North East Valley Walks on Bitfern

Watts and Campbells Road loop

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 08:59:40 +0000

Did you know that there are an estimated 56,000 km of unformed legal (paper) roads in New Zealand? The public can legally use these roads, although it is not always practical to do so and users must be considerate of adjoining land owners [ref].

This 9 km walk includes two paper roads with impressive perspectives down the valley. It has a steep start, fences to cross and stock to avoid. I also had to adjust my route as it became overgrown. If that’s not for you then try the Campbells Road stretch from Pine Hill to the reserve and back – and you’ll get to enjoy the best views twice! Otherwise, do your own checking in advance in case things have changed.

Arden Street, Alleys and Gardens

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:26:58 +0000

A short stroll for a mixture of evening sun and shaded alley ways, as long as you don’t mind a little up hill!

This 2.6 km loop from Dunedin North Intermediate on North Road soon turns uphill with a climb up narrow Frame Street. Keep going as far as Taine Street, from where you can see Knox College in the distance.

Cleghorn Street Track

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 09:00:24 +0000

A good climb and spectacular harbour views await you on this 9 km loop from North East Valley to Cleghorn Street Track and Signal Hill. Starting and finishing at the bottom of Calder Ave on North Road gives you the opportunity to explore the North East Valley community garden and grab a coffee at the Steep Cafe before or after the walk.

As you reach a junction at the top of Cleghorn Street you’ll catch a glimpse of the harbour ahead. Cleghorn Street Track starts on your right just after this junction, and you’re almost immediately rewarded with harbour views as you turn onto the track!

Duddingstone to Dalmore

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 08:42:19 +0000

This 3.8 km loop makes for a great summer evening walk. Starting at the bottom of Duddingstone steps you’ll climb up to Dalmore, gaining glimpses of the valley, city and harbour on your way. Take the time to explore Dalmore Reserve and the community garden, before dropping down Gladstone Road and back alleys to the Gardens corner and North Road.

There’s a steep start to this walk up Duddingstone Steps from North Road. Overall it’s roughly 120 m to climb up to Dalmore, so stop and enjoy the view a few times if you need to catch your breath!

Mid-valley loop

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 10:58:06 +0000

If you live in the valley like me, then North Road may be a familiar drive. But how often do you get off the main road?

Here’s a great 4.5 km loop that will take you up the valley from Blacks Road to Normanby, and back through the bush and gardens along Lindsay Creek. You can finish up with coffee and cake at Blacks Road Greengrocer!

Practicalities: wear sturdy footwear and keep an eye on any kids through the upper Quarry Gardens as there are drop offs! If that’s not for you, then you can walk around the bottom instead. Apart from the Quarry Gardens and the loop trail above Chingford park this walk is actually pretty flat and accessible. You can adapt and shorten to suit, e.g. by cutting into Chingford Park at the main entrance and sticking to the flat trails, or by bussing up to Chingford Park.