24/09/2025. Government Track Circuit. Grade 4.5. Trampers. Leaders: John Gardiner and Carolyn Pridham
The Government Track was originally built in 1860 to provide horse and dray access to the Waipori Goldfields.
Tag: Government Track
Government Track and Kowhai Spur
10/07/2024. Government Track, Kowhai Spur. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Lyn Keene, Jenny Wilton.
18 Trampers braved a frosty morning to walk the Government Track /Kowhai Spur. Continue reading “Government Track and Kowhai Spur”
Government Track, Kowhai Spur, Mill Creek – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the area West via SH87 (inland on the south side of SH87) groups together trips to the Government Track, including Kowhai Spur and Mill Creek.
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
2.5+ hours from road to Pole-line and Styx Road.
DCC – Government Track map – see image below.
DCC: Mountain biking on Government Track
[DCC brochure extract: Government Track. 4 hr 30 min, 17 km (return).
The track entrance is Government Track / Kowhai Spur 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on the right; parking is 100 m further on the left.
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. For mountain bikers there is an option of riding up and returning the same way. Alternatively, once at the top follow the pylon track left and steeply down into Waipori township, then follow the road back to the start.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
How To Get There:
Option 1 – drive to Outram from PJP and turn left onto Formby Street , then right onto Huntly Road. Continue on this road onto Maungatua Road and turn right onto Waipoai Falls Road and follow road to reserve carpark located in the gorge.
Option 2 – drive south on SH1 to the Berwick turnoff and follow Henley Berwick Road to Berwick, turn right then left onto Waipori Falls Road and follow road to the reserve carpark located in the gorge.
Links to tramps and hikes in the same area:
24/09/2025. Government Track Circuit. Grade 4.5. Trampers. Leaders: John Gardiner and Carolyn Pridham
10/07/2024. Government Track, Kowhai Spur. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Lyn Keene, Jenny Wilton.
Government Track and Beyond (1991 – 2023. 34 trips)
Post Office Creek – Government Track (1996 – no report – downhill all the way.)
Mill Creek Track and Kowhai Spur (1993 – 2010, 13 trips – only 1 report).
Tramps Incorporating Three Kings (1989 – 2021, 26 trips including 4 to Mill Creek, Kowhai Spur, or both (no reports)).
DCC – Government Track map:
