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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Walks
Walks.
A great deal of picturesque country lies within easy reach of Dunedin, both on the Peninsula and in the hills around the city. The “drives” already described are of course accessible to tourists on foot; and there are many other interesting spots in and near the town, worth a ramble to those who prefer to see country slowly and to take in its beauties by degrees.
The walk to the Ross Creek Reservoir, one source of the city's water supply up the valley of the Leith, is still very enjoyable, though the bush which once covered the surrounding hills has now largely disappeared. The little stream with its rocky bed and steep fern-clad banks well repays the exertion of a scramble; and variety may be introduced into the expedition by returning across the upper end of the Kaikorai Valley and reaching home by way of Maori Hill.
A favourite expedition can be made to the Nichol's Creek waterfall, also in the Leith Valley. A four mile walk (or drive) brings the tourist to the stream; and a narrow path between precipitous rocks leads for half a mile from the confluence of Nichol's Creek, With the Leith stream, up to the first waterfall. It must be admitted that except after heavy rains there is little water in the fall; but no one has ever been disappointed in the subdued sylvan beauty of the scene. The mossy rocks, and the draperies of ferns and leaves that overhang them, form a delightful contrast to the rugged rocks half concealed by them; and the wanderer who has scrambled up the broken bed of the creek on a hot summer day finds the cool place of this secluded nook a welcome refuge and resting place. The adventurous tourist may if he chooses climb to the top of the fall further up the valley to the source of the stream, passing on the way the four upper falls, and wandering through bush still untouched by use of fire.
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Nichol's Creek, Dunedin.
From the top of the hill, the traveller may return to Dunedin by Half Way Bush, or he may go on across country to the Reservoir and thence homeward. But if he desires to see more of the surrounding country he may walk or drive on to the saddle between the Leith and the Waitati, and thence follow the course of the Waitati down to Blueskin Bay. Thence by the road past the Blueskin cliffs on to the main track for Dunedin, the homeward route may be taken via Port Chalmers and the North-East Valley.
Another sport that is well worth a little trouble is the Silverstream Valley, a further source of water supply for the city. The road leads from the back of Roslyn through the Kaikorai Valley, past the Half Way Bush. A splendid view of the adjacent hills and of the city can be obtained on this route. The track crosses the Silverstream several times, and finally climbs over Flagstaff Hill, leading down again to the starting point. It is a most enjoyable little trip for any one who likes walking for the sake of exercise and scenery combined; for “in the romantic valley of the Silverstream we find a fair wilderness where mountain, wood and stream combine to form picture after picture to delight the eye.”
Another pleasant walk leads to Opoho and the Acclimatisation Fish Ponds; returning by the North-East Valley, Which forty years ago was absolutely covered with dense forest, and is now a fashionable and populous suburb. A climb to the top of Signal Hill, above Opoho, provides another magnificent view of the city and harbour. But if one desires a splendid prospect, or a walking trip within the neighbourhood of Dunedin, he should be prepared to climb Flagstaff Hill, 2192 feet in height. There are two ways of getting to the top, one by the Half Way Bush, the other by Ross Creek. The view from the top is blocked to the north by Mount Cargill, which is 100 feet higher, and itself provides a most commanding vantage point. To the east lies Dunedin page 50 and beyond it the Peninsula and the Harbour. To the south the eye can follow the contour of the country far beyond the Molyneux. To the west the view stretches unbroken to Mount St. Bathans and the Umbrella Ranges; even the Remarkables above Lake Wakatipu are said to be visible in clear weather. At the foot of the hill lies the Taieri Plain, and the sunlight falls far off on Waihola and Waipori Lakes. From the summit of Mount Cargill the landscape to the north can be admired, stretching beyond Puketapu towards the Kakanui Range, and completing the prospect which Mount Cargill interrupts from Flagstaff Hill. No city in the colony is so admirably situated as Dunedin from the spectacular standpoint, and, as with most scenery, the best features of the surrounding country can be observed and appreciated best by those who travel on foot.