Last updated November 2026
The Grahams Bush Walkway climbs from Sawyers Bay through Grahams Bush Scenic Reserve towards Mount Cargill, with views over Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives 2 hr 40 min, and notes a steady climb the whole way, with 366 m of height gain and some steep, slippery sections.
You can start at the sealed end of Hall Road in Sawyers Bay or at a small car park on Mount Cargill Road. The track crosses private land at both ends and passes through a working farm. It is about 10 km from Dunedin and links with the Organ Pipes Track for fit walkers.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Grahams Bush Walkway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Sealed road end of Hall Road, Sawyers Bay, or the car park on Mount Cargill Road
- Distance from the city
- About 10 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 2 hr 40 min
- Track length
- 6.8 km return via the same track
- Height gain
- 366 m
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Grahams Bush Walkway
From Sawyers Bay, walk up the gravel road from the end of Hall Road to a gate with a stile, where the official track begins. After 350 m you enter Grahams Bush Scenic Reserve, and the track climbs steadily through native bush.
As you gain height, views open over Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula. Expect stiles, stairs and a creek crossing along the way. The upper end comes out near the small car park on Mount Cargill Road, so the walk can be done uphill or downhill.
Fit walkers with time can continue onto the Organ Pipes Track and the summit of Mount Cargill.
Getting There and Parking
For the lower start, turn off the Dunedin-Port Chalmers Road at Sawyers Bay into Hall Road. DOC says to park only on the sealed road end of Hall Road and not to drive up the gravel road.
For the upper start, use the small car park on Mount Cargill Road, reached via North Road, which also serves the Organ Pipes Track.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC advises: “Avoid the area during or immediately after periods of heavy rain”, as flash flooding can occur, and don’t cross the creek if it is flooded. “In wet conditions, rocky sections of the track can be slippery.” The track passes through a working farm, so expect stock and farm vehicles, respect the landowners and stay on the track. Check DOC before you go.
From locals
Is the Grahams Bush Walkway a loop track?
How shady is it on a hot day, or is a lot of it open farmland?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Grahams Bush Walkway take?
DOC gives 2 hr 40 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate, and it climbs steadily the whole way, with 366 m of height gain and some steep, slippery sections.
Where do I park?
On the sealed road end of Hall Road in Sawyers Bay, or at the small car park on Mount Cargill Road. Don’t drive up the gravel road.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Does it link to other tracks?
Yes. Fit walkers can continue to the Organ Pipes Track and Mount Cargill.
When should I avoid it?
During or just after heavy rain, when DOC says flash flooding can occur.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Grahams Bush Walkway: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Department of Conservation: Dunedin area: other DOC walks around Dunedin.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.