Tucked away in Otago, the Garibaldi Diggings track begins as a scenic gravel road before giving way to a less formed dirt route, then opening onto grass where you make your own way up to the old relic huts near the diggings. It's a fun medium-grade run with plenty of character: expect big ruts and rocks along the way, and a top section where the original track has corroded away, so you'll be picking your own line to reach the top. The ground is clay-based, which forms boggy low points after rain, so 4WD is recommended in wet conditions and the track is best avoided when it's raining.
Gold was found here in 1865 by Italian miners, which is how the area got its name. Keep an eye out for the inquisitive sheep that roam the upper grass slopes. A rewarding, scenic outing for those who enjoy a bit of historic backcountry exploring.
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