WRONG! Now is the best time to get out of the ghetto and see some more of Dunedin’s charming surrounds, whatever the weather. It might even be time to work off some of the O-Week alcohol calories, particularly if you are also living in a hall and are thus facing the devilish temptation of the all-you-can-eat-all-the-time toast/dessert/chocolate milk combo.
Undoubtedly North Dunedin’s fave spot for those who love to go bush (in the tramping sense, obv) is the Ross Creek reservoir. Venture uphill beyond the Woodhaugh Dairy along Malvern Street and onto a well-marked path that winds through simply splendid native bush. After a quad-warming climb and a minimally exciting bridge crossing, you’ll reach the reservoir.
Until last year this man-made lake was brimming with water and occasionally prone to dramatic overflows down into the Leith River. However, the reservoir no longer actually acts as a source of municipal drinking water, and has been left to the local duck population: more reeds, a lower water levels and a higher likelihood of contracting “duck itch” after swimming are the net result.
As you get more adventurous and willing to stray beyond the reservoir-side track, you might discover 1) the waterfall; 2) a rocky cairn; 3) the steeper-than-prices-at-The-Campus-Shop Pineapple Track; and 4) the back of the Balmacewen golf course which leads out to suburban Maori Hill. Will the fun ever stop?! Enjoy.
Get there: walk from Malvern St (bottom entrance) or Cannington Rd
(top entrance).
Do: pop those sneakers on.
Don’t: swim, unless you’re after some casual cercarial dermatitis to spice up that Student Health consult.
Eat: a takeaway picnic from Woodhaugh Dairy (cnr George and Malvern) or Delicacy Café (Highgate, Maori Hill).