'll see signage for McGouns on your left. Follow this track as it takes you on a loop around until you meet the Pineapple track. Head back down, meeting back up at the start of the track. Follow your path back to the Botanical Gardens.
Botanical bounty in the Gardens
Lovely reservoir in the bush
Water of Leith views
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.
Car parking at location, but plenty on surrounding streets if it's full. Reasonably safe roads to park on, though a minority of students can cause issues if car parked there in evenings.
3 km
7 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Follow Water of Leith through Woodhaugh Gardens.
Take a left onto track just as Woodhaugh St bends to the right.
Left turn after crossing second bridge to get to Ross Creek.
Take Tanner Track on the right as you pass Ross Creek Reservoir to head up hill. Take left onto Craigieburn to get to Booth Rd.
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Water fountain on Pineapple Track
Water fountain in Botanical Gardens
Can be pretty wet underfoot, but is generally good at any time of year.
Croc-O-Dile Cafe
Botanical Gardens
https://www.facebook.com/Garden.Dunedin/
Location is very accessible to the run
Vogel St Kitchen
76 Vogel Street, Dunedin 9016
https://www.vogelstkitchen.co.nz/
Great coffee, great food, great vibe.
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Ross Creek and McGouns
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A great way to experience the Ross Creek trails. After some track renovations over the last few years, all the trails on this route are open and they are running really well.
March 15, 2024
Part of track still closed but can detour around closed section by crossing stream and following easy grade bush track up for approx 1.5 km to link back onto water reserve (2 road crossings and keep veering right) well worth the extra distance.
February 22, 2018
DB
Track closed until 2018, stops about 2.5km up from start. Was looking like a great trail before then. Nice urban start.
July 4, 2017
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.
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