Chalkies Track

This description is based on a clockwise circuit of the track. You can start in either direction but be aware you must walk about 900 m on gravel by Silverstream Valley Road, sharing this section with vehicles. This is regardless of which entrance you use. The track begins by following Leishmans Creek at a gradual uphill gradient. It then crosses the creek and starts to rapidly climb. There are no bridges so expect to get wet feet when crossing Leishmans Creek and Silverstream if you complete the loop. After you cross the creek, you will immediately find a short steep climb with a rope to assist you if the track is slippery underfoot. The track then climbs through kanuka and broadleaf forest scattered with podocarps, including Halls Totara and Rimu. Birdlife is abundant, with Kererū, Bellbird/korimako, Tūī, Grey warbler/riroriro and Fantail/pīwakawaka particularly common. As you climb higher, the ascent mellows a little and provides magnificent views of the Silverpeaks and Taieri Plains. As you emerge onto the summit of Powder Hill, follow the poled track through manuka, flax, inaka, wild spaniard and patches of snow tussock to the trig (525 m). From here you can either return the way you came or carry on north and complete the loop track. If you choose to carry on, the track takes you past quartz limestone cliffs which are unusual in the Dunedin geological landscape. The track then descends back down the hill returning you to Silverstream Valley Road. Turn right once you leave the track to follow the gravel road where you will cross the Silverstream and eventually reach the carpark.