Harbour Cone summit

Start: The hike starts from the end of Bacon Street on the peninsula, alternatively it can also start from the Highcliff Road car park.

(S/E) From the end of Bacon Street, walk straight South along Smith Creek Track.

(1) At the junction, you have the option here to carry on on the left towards a steep climb on Bacon Track or going straight towards Smith Creek Track for a longer hike but less steep. Both ways reach the summit. We took the left here. Carry on to the Bacon Track. You will have a bench waiting at the end of that first steep path for a nice break and stunning views of the Otago Peninsula and farmland.

(2) Cross Highcliff Road with care. The path keeps going straight ahead and is well-indicated. As you go, you enter a nice bush area where you can spot fantails birds of you're lucky.

(3) You then start the ascent on a steeper track due East. This part is quite exposed so make sure you have an adapted water and wind-proof jacket. Dunedin weather can suddenly change. As you get closer to the summit, this is the part where there are rocks to climb. Hiking poles are recommended here.

(4) As you reach the summit, enjoy the amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Dunedin, the Otago Harbour, and the Pacific ocean. There is a bench here for a nice break before starting your way back to the car.

(5) On the way down, at the junction, either carry straight on using the same way as you came up or alternatively you can carry on to the left and follow a loop to get back to your car. This track goes through beautiful farmlands. (S/E)

Start & Parking: The hike starts from the end of Bacon Street on the peninsula, alternatively it can also start from the Highcliff Road car park.

Facilities: You will find some nice sheltered bush areas if needed and a couple of benches along the track.

Gears: The track can be quite exposed so a windproof and waterproof jacket are required in case of uncertain weather. Hiking poles are advised too especially near the summit where you will need to climb over rocks.

Terrain: While the walk to Harbour Cone Summit is relatively short, there are steep climbs at times, particularly during the final stretch. Be prepared to navigate rugged terrain and rocks as you approach the summit. There are several options for that hike, a loop trail or retracing your steps back along the same path. This hike shows the last option.

Nice farmlands and bush areas, fantails birds, stunning views of the harbour and pacific ocean.