Last updated November 2026
The Chalkies Track is a challenging loop from Silverstream Valley Road that crosses Leishmans Creek and the Silver Stream and makes a steep 400 m climb to the top of Powder Hill. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hr 30 min.
From the 525 m trig there are views across the Silverpeaks and the Taieri Plains, and the loop passes quartz limestone cliffs that DOC calls unusual in Dunedin’s geology. The streams have no bridges, so expect wet feet. The track is about 11 km from Dunedin, around 20 minutes’ drive from the city.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Chalkies Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Silverstream Valley Road (or a small layby 900 m before it)
- Distance from the city
- About 11 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Track length
- 6 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Summit
- Powder Hill trig, 525 m
- 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 Chalkies Track
DOC describes the track as a clockwise circuit, though you can walk it either way. It starts along Leishmans Creek on a gradual uphill gradient, then crosses the creek, with no bridge, and begins a rapid climb. Just after the crossing, a short steep pitch has a rope to help when the ground is slippery.
The track climbs through kānuka and broadleaf forest with scattered podocarps, including Hall’s tōtara and rimu. Higher up the gradient eases and views open over the Silverpeaks and the Taieri Plains. On the summit of Powder Hill, a poled track runs through mānuka, flax, inaka, wild spaniard and patches of snow tussock to the trig.
From the trig, return the way you came or continue north to complete the loop past the quartz limestone cliffs. The track drops back to Silverstream Valley Road, where you turn right, cross the Silver Stream and walk to the car park. DOC notes birds are abundant, especially kererū, bellbird (korimako), tūī, grey warbler (riroriro) and fantail (pīwakawaka).
Getting There
Access is via Silverstream Valley Road. The formal car park at the end of the road is managed by the Dunedin City Council, and a small layby about 900 m before it serves the southern entrance.
Whichever entrance you use, DOC says you will walk about 900 m on the gravel road, sharing it with vehicles. There is no public transport to the track.
Stream Crossings and Safety
You cross Leishmans Creek and the Silver Stream without bridges. DOC says: “Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded” and “If in doubt, stay out.” Expect wet feet on the full loop. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Chalkies Track: 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 and tramps around Dunedin.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Chalkies Track take?
DOC gives 3 hr 30 min for the loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced, with a steep 400 m climb to Powder Hill.
Will I get wet feet?
DOC says to expect wet feet if you complete the loop. It crosses Leishmans Creek and the Silver Stream without bridges.
Where do I park?
At the council car park at the end of Silverstream Valley Road, or the small layby 900 m before it.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
What can I see from Powder Hill?
The Silverpeaks and the Taieri Plains.
Can I get there by bus?
No. DOC says there is no public transport to the track.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
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.