Last Updated: 6th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Ross, Pineapple, Frasers loop

Dunedin, Otago

Submitted by Ben Walker

Last Updated: 6th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 26 ?

Gnarl Factor: 20 ?

18.5km

1000m

1000m

660m

  

  

  

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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

15%
70%
15%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:30

Moderate

2:00

Fast

This description starts and finishes on Highgate, but it's just as easy to start from Ross creek.

Head down past the Balmacewen golf course on Cannington Road and duck down the Ross Creek track to the right and keep on going until you hit the Reservoir. You may have to bypass a section up Burma Road as there is a slip presently (Jan 2019). Continue past the Reservoir up parallel to Wakari Road, through to Craigieburn. Near the intersection is the start of the Pineapple Track. Head straight up and keep going until you hit the top, then veer left (not right toward Swampy).

Continue South along the top and then down to the bull pen. Head into the forest and down Fir Trader mtb track toward Three Mile Hill Rd/Taieri Rd. Then take the first right and go down Dalziel Road for a while, perhaps 500m or more. Before you get to Brockville there is a trail running down through the bush toward Kaikorai Valley. Take the trail down Fraser's Gulley all the way down to a picnic area beside the river. To get back up to Highgate you can continue straight across KV Road and up Falcon Street. Falcon is a fine finish to your run, it's steep AS.

This trail includes the peak Flagstaff.

Good views over the city.

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.

2 km

5 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

Generally good.

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

None really. Take some water.

Exposed up top of the Pineapple Track

Trail Legend

Ben Walker

Ben Walker

has completed Ross, Pineapple, Frasers loop 10 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

5* for Ross creek, hill leg up and down And Fraser’s Gully and 3* for the city segment (I’m not keen on running in traffic). The route is well maintained and, while steep in places, overall a good workout without being a excessive. This route is a perfect run length IMHO. Peninsula beats it for keeping it rural. Or, I could have just headed over Swampy, I guess!

Daniel Pettigrew

October 21, 2020

I'm reviewing my own run here but I thoroughly enjoy it! Just about every weekend I'm out doing this trail/run or a variation. I've discovered the Davie Track recently that comes down into the Wakari Forest which is fantastic. I take my dog for the whole run and most the time she's off the lead. Fantastic sunrises over Dunedin frequently and great views across the hills.

Ben Walker

May 1, 2020

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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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