Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Saturday 21st January

Kay phoned and asked if I fancied a walk, of course my reply was positive, so she suggested the Pineapple Walk. We travelled independently to Tanner Road, Dunedin, to park my car, then we drove together in Kay's car to Bull Ring, the start of the walk. With Tor the dog at heal, we took the very well defined track to the summit of Flagstaff, ascent of 509 feet (155 metres), for wonderful 360 degree views, from Dunedin to the Silverpeaks Forest.

Derek, Tor & Kay at Bull Ring,

Start of Pineapple Track

Tor & Kay at Bull Ring Sign, the Start of Pineapple Track 

Saddle Hill from near Summit of Flagstaff

 on Pineapple Track

Derek at Summit of Flagstaff on Pineapple Track

Dunedin Harbour from Summit of Flagstaff

 on Pineapple Track

A22E Summit from near Knoll on Pineapple Track

Pineapple Junction on Pineapple Track

Photos and refreshments by Trig Point, then down hill for 1611 feet (491 metres), to the car. Lots of flax plants around couples with more excellent views of Dunedin and towards Swampy summit. Soon reached Pineapple Junction with its huge direction signs. Continued down the hillside and into woodland. Several trees had their barks completely stripped, couldn't understand why, was it natural or was it due to an animal. Kay suspected Possums the culprit. At the junction with McGoun's Creek Track we decided to divert away from Pineapple Track to extend the walk slightly. Lots of boardwalks to avoid swampy areas, but no mud as we walked because of the dry recent weather. Lots of ferns and Ponga Trees, very picturesque. We approached a clearing where logging had been undertaken recently, where we also came across a seating area to commemorate 100 years of Dunedin City Forestry. After a short while we continued and saw lots of mountain bike tracks with small information boards near the end of McGoun's Creek Walk and where Pinapple Walk finished. We had arrived back to where my car was parked on Tanner Road.

Kay & Tor on Pineapple Track near McGouns Creek Track

World's Steepest Street in Dunedin from Pineapple Track near McGouns Creek Track 

Kay & Tor on Boardwalk on McGouns Creek Track

Logging Clearing on McGouns Creek Track

Kay & Tor on Seating by Plaque on McGouns Creek Track

Car at end of McGouns Creek Track

The End of the Walk

We agreed we both deserved a pint of beer, so we drove into Dunedin for a pint in the Duke of Wellington, before returning to Bull Ring to collect Kay's car. What a fantastic day in the hills above Dunedin, magic scenery. I hope I return again soon.       

Dull but warm

18 degrees C, 90% Cloud

Excellent underfoot

Few people around

95% Enjoy

Flax and Ponga Trees