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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: -45.80111, 170.50029. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 3.5 hr
- Track grade
- Easy; Advanced
- Location
- Dunedin area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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
This tramping track travels through the cloud forest above the Leith Saddle on Dunedin's Northern Motorway.
This DOC directory entry covers Leith Saddle Track in Otago, within Dunedin 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 3.5 hr
- DOC grade: Easy; 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.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A well surfaced track climbs, steeply at first, through thick, native cloud forest. The gradient eases before coming out onto open tussock on Swampy Spur.
From here the track climbs to a trig for panoramic views of the city and beyond. After that the track is rougher - more typical of a tramping track - and it’s another steady climb to the vehicle track that traverses Swampy Summit.
Visit the Accessibel website for a description and photos of the gradiant, signage and faciliites of this track.
This track links with others in the Silver Peaks and Dunedin area, including the Swampy Ridge Track and even the Flagstaff-Pineapple Walk (managed by the Dunedin City Council).
Getting there
The track is accessed from Waitati Valley Road, near the intersection with SH1 at Leith Saddle. The track start is 50 m along the Waitati Valley Road.
Know before you go
This track is exposed to adverse weather that can change rapidly. Check the forecast before you go, ensure you have the appropriate gear and be aware of the distance to the road exit should the weather change.
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.
