Silver Peaks tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Silver Peaks Track
Mountain Road car park to Jubilee Hut
Time: 3-4 hours, 9 km
The track begins from the Mountain Road car park, and follows Green Ridge to the site of the former Green Hut. The site is now a pleasant picnic and camping area (please note that there is no drinking water). Here you may see fern birds/mātā or, more likely, hear their short sharp 'tchip tchip' call and the metallic double note 'uu tick, uu tick'.
Beyond this point the track is suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. The track takes you past Pulpit Rock and The Painted Forest, and down the Devils Staircase to Jubilee Hut. Beyond Jubilee Hut is the Silver Peaks Route.
Swampy Ridge Track
Hightop to Swampy Summit
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Signposted from Hightop (on Silver Peaks track), it takes approximately 1.5 hr to reach Swampy Summit. The track follows part of the historic route that linked the Waikouaiti and Dunedin settlements. The track beyond Swampy Summit continues to join the Leith Saddle Track, and by continuing along the ridge, the Flagstaff-Pineapple Walk (managed by the Dunedin City Council).
Getting there
From Dunedin, head north on State Highway 1. Just past the Waitati Store at Blueskin Bay, turn left onto Double Hill Road and then take the right fork, Semple Road, which runs into Mountain Road. The carpark at Mountain Road gives access to Silver Peaks Track and Swampy Ridge Track.
Plan and prepare
The Silver Peaks is rugged challenging country that is very exposed. Weather conditions can change rapidly.
To tramp safely in the Silver Peaks:
- Check the weather forecast
- Go with a group
- A good standard of fitness, equipment and experience is necessary
- Navigational aids, including topographic maps, are essential