DUNEDIN HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Foraging with the Master Distiller: A half-day, sensory hike through Dunedin’s native flora
A guided 120–180 minute foraging walk led by No8 Distillery’s Master Distiller that combines a scenic ~2 km loop on Pineapple and McGouns Tracks with hands-on lessons in using native plants to flavor spirits.
Foraging with the Master Distiller: A half-day, sensory hike through Dunedin’s native flora.
Adventure brief
Foraging with the Master Distiller: A half-day, sensory hike through Dunedin’s native flora
Set into the gullies above Dunedin, this half-day foraging journey pairs a short, scenic hike with an intimate lesson in native botanicals and distillation from No8 Distillery’s Master Distiller. Participants follow a roughly 2 km loop along McGouns Track and part of Pineapple Track, stop to sample award-winning gins flavored by foraged plants, and learn how those plants are used in spirit-making.
Dunedin, perched on New Zealand’s South Island, offers more than just rugged coastlines and Victorian charm. It’s home to No8 Distillery, a standout in the region’s outdoor adventure scene that blends nature, craft, and local flavor in a way few others do. Their half-day foraging journey is not your average hike—it’s a hands-on introduction to Aotearoa’s native plants, combined with the art of spirit-making.
This unique 2km loop on Pineapple and McGouns Tracks takes you through diverse native bush, where you’ll encounter species integral to New Zealand’s natural identity. Under the guidance of No8’s Master Distiller, Julien, you’ll learn to identify and responsibly harvest native flora that have inspired the distillery’s award-winning gins. The trail itself features uneven but manageable terrain, weaving through native bush with occasional views of Dunedin’s lush hills.
What sets this experience apart is the immersive connection between land and craft. Along the way, you’ll stop for an outdoor tasting session showcasing three signature gins, each echoing the flavors of the foraged ingredients you’ve encountered. This is a rare opportunity to understand the lifecycle of local botanicals, from soil to sip.
No8 Distillery ties deeply into Otago’s outdoor recreation landscape by offering an adventure that’s both educational and sensory. It appeals to those keen on sustainable practices and authentic local experiences rather than conventional tours. The trip runs seasonally from October to April and provides a moderate challenge suitable for anyone comfortable on foot over uneven ground.
If your travels bring you to Dunedin and you’re looking for an activity that connects you intimately with local nature and craft, this foraging journey is a fresh approach to the outdoors. Pair it with a visit to Dunedin’s historic streets and nearby coastal trails for a complete Otago adventure.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and key stops
A concise looped route links the meeting point with stretches of Pineapple Track and McGouns Track, with planned stops for interpretation and tasting.
Meeting point: Pineapple Track parking
Group assembles at the Pineapple Track parking area to meet the Master Distiller, review safety and gear, and begin the loop.
McGouns Track section
Walk the McGouns Track portion of the loop while the guide points out native plant species available for foraging and explains their uses in spirits.
Pineapple Track return and tasting stop
Complete the loop on Pineapple Track and pause outdoors for a tasting session that highlights the distillery’s main gins and the flavors derived from the foraged plants.
Participants should be able to manage an easy-to-moderate walking track of about 2 km and follow guidance while foraging; weather and operator decisions may alter the exact route or schedule.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Learn from the Master Distiller
Since day one the distillery’s Master Distiller, Julien, has foraged native plants around Dunedin to create signature spirits. On this outing he leads an immersive session on identifying and using Aotearoa’s native flora in distillation.
A compact 2 km loop on Pineapple and McGouns Tracks
The experience follows a loop track of around 2 km that traverses part of Pineapple Track and McGouns Track—an easy-to-moderate walk that gives ample opportunity to observe and collect botanical specimens.
Outdoor tasting and an introduction to distillation
Along the walk you pause for an outdoor tasting that highlights the distillery’s three main gins and concludes with a practical initiation into how the foraged natives are incorporated into spirit-making.
What the day feels like
What the foraging journey feels like
The trip unfolds as a focused half-day: meet at the trailhead, follow a looped walking track through changing gullies and native growth, collect small samples under the guidance of the distiller, then stop for an outdoor tasting and a hands-on introduction to how those finds translate into gin. The pace is relaxed but purposeful—designed for close observation rather than long-distance trekking.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs approximately 120 to 180 minutes.
Meet at the Pineapple Track parking at 57 Fulton Road, Glenleith; the walk is a loop of around 2 km and typically takes about 60 minutes on the track portion.
Good sports shoes or solid footwear, a small bag with a water bottle, raincoat and light pullover, and a cereal bar; a basket for foraging is recommended by the operator.
Track type is walking and hiking on an easy-to-moderate loop that includes parts of McGouns Track and Pineapple Track.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the foraging journey take?
The full experience lasts between 120 and 180 minutes, with the track portion itself around 60 minutes covering approximately a 2 km loop.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is the Pineapple Track parking at 57 Fulton Road, Glenleith.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring a good pair of sport shoes or solid footwear, a small bag with water, a raincoat and light pullover, and a snack; a basket for foraging is suggested.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes—participants must be 18 years or older.
What will we do on the walk?
The guided walk focuses on identifying and collecting native plants for use in spirits, followed by an outdoor tasting that highlights the distillery’s three main gins and an introduction to distillation techniques.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-16T07:24:57.332Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.