Government Track Trail at Waipori Valley

more stats

5.0 miles

Distance

1,585 ft

Climb

-22 ft

Descent

02:04:54

Avg time

1,565 ft

Altitude change

75 ft

Altitude min

1,644 ft

Altitude max

79 ft

Altitude start

1,644 ft

Altitude end

5.9%

Grade

-7.1%

Grade max

41.2%

Grade min

4 miles

Distance climb

1,299 ft

Distance down

1,257 ft

Distance flat

02:04:54

Avg time

Government Track Details

Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Waipori Valley
Mosgiel
AKA

Waipori Gorge Track
Difficulty Rating

Blue Rate
Local Popularity
100 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 100 in E-Biking
- 100 in Trail Running
- 100 in Hiking
Global Ranking
#48862 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #4157 in E-Biking
- #1596 in Trail Running
- #2605 in Hiking
Hiking SAC Scale

T2 Mountain Hiking
Trail Type

Singletrack
Bike Type

AM, XC
Direction

Both Directions
Climb Difficulty

Blue
Physical Rating

Hard
Trail Visibility

Sometimes hard to follow
Season

Any time, but gets a bit grim if very wet.
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

Yes up to Class 1
TTFs on Trail

Other
Land Owner

Department of Conservation

The track entrance is 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on
the right; parking is 100 m further on the left. Traversing the slopes of the beech-and mānuka-forested Waipori Valley south of Dunedin, the Government Track was built in the 1860s to provide access to the central goldfields. For mountain bikers there is an option of riding up and returning the same way. Alternatively, once at the top follow the pylon track left and steeply down into Waipori township, then follow the road back to the start.

Access Info

From the flood free SH1, turn onto the Henley-Berwick Road. At Berwick School turn right, then left onto Waipori Falls Road.

Shortly before you reach the first bridge across the Waipori River, you'll see a DOC sign "Government Track" on the right. There is a car park 100m further on the left if you need it.

The track starts with a short push up a steep section of switchback track. The old pack track begins to sidle along the flank of the Waipori Valley, and from here, it's an easy grade for riding. There are a few creek crossings you will have to carry your bike over and the track can be muddy at times, sometimes with stinging nettles and windfalls. When you reach the top you can choose which way you go back to the car park.

Local Trail Association

Mountain Biking Otago
Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support
trail development & maintenance.
Donate to earn trail karma!

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Ngāi Tahu

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week

0 rides

6 Months

0 rides

All

3 rides
Last: Dec 14, 2025

c1	c2	c3	c4
January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December

update trails status or condition

Government Track Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Feb 6, 2026 @ 1:54pm (Pacific/Auckland) Feb 5, 2026	Slips and tree fall right at the start, need to hike a bike over that. Sign at the start saying multiple washouts all over the track. Personally...
	May 16, 2024 @ 4:51pm May 16, 2024	Generally in hood condition with a few tricky washouts. An adventure ride that I enjoyed but won't be rushing back to ride it again. Would be...
	Apr 1, 2023 @ 12:20am Apr 1, 2023	A hidden gem around Dunedin, an amazing trail to explore. Stunning views full of lush native bush and teeming with all kinds of native birds that...
	Jan 12, 2022 @ 11:13pm Jan 12, 2022	Trail not in as bad nick as I'd expected! One awkward tree to get under. Thanks to those who have cleared other tree fall. After a fetish week...
	Dec 27, 2018 @ 10:14pm Dec 27, 2018