Flagstaff Track is a short walk that provides a way up or down Flagstaff from the west. It can be used as one of several alternative starts to Dunedin’s Skyline Walk. Start on Flagstaff Whare Flat Road at the carpark known as the Bull Ring. The obvious gravelled foot-track leads firstly through manuka scrub and then through tussock grassland. The summit of Flagstaff is 1.5 km from the Bull Ring. For further information, see the Dunedin City Council leaflet Skyline Walks. Bicycles are not allowed on Flagstaff Track. It is heavily used by walkers and is unsuitable for shared use. I often use it by going up the Fire Break (muddier) from the Bull Ring where there is some private land that I help look after as a Trustee and returning via the walkway. This area would be under trees if it wasn't for fires since man arrived. The latest one was in early in 1976. Many studies have been made on the recovery and plant succession since then and there is plenty of evidence of woody species taking over from the snow tussock. Gorse and broom (non natives) are an on going problem. During winter storms be aware that the area is very exposed so delay your trip unless you are well prepared.
Info
Distance (m) 1,330
Time up: 35 mins
Time down: 25 mins
Dogs are allowed
Skyline walks http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/walking-tracks/skyline-walks
Tracks map http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/council-online/webmaps/tracksmap
You have done the steep climb now so pause to admire the wonderful tussock vistas. You can see the plane table on top of Flagstaff not far away. And the higher hill to the left is where the oldest active cache in the South Island is hidden, Flagstaff Hill GCB0.