change

Home 

Choose your country

or

 

Scenic Views

 

 

Mount Cargill

View from Mount Cargill - click for more.
Mount Cargill offers spectacular views of Dunedin, the coast and the surrounding countryside.
More about this image
Some of the most spectacular views of Dunedin and the surrounding area can be enjoyed from the top of Mount Cargill. Rising 676 metres above sea level, it dominates the northern end of Dunedin. The views include the urban area of Dunedin and much of Otago's coastline - including the Otago Peninsula and Otago Harbour.

In Maori legend, the three peaks of Mount Cargill represent the petrified head, body and feet of a princess of an early Otakou tribe. The mountain was known to the Maori community as Kopuka-tau-mohoka. European settlers named the mount after the co-founder of the Otago settlement, Captain William Cargill.

The walk to the summit from Bethunes Gully passes through native forest and plantations, as well as an area near the summit with dense moss and fern cover under a low canopy. A thirty-minute side track takes in the fascinating Organ Pipes rock formation. This was formed by the cooling of lava that flowed across Mount Cargill during the last period of volcanic activity in the Dunedin area. The hot lava cooling against the cold rock caused powerful expansions and contractions. Slower cooling led to the shorter, thicker columns that are close to a perfect hexagonal shape.

Mount Cargill is about 15 kilometres north of Dunedin city. Allow three to four hours for the four kilometre walk. Although steep at times, the track is well formed and suitable for people of almost any fitness level. It is advisable to take warm clothing as the weather can change quickly near the summit.
 


 
DUNEDIN - COASTAL OTAGO Region


Contact Details

Contact: Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 4743 300
Fax: +64 3 4743 311
Postal: PO Box 5457 Dunedin
Website: www.dunedin.govt.nz/visitor-centre

Send a message



Your Email Address:
Your phone number:
Your message:
 
Send me a copy

Dunedin is the closest town to this highlight.

In Dunedin:

Other towns near Dunedin by road:

Other towns near Dunedin by rail:

Dunedin does not have any rail stations.

Other towns near Dunedin by air:

Disclaimer
All information available on this web site concerning products and services is provided by the suppliers of those goods and services. Because information is liable to change from time to time you should not rely on the information on this web site but should check the accuracy of the information with the relevant supplier. Tourism New Zealand is not responsible or liable for any claims arising in relation to information supplied to it.

 
Front Row Rugby Club

Front Row Rugby Club Join the Front Row Rugby Club along with Tana Umaga and thousands of others.

New Zealand Videos

New Zealand Videos Browse our collection of videos that showcase what New Zealand has to offer.

Your Words

Your Words Browse personal blogs for straight talking thoughts and opinions about our places, people and adventures.


› Email this page  
› Page top

Tools:

Souvenirs:

Your Experiences:

100% Pure - newzealand.com
Edition: 
Travel:
Our other sites: 

100% Pure New Zealand on: 
The email addresses published on this web page are for conducting communications that promote Tourism in New Zealand, and are not to be used for any other commercial purpose.
Copyright 1999-2009 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.