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.

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 then climbs steadily to the top.

There are a few creek crossings. The track can be muddy at times and stinging nettles (ongaonga) are present.

For mountain bikers a stiff climb to the top is rewarded by a flowing downhill return journey.

The track entrance is 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on the right; parking is 100 m further on the left.

Windfall (trees) are blocking the track in some places which require climbing over.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.