Last updated November 2026
The Government Track is an old goldfields pack track, now a shared walking and mountain biking track across the beech- and mānuka-forested slopes of the Waipori Valley. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 4 hr 30 min. The entrance is 5 km down Waipori Falls Road on the right, with parking about 100 m further on.
DOC warns that large fallen trees block the track in places and must be climbed over or gone around. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for pest control on this track, where feratox and cyanide pesticides have been applied. It is about 36 km from Dunedin.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Government Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Track entrance 5 km down Waipori Falls Road (parking about 100 m further on the left)
- Distance from the city
- About 36 km from Dunedin
- Walking time
- 4 hr 30 min
- Track length
- 17 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track (shared with mountain bikes)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (pest control: feratox and cyanide pesticides applied). Check DOC before you go.
About Government Track
The track starts with a short, steep push up a switchback section. From there the old pack track sidles along the flank of the Waipori Valley, then climbs steadily to the top, with a few creek crossings along the way.
The valley slopes are covered in beech and mānuka forest. The track can be muddy at times, and stinging nettles (ongaonga) are present.
For mountain bikers, DOC says the stiff climb is rewarded by a flowing downhill return.
Gold Rush History
DOC records that the Government Track was built in the 1860s to provide access to the central goldfields. Walking it today, you follow the line of that old pack track along the valley.
Current Alerts and Safety
DOC warns: “There are large fallen trees blocking this track that you will need to climb over or go around.” Riders should be ready to carry their bikes.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC also had a pest control alert: an OSPRI TBfree operation has applied feratox and cyanide pesticides to tracks including the Government Track, and DOC says that if you are permitted to take a dog into the area, keep it on a lead and use a muzzle. This is a shared-use track, so watch for riders. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Government 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: Waihola-Taieri Mouth area: other DOC tracks south of Dunedin.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Government Track take?
DOC gives 4 hr 30 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. It is steep at the start, can be muddy, and has fallen trees to climb over.
Can I mountain bike it?
Yes. It is a shared walking and mountain biking track. Be ready to carry your bike past windfall.
Where does it start?
5 km down Waipori Falls Road on the right, with parking about 100 m further on the left.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC also had a pest control alert for the area.
What is the history?
DOC says it was built in the 1860s as a pack track to the central goldfields.
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.