Flagstaff (Otago) facts for kids
Flagstaff, known in Māori as Te Whanaupaki, is a tall hill that looks over the city of Dunedin in New Zealand's South Island. It's located about seven kilometres north of the city centre. Flagstaff and another hill called Mount Cargill are the two main hills you see when you look at Dunedin's skyline.
What's in a Name?
This hill was first called Whakari by the Māori, who are the native people of New Zealand. You can still hear a part of this old name in the Dunedin suburb of Wakari, which is south of Flagstaff. Long ago, the first road from Dunedin to the Taieri Plains (a large flat area to the west) went around the sides of Flagstaff. This road is still used today as another way to get out of the city.
A Hill with a Volcanic Past
Flagstaff stands tall at 666 metres (2,185 ft) high. It's actually part of the edge of an ancient volcano called the Dunedin Volcano. This volcano hasn't erupted for a very, very long time! The big hole, or crater, of this old volcano now forms the beautiful Otago Harbour.
The Pineapple Track
One of Dunedin's famous walking paths, the Pineapple Track, crosses the top of Flagstaff. This track is part of the longer Skyline Walkway. The track has a funny name that comes from the 1920s. Back then, a local shop owner would guide people to the top of Flagstaff. When they reached the summit, he would give everyone a can of pineapple to enjoy! People often left the empty cans behind, and they became unofficial markers along the path.
The Pineapple Track is not a super difficult walk, but it's important to be careful. The weather around Flagstaff can change very quickly, so it's always a good idea to be prepared.
