Leith Saddle
Name |
Leith Saddle |
Location |
Dunedin |
Co-ordinates |
1406987 4925148 |
Alternative co-ordinates |
1402038 4921202 |
Configuration |
Network |
Distance |
25 km |
Status |
Varied |
Grade |
Moderate |
Access |
Parking at start of Waitati Valley Road, off SH1, at top of hill ca 6 km north of Dunedin. Leith Saddle Track runs directly from the parking area; to access via Burns and Rustlers Ridge Track continue up Waitati Valley Road for ca. 500 metres. |
Description |
A network of tracks that provides opportunities for some lengthy, all-day hikes. Great views of the city and the coast as far as Karitane and Taiere. At lower levels you walk through native bush, with a canopy of rimu, miro and totara and fern forest including both tree-ferns and epiphytes; at higher elevations you come out into alpine tussock land, adorned with sun orchids, Celmisia and edelweiss. The main tracks are, perhaps, a litrtle over-engineerd with gravel surface, steps, foot bridges and benches, but some sections are steep and can be wet in poor weather. |
Connecting tracks |
Includes Leith Saddle, Burns Track, Rustlers Ridge, and part of Swampy Ridge tracks. Some options include short sections on Rollinsons Road (gravel). |
Further information |
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/dunedin-area/things-to-do/leith-saddle-track/ https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/485249/Dunedin-Walks-April-2022.pdf https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/community-facilities/walking-tracks/skyline-walks/leith-saddle-track |