Pineapple Track to Flagstaff Summit

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views

This is a great, airy climb from Dunedin to the summit of Flagstaff. Miles of above-treeline running give fantastic views of the Otago coastline and city below.

A good run for those seeking a hill workout.

From the trailhead at Booth Road follow the Pineapple Track steeply uphill through tree plantings that eventually lead to a graveled road past an old water treatment site. From here, the Pineapple Track tucks into the trees as true singletrack and climbs through lovely lush forest that often is noisy with bellbirds and tuis. The signed junction with McGouns Track offers a short loop back to Booth Road, but the summit of Flagstaff is gained by staying on the Pineapple Track. Past the junction, the track climbs into clearings where the first views of the city below can be had. The vistas improve as the track climbs above the bush line through open areas dominated by flax and tussock.

At "Pineapple Junction" a signed intersection points toward the Flagstaff Walkway, which leads to Flagstaff's summit. The track rolls along Flagstaff's broad ridgeline, passing some nice rocky outcrops before getting to the high point, where a marker will help you get your bearings. Views here extend up and down the coast and take in the entire city of Dunedin below. Backtrack down the way you came, using McGouns Track for the descent if you still have energy!