Sample Dunedin’s easily accessible Silverpeaks by walking the new River Track to four-bunk Philip J Cox Memorial Hut.

Those living in Dunedin are fortunate to have the sizable Silverpeaks Scenic Reserve within spitting distance for weekend tramps. 

Philip J Cox Memorial Hut and Jubilee Hut are both on the Silverpeaks Circuit Track, a 24km, two-to-three-day circuit of the reserve.

Ten-bunk Jubilee Hut, 9.5km and 4.5hr from the Silverpeaks Scenic Reserve car park and on the western edge of the reserve, is the most popular destination. Four-bunk Philip J Cox Memorial Hut on the northeastern side of the reserve is a worthwhile objective in its own right. 

The route to the River Track and memorial hut is signposted from the car park. Follow it along then steeply down through secondary-growth bush to the junction with the track to derelict Possum Hut and the Waikouaiti River South Branch. 

Turn right and you will soon cross the river – which is small and unlikely to be a problem – to the true left. You are now on the River Track, a nicely benched track that follows the Waikouaiti River South Branch. Marked on some DOC maps as the Silverpeaks Circuit Track, it was completed in early 2024 to form a complete circuit within the reserve. It makes for much more pleasant travel in bush than the alternative route, shown on most maps. 

As you walk the track above the river, keep an eye out for old gold workings and water races as well as an interesting rock pool. 

After 1.5–2hr of pleasant bush travel and a couple of easy stream crossings, you come to the crossing of a large side creek. This can be slippery and would be tricky during heavy rain, but a rope on the far side provides some assistance as you exit. 

From here, it is a steady 30- to 40-minute climb to the hut through podocarp forest. Look out for native clematis that flowers in the spring.

Philip J Cox Memorial Hut is at the edge of a grassy clearing and has four bunks and a large cooking area and enclosed entrance. There is space for tents outside. The hut was built in 2012 in memory of keen tramper and Dunedin oral surgeon Philip Cox who died in a car accident in 2009, aged 58. He had introduced his children and many others to the joys of tramping in the Silverpeaks, and was always aware of how dangerous it could be on the exposed ridges as the weather in the area can change quickly. A trust was formed after his death with donations from friends, family and colleagues, and these, along with a contribution from DOC, funded the hut. It was built to replace 49-year-old Yellow Hut, which was located about 250m away on  Yellow Ridge.

Return to the car park the same way.