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 and large trees blocking the track which you will have to climb over.  Be prepared to carry your bike if riding.  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.