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McGouns Walking Track

The track provides an interesting circuit route through regenerating native forest. The Track proper starts to the right about 400m down a gravel forestry access road from the steel gate and track sign.

The entrance is well signposted. The Track then meanders through regenerating bush to connect with the Pineapple-Flagstaff Walk. The creeks and damp areas are well board-walked. 

Ross Creek

Options range from a peaceful walk around the gravel circuit beside Road Creek Reservoir to an extended ramble through the network of tracks. The Ross Creek Tracks provide for excellent family and individual walking and jogging opportunities.

There are a number of track loops that can be accomplished (including some suitable for walking with buggies and wheel chairs). You can either enter the track system from Fulton Road, Wakari Road, Burma Road, Tanner Road or Rockside Road at the various gates.

The lower Ross Creek Track also connects with the Water of Leith Walk. The Ross Creek - Woodhaugh Garden walking link was opened during 1999 as part of the Regional Council's Streamscape Plan, which aims to provide access for people close to Dunedin's Waterways.

The reservoir dam and tower were completed in 1867. Built from local stone and 'puddled' clay, the dam is one of very few 19th century dams still in use in New Zealand.

A range of natural vegetation and habitats is passed on the walk. Native bird life, such as wood pigeons, fantails and bellbirds, can be seen and heard while walking on the track. The Ross Creek Track also offers well-marked orienteering opportunities.

School Creek

From the Octagon, travel north along George Street until it connects with Pitt Street, continue up Drivers Road. Cross onto Balmacewen Road and turn right onto Pilkington Street.

You can park beside the golf course on Cannington Road or carry on to the Ross Creek Tracks' parking area off Burma Road.

Some small creeks are unbridged and have slippery rocks to negotiate. There are also some steep sections off Cannington Road. This track provides a link between the suburb of Maori Hill and the Ross Creek Track Network.

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Grahams Bush Walk

The track starts at the end of Hall Road, Sawyers Bay, where it is signposted (or Mt Cargill Road at the top.). It travels up a gravel road (don't take your car up here). Soon it branches off onto a contoured grass track. This track passes over a stile and is signposted "Grahams Bush Scenic Reserve".

The track begins to climb up through bush beside a small creek, which is bridged later on, and beyond that is a staircase up a small bluff. The track continues through a patch of mature Rimu and Miro trees, dropping down to a bridged creek crossing.

From here the track climbs steadily via a series of switchbacks, until, near the top, a staircase brings you to the end of the track and an abrupt meeting with Mt Cargill Rd (watch for vehicles).

Heyward Point Track

The track starts at a farm gate and the Department of Conservation sign on Heyward Point Road. The 4WD track turns to unformed track through nettle and grass.

The Heyward point track branches to the left about 900m from the start of the track and it crosses paddocks to enter some native coastal scrub. Here the track descends slowly towards the headland of Heyward Point. Beware of the steep cliffs.

If the branch to Heyward Point is not taken the DOC track continues to the right at the top of the cliffs. Walk down the track to Aramoana (grass slippery when wet). At the bottom, turn left onto Aramoana Road. Great views can be had from Heyward point and along the cliff top walk. You can continue to Aramoana and out to the Mole for views of the harbour entrance and Taiaroa Head.