The Flagstaff Track looking southwest
Feeling daring, (and deciding to prove to myself how unfit I was) I went for a walk in Flagstaff Scenic Reserve. Set in the hills above Dunedin, the reserve features a multitude of tracks and paths that make up Dunedin’s Skyline Walk. One of these, the Flagstaff Track, was the one I intended to conquer.
When I arrived, the car park was already overflowing but before long, I found a spot and set off along a well maintained gravel path. The track I had chosen formed a loop that would eventually bring me back down a hill to my vehicle, but it started with a short but steep ascent up to a point known as Flagstaff. Within minutes I was passing through manuka scrub, which gradually gave way to tussock land. Occasionally I stopped to take in the view and give my lungs a rest, which didn’t really surprise me. What did surprise me was the sheer amount of dog poo on the track. Honesty, it was like an entire pound of dogs had been brought to the track and told to poo anywhere you’ll think someone will step.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against people walking dogs, I just don’t want to constantly dodge fly-covered excrement while trying to enjoy a walk through a scenic reserve!
Thank you for sharing your experience on the Flagstaff Track. Your vivid description captures the essence of the trail, from the initial steep ascent through manuka scrub to the expansive tussock landscapes that offer sweeping views over Dunedin. It’s a reminder of how rewarding local adventures can be, even when they challenge our fitness levels.
I appreciate your candid observation about the trail’s condition. Maintaining the natural beauty of such reserves is a shared responsibility, and your feedback highlights the importance of all visitors doing their part to keep these areas clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Your narrative not only paints a picture of the physical journey but also underscores the value of preserving our natural spaces. Thank you for bringing attention to both the beauty and the challenges of the Flagstaff Track.