Bluestone Blogs

Keeping the Gardens Looking Their Best

There’s always something happening in the gardens at Bluestone on George.

Like any established garden, keeping everything looking tidy and well maintained involves plenty of work throughout the year — from the larger jobs and occasional changes through to the regular pruning, trimming and general maintenance that happens behind the scenes.

Recently, Neville has been particularly busy outside, with several projects taking shape around the property.

A New Look Along the Driveway

One of the biggest changes has been to the garden alongside our driveway.

For many years, the box hedging was carefully maintained and kept neatly trimmed, but over time it began developing dead patches. After trying to keep it looking its best, the decision was eventually made that it was time for a change.

The old hedging has now been removed and the garden finished with stone.

It’s a very different look, but one we think has opened up and brightened this part of the property while still keeping the entrance neat and tidy.

Keeping the Trees in Shape

Of course, not every garden job involves a complete transformation.

Neville has also been busy pruning trees and keeping growth around the property under control. Regular pruning is one of those jobs that can easily go unnoticed, but it makes a considerable difference to keeping the gardens tidy and well cared for throughout the seasons.

An Upgrade for the Local Birds

The guests aren’t the only ones receiving upgrades at Bluestone!

Neville has also been working on his bird feeder, giving it an update ready for our regular feathered visitors.

It’s a small part of the garden, but one that brings plenty of activity — and provides another job for Neville to keep an eye on.

And All the Usual Jobs

Alongside these projects are all the regular maintenance jobs that come with looking after the grounds — trimming, tidying, clearing leaves and keeping on top of everything as the seasons change.

The gardens at Bluestone are never really “finished”. They change, grow and occasionally need a rethink, as we discovered with the box hedge.

For now, the driveway has a fresh new look, the trees have had some attention, the bird feeder has had its upgrade — and there will no doubt be another job waiting for Neville tomorrow. 🌿

   

Posted August 2026

Sky Guest + Upgrade

We have now upgraded our rooms to Sky’s new Guest + experience, bringing an improved entertainment experience to every room.

Crystal-clear Sky Sport in 4K UHD

For guests who don’t want to miss the game while they’re away from home, Sky Sport is now available in 4K UHD, providing a sharper, clearer viewing experience.

Whether you’re settling in after a day exploring Dunedin or simply want to relax and watch the game, you can enjoy Sky Sport from the comfort of your room.

More to watch, whenever you want

The new Guest + experience also brings video on demand to every room, giving guests more flexibility over what they watch and when they watch it.

No need to wait for something to come on — simply choose what you would like to watch and settle in.

Your streaming apps, your way

We know that these days, a lot of us travel with our favourite shows and streaming services. That’s why the new system also makes it easier to access streaming apps during your stay. But we wanted to take this one step further.

Your room, your screen

Each room’s television has been placed in its own secure casting environment, meaning that once you are connected to the Bluestone on George internet, you can easily cast content from your own device directly to the TV in your room.

It means you can bring more of your own entertainment with you when you travel. Whether it’s a favourite show, a movie you’ve been watching, or something you simply want to put on while you unwind, you can enjoy it on the larger screen in your room.

And because each TV is securely separated, your device connects to your room’s TV, giving you a simple and private way to enjoy your own content.

Posted August 2026

Swampy Summit Track

The Swampy Summit Track runs along Dunedin’s northern skyline and plays an important role in linking several well‑known walks. It can be walked in either direction, making it a flexible option for creating longer routes by connecting Leith Saddle Track and the Pineapple Track.

This section of track follows an exposed ridgeline, and conditions can be very different from those lower down. Wind, cloud, and colder temperatures are common, even when the city feels calm, so it’s worth being prepared. The ground is more open and less refined than nearby tracks, and after rain it can become muddy and uneven, particularly away from the main formed routes.

Rather than being walked to a high point and back, the Swampy Summit Track is most often used as a through‑route, allowing walkers to travel up one side of the skyline and down the other. It can be paired with Leith Valley Road to form a loop, creating a full circuit of around 18 kilometres that typically takes about 3.5 hours, without the need to retrace steps or arrange transport.

Views from along the ridge are broad rather than focused on a single lookout, with outlooks across Dunedin, the Taieri Plains, and inland toward the Silver Peaks. The sense of space and elevation is the defining feature here.

Used thoughtfully, the Swampy Summit Track opens up some of Dunedin’s most rewarding skyline walks, offering a more adventurous way to move between tracks for those comfortable with exposure and changing conditions.

   

Posted July 2026

Leith Saddle Track

The Leith Saddle Track is a rewarding walk that showcases just how quickly Dunedin’s landscape can change, moving from sheltered bush to exposed ridgeline in a relatively short distance. It’s a track that feels purposeful and scenic rather than leisurely, making it well suited to walkers who enjoy a steady climb and big views as their payoff.

Parking is available at the Leith Saddle carpark near the start of Waitati Valley Road, just off State Highway 1. From here, the track begins immediately, climbing away from the road on a well‑gravelled and clearly defined path. The first 1.5 kilometres pass through dense native bush, with the gravel surface making this lower section reliable underfoot even after wet weather. The forested setting provides shelter and a sense of enclosure, with the climb feeling gradual but consistent.

After reaching the lookout, the feel of the walk changes noticeably. The track opens out and continues for another 2 kilometres toward the top, but this upper section is less maintained and far more exposed. The gravel gives way to rougher ground, and after rain this part of the track can become very muddy and slippery, requiring more care with footing. While the gradient eases slightly in places, the conditions can be more challenging, particularly in winter or following prolonged wet weather.

One of the highlights of the Leith Saddle Track is the rock outcrop, which offers the best views along the route. From this vantage point, the outlook stretches across Dunedin City, Otago Harbour, and the Otago Peninsula, while also taking in Blueskin Bay, Long Beach, and Karitane to the north. On clear days, the contrast between the coastline, city, and inland hills is striking, making this a natural place to stop and take a break.

Most people walk the Leith Saddle Track as an out‑and‑back route, returning the same way to the carpark. For those wanting to extend the walk, it’s possible to continue on and connect to the Pineapple Track via the Swampy Summit Track, creating a longer skyline route that links several of Dunedin’s most well‑known tracks.

This isn’t a manicured walk from start to finish, and that’s part of its appeal. The Leith Saddle Track feels exposed, changeable, and quietly dramatic — a reminder of how wild Dunedin’s skyline can still feel.

   

Posted June 2026

Ross Creek

Ross Creek is an easy walk from the property, approximately 2km to the Rockside entrance, making it a great option for getting out without needing to drive. Despite its proximity to residential areas, it quickly feels calm and removed once you step onto the tracks.

For those arriving by car, there are several access points, including parking along Burma Road, Rockside Road, and Cannington Road. These different entry points make it easy to tailor a visit, whether you’re heading straight to the reservoir, the waterfall, or planning to link a few tracks together.

The reserve has a network of interconnected tracks, allowing you to create anything from a short loop to a longer wander. At the centre is the Ross Creek Reservoir, with a flat loop track that circles the water and suits a relaxed, unhurried walk.

A short side track leads to the Ross Creek waterfall (School Creek Falls), which drops into a shaded pool and can be viewed safely from a lookout. It’s particularly impressive after rain and adds a sense of movement and sound to the walk.

With its flexible access, varied routes, and mix of water and forest, Ross Creek is a walk that’s easy to revisit and enjoy in different ways, whether you have twenty minutes or a full afternoon.

   

Posted May 2026

Pineapple Track

The Pineapple Track is one of Dunedin’s most iconic skyline walks, offering a satisfying climb, changing landscapes, and some of the best views in the city. Starting from the Glenleith side, this track feels like a proper adventure while still being close enough to town to make it an easy half-day outing.

Access from Glenleith is via the small car parking area at the corner of Fulton Road and Booth Road, tucked into a quiet residential area. Parking is limited, but it provides a convenient starting point for heading uphill. From here, the track begins gently before settling into a steady climb.

The lower sections of the Pineapple Track wind through bush, with the path passing through a mix of native vegetation and taller trees. As you climb higher, the landscape begins to open up and the bush gives way to more exposed sections, with scrub and open hillside. These upper parts of the track feel wide and airy, and on a clear day the views back over Dunedin and out towards the Taieri Plains are a constant reward.

The walk continues steadily upward until you reach the summit area near Flagstaff, marked by the well-known pole. This is a great spot to stop, catch your breath, and take in the panoramic views across the city, harbour, and inland plains.

Most walkers return via the same route they came up, retracing the Pineapple Track back down towards Glenleith. For a small bit of variation near the end, there is the option to use McGouns Track, which branches off near the lower section of the Pineapple Track and reconnects back at the same carpark. This short detour winds through lush forest and includes boardwalks and small bridges crossing creeks, adding a quieter, more sheltered feel before finishing the walk.

In total, the Pineapple Track from Glenleith to the summit and back takes around two hours, depending on pace and time spent at the top. The return distance is approximately 8 kilometres, and while the track is well formed, it is moderate to hard in places due to its sustained climb. Sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly if the track is damp.

With its mix of bush, open hillside, and classic Dunedin views, the Pineapple Track remains a favourite for good reason. The option to add McGouns Track at the end is a lovely way to finish the walk, offering a different feel without changing the overall route.

   

Posted April 2026

Coastal Connection

The new stage one portion of Coastal Connection Track offers a fresh way to experience Dunedin’s north coast, either walking or biking. This newly opened section sits near Waitati and marks the first completed piece of a much longer coastal route planned for the future.

The walk, one ride, starts near Doctor’s Point Road, where roadside parking is available close to the trail entrance. From the bottom, the track climbs steadily uphill, following a broad, well-made path. Although there is a noticeable ascent, the gradient is gentle enough to allow a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the surroundings.

At just over four kilometres in length, this stage of the Coastal Connection takes most walkers around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to complete one way. The route rises to roughly 300 metres above sea level, and while the climb is consistent, it never feels rushed or overly steep.

What really sets this walk apart is the sense of openness. As the track gains height, the views stretch out across Blueskin Bay and along the coastline, with rolling hills framing the scene. The exposed sections of the trail create a strong connection to the landscape, and on clear days the outlook is expansive and impressive.

Although it currently stands alone, meaning it is a return track, this section gives a strong indication of what the wider Coastal Connection will become. Designed to be accessible and easy to follow, it suits both walkers and cyclists and reflects a thoughtful approach to linking communities through shared outdoor spaces. Even in its current form, the Coastal Connection Walk is a rewarding coastal outing that feels modern, spacious, and distinctly Dunedin.

   

Posted March 2026

Sandymount Lime Kilns

The Sandymount Lime Kilns are a lovely little wee walk on the Otago Peninsula, around a 30-minute drive from Bluestone on George Street. There are roadside pull-over bays on Sandymount Road, and from there it’s just a gentle 200-metre walk, about five minutes each way, to the historic lime kilns.

Dating back to the 1860s, the kilns were once used to burn local limestone to produce lime, with lime burning continuing here until the late 1930s. It’s a short and easy stroll, but well worth the detour for a glimpse of a fascinating piece of Dunedin’s history and some beautiful Peninsula scenery.

   

Posted February 2026

Botanic Gardens

The Dunedin Botanic Garden is a large and varied green space, offering everything from formal gardens to quiet hillside paths. It’s easy to dip in for a short walk or spend longer exploring the different sections, all within a single, well connected park.

The lower gardens are mostly flat and carefully landscaped, with wide paths that pass through flower beds, open lawns, and around the duck pond. This area includes the Winter Garden glasshouse and several small themed gardens, making it a popular spot for relaxed strolling and sitting in the sun.

Climbing up into the upper gardens, the feel changes noticeably. Paths become narrower and wind through sloping ground, with collections of rhododendrons, native plants, and pockets of regenerating bush. These tracks feel quieter and more enclosed, with occasional viewpoints looking back across the city.

Running through the garden is Lindsay Creek, which helps divide the upper and lower sections and adds a gentle sense of movement and sound to many of the walks. There are also sculptures, memorials, and small structures scattered throughout, giving the garden plenty of points of interest beyond the plantings.

With its mix of open spaces, formal plantings, and hillside tracks, the Botanic Garden offers a variety of walking experiences in one place. Whether you stay on the flat paths below or wander up into the quieter upper areas, it’s a space that invites return visits and slow exploration.

   

Posted January 2026

Chain Hills Tunnel Track

The newly opened Chain Hills Track is a lovely new option for walkers and cyclists in Dunedin, combining local history with an easy, accessible outdoor experience. This short section forms the first stage of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail and offers a glimpse of a much larger project still to come.

The track is accessed from Gladstone Road North in Wingatui, with parking recommended near Wingatui Station. From there, it’s an easy walk of around 400 metres to the trail entrance. The path follows a former railway alignment, making it wide, flat, and well suited to a range of users.

This first stage is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and runs through regenerating bush before passing through the restored Chain Hills Tunnel. The trail currently ends a short distance beyond the tunnel, so most people will enjoy it as a return trip. While it’s not a long walk or ride, it’s perfect for a relaxed outing that doesn’t require much planning or time.

The tunnel is the real highlight. Originally built in the 1870s, it has been carefully restored and is now fully lit, offering a unique and slightly atmospheric experience as you move through a piece of Dunedin’s railway history. The track has been designed as an easy shared path, making it suitable for families, casual cyclists, and anyone looking for a gentle stroll.

This is just the beginning of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail, which is planned to eventually become a 15-kilometre off-road route linking Dunedin and Mosgiel. For now, the Chain Hills Track stands on its own as a small but exciting new addition — and a great excuse to get outside and explore a lesser-known corner of the city.

   

Posted December 2025

Autumn 2023

Today we are basking in a perfect autumn day - cool but sunny with no wind.

Looking across the city toward the surrounding hills you just can't help but notice how many trees the city has and how stunning the autumnal colours are! We are fortunate to have an abundance of parks, beaches, walking and cycling tracks in and around the city to take advantage of this glorious weather.

                                                     

Dunedin continues to be busy. A major inner-city upgrade is on schedule is to be completed in 2024 - not only are the underground pipes being renewed (some of which date back to the late 1800s) but above ground work is aiming to create beautiful spaces with new paving, street furniture, lighting, plantings and public art. Also underway is the building of the new Dunedin Hospital due for completion in 2029. It is a major national infrastructure commitment at 1.58b and the local community is extremely passionate about the project!

So, while there are traffic disruptions around the city, in the end it will all be worth it!

The year ahead for the city is packed with events ranging from the creatively exciting Midwinter Carnival to the FIFA Women's World Cup in July to an ALWAYS exciting Bledisloe Cup match in August (for non rugby afficionados this is a much-anticipated competition between new Zealand's national tean The All Blacks and our Australian rivals The Wallabies), along with University and Polytechnic Graduations to mention a few.

At Bluestone we continue to enjoy creating a space to invite you to immediately relax and enjoy all this "First City' has to offer.

Autumn 2023

A Gorgeous Day in Dunedin

It’s a gorgeous day in Dunedin – sunny, crisp and clear! 

The winter months are coming to an end and already we can see some blossom appearing on the trees. Once spring is in full swing it is absolutely beautiful on the University of Otago’s historic campus as it has some fabulous established Cherry Trees.

It is one of our favourite walks actually – walking through the university, along Castle Street - where the university has beautifully restored some historic villas to maintain the heritage streetscape - to Dundas Street and then up Lovelock Avenue to the Northern Cemetery. This is the oldest cemetery in New Zealand where some of Dunedin’s and New Zealand's early settlers and founding residents, such as entrepreneur William Larnach, Charles Speight and Poet, Legislator and Journalist Thomas Bracken are remembered. Often you will see wild rabbits happily hopping along the grass walkways.

From there we walk through the Botanic Gardens, which are New Zealand’s first Botanic Gardens and they also hold the status of a six star Garden of International Significance. You don’t have to be a keen botanist to enjoy the gardens as there are many peaceful settings to just be at ‘peace with the world’!

2022

Want to See?

Recently we had some guests who wanted to see the Southern Lights – the Aurora Australis. Although auroras happen all year round, the best time to see them in New Zealand is during the winter months (March to September). The widest part of the aurora is when the sun is on the opposite side of the Earth to where you are, so around midnight is best. They are unpredictable though with usually just 30 minutes notice being the trend.

Visit auroraalert.otago.ac.nz for an update and suggestions for the best places to view the aurora in Dunedin. 

 

Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival

This very popular annual event is hosted once again at the Forsyth Barr Stadium,  the festival will open on Friday 8^th November at 3PM and run until 9PM; This will be an R18 event day.

The Saturday remains the family friendly favourite running from 12PM to 7PM.
The Festival line up will again showcase an impressive selection of food and craft beverages, entertainment, kids entertainment on the Saturday, and general festival fun.
See the Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival website for more info.

Posted July 2019

Otago House and Home Show 2020

The Otago House and Home Show is also an annual event. Next year it is held on the 6^th and 7^th March at the Edgar Centre, Portsmouth Drive from 10am to 5pm daily and is of interest to those of you considering building or doing renovations to your home.

You will find popular Dunedin events listed on our website here. For all Dunedin events visit https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/whatson/events/dunedin. This is such an excellent tool to find out about the many and varied events, shows, workshops, seminars and exhibitions coming up in Dunedin.

In the next few months we have some exciting acts playing at the Forsyth Barr Stadium - Fleetwood Mac plays in September, Elton John on the 4th February and Queen with Adam Lambert on the 10^th February 2020. It is always such an exciting atmosphere in Dunedin when these international acts or the All Blacks play in town. Dunedin is a small city so it is so easy to mix and mingle at the bars, cafes and restaurants during the day and then just wander off to the stadium with the other relaxed and anticipation-filled event goers.

Just Saying...

We are really pleased to have received a Hotels.com 10/10 Loved by Guests Award 2019 and to have our TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Certificate awarded again this year along with receiving the Travellers Choice 2019 badge. Every day is a new day though and every guest’s experience is important to us so, while it is lovely to be acknowledged in this way, we know that every day we start afresh!

Posted in August 2019

Resident Pets

We are very sensitive to the fact that not everyone likes animals but for those of you who do, Honey (our friendly cat who is just a loving mixture of nothing posh) is only too happy to help those of you who are missing their animals left at home by being pleased to be patted and praised! We also have two Mini Lop rabbits – shy 5-year-old Bluebell and inquisitive Coco who will turn 2 years old later this year. They have a residence in the garden “Lop Lodge” but are happy to receive visitors – who are respectful of their personal space of course.

July 2019