Dunedin City Council – Kaunihera-a-rohe o Otepoti

Organ Pipes Track

Last updated: 01 Oct 2026 4:04pm

Key Information

Distance

2km

Duration

2 hour return

Dogs

Not permitted

Public transport

Not applicable

Wheelchair access

No

Pram access

No

Toilet access

No

A walk with spectacular views and featuring geological wonders. The Organ Pipes track is a 2km hike of discovery.

About this track

Linking with the Mount Cargill Walking Track. The Organ Pipes Track features outstanding columnar jointed basalt created by the volcanic formation of the Otago Peninsula. These incredible geological pillars are well worth the walk up and make a fantastic picnic spot.

Those that enjoy scrambling up small peaks will be rewarded by the Organ Pipes Track with spectacular panoramic views from both the top of the Organ Pipes and Butters Peak. The tops of these small peaks will bring into perspective the rapid floral transitions as the vegetation changes from Podocarp forest to Manuka and alpine scrub.

Directions

The Organ Pipes Track can either be accessed via Mt Cargill Road with a small carpark found at the base of the track or walkers can come the other end of the track on Cowan Road from the Mt Cargill summit carpark (where there is more car parking available).

For the best experience, the DCC Parks team recommends starting from Mt Cargill Carpark. In this direction you experience the summits of Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak and finish at the Organ Pipes, providing 360-degree panoramic views of the entire region.

No Bus access to this track - you will need your own car.

Know before you go:

Weather conditions on the Organ Pipes Track can change rapidly and it is recommended that you take a warm, windproof layer with you when walking this track. The Organ Pipes feature is very steep and tricky to climb and descend. Great care is required when climbing to the top of the Organ Pipes and it is strongly advised not to climb this feature in inadequate footwear or when it is wet.

Features

Running

Walking

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