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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -45.91844, 170.03745. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 17 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 4 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Dunedin area / Waihola - Taieri Mouth area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk or mountain bike the Government Track which traverses the slopes of the beech-and mānuka-forested Waipori Valley.
This DOC directory entry covers Government Track in Otago, within Dunedin area / Waihola - Taieri Mouth area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 17 km return via same track
- Walking time: 4 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Pest control at coastal Otago tracks; First published on 12 February 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Windfall on track
There are large fallen trees blocking this track that you will need to climb over or go around. Be ready to carry your bike if you're riding.
Traversing the slopes of the beech-and mānuka-forested Waipori Valley south of Dunedin, the Government Track was built in the 1860s to provide access to the central goldfields.
The track starts with a short push up a steep section of switchback track. The old pack track begins to sidle along the flank of the Waipori Valley and then climbs steadily to the top.
There are a few creek crossings. The track can be muddy at times and stinging nettles (ongaonga) are present.
For mountain bikers a stiff climb to the top is rewarded by a flowing downhill return journey.
Getting there
The track entrance is 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on the right; parking is 100 m further on the left.
Know before you go
Windfall (trees) are blocking the track in some places which require climbing over.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
