From the greenery surrounding the town to the harbour and neighbouring bays, Dunedin / Ōtepoti is a haven for fun in the outdoors. There’s surf, quirky land formations, amazon-esque bush walks and so much more. Dunedin activities all year round are some of the best things to do in the south island – trust us! Here are 6 of the top things to do outdoors in Dunedin.
1. Surfing
Get the wetsuits out and jump in the Dunedin water! There are over 30 beaches within closs proximity to the city, so the surf is never far away. Plus, Dunedin beaches range from crusiy breaks for beginners to leg-aching point breaks at Murdering Beach / Whareakeake for the more experienced. St Clair beach is the most consistent break in the area and the focal point of surfing in the city. Every day you’ll find keen surfers parking up at the Esplanade to get amoungst it at the break of dawn. Esplanade Surf School is your go to for surf lessons in Dunedin. Pair some lessons with a few cold ones at the nearby foodie spots afterwards for a great day out.
2. Indoor and Outdoor Rockclimbing
About 30 minutes drive from Dunedin city, through Port Chalmers and towards the coast is popular rockclimbing area Long beach. There are many portains of rock face to climb from along the track to the beachfront cave. Other known climbing spots in Dunedin are Doctors Point and Port Chalmers Quarry. Why not give it a go. These incredibly scenic rock faces in Dunedin make for some incredible rockclimbing. Keen on the outdoors but the Dunedin weather is just not playing ball? Indoor rockcliming at Resistance Climbing is the perfect Dunedin rainy day activity.
3. Golf
Otago is home to some quality golf courses that attract plenty of keen golfers. Dunedin in particular has the oldest golf club in the southern hemisphere, The Otago Golf Club in Balmacewen. 18 holes in some of Dunedin’s scenic spots is a must-do when in this southern city. Chisholm Links, Taieri Lakes and St Clair Golf Club are a few of the go-to’s. Find even more options across the city here.
4. Watersports
There’s nothing like starting your day out on the water. Be it paddle boarding, kite surfing or kayaking, it’s an invigorating way to kickstart the morning. Dunedin is built around the Otago harbour and its shores fringe the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, it’s easy to dabble in watersports here. Paddleboaring in Dunedin can look a little different every time you head out. Find a secluded bay one weekend, and face the open ocean off the beach the next. Kayaks and SUP’s are available for hire along the harbour. Kite surfers can be seen making the most of the wind in the various bays. You’ll also find a few yacht clubs around town if you’ve got your own boat and are looking to sneak in some sailing.
5. Walks
Walking trails knot all around Dunedin city, with incredible locations such as the Otago Peninsula to enjoy. The unique and versatile landscapes in Dunedin are often best explored by foot! Ross Creek Reservoir is the oldest water supply reservoir in the country that is still in use. This artificial lake and surrounding native bush can be seen via the many walking tracks. A must-do Dunedin walk is the pineapple track, a 2-hour return walk with stunning views of Dunedin city and the Taieri Plains. Highcliff track is one that transports you to the rolling hills in Scotland with rugged and lone stone walls, until you reach the coastal views – a classic Dunedin scene.
6. Mountain Biking
People geared up to bike the tracks in Dunedin is a common sight. It’s a biker’s paradise here. Dunedin is a compact city, with a variety of climbing peaks and undulating trails at your fingertips. Signal Hill, Swampy Summit and Waikari Creek are just some of the mountain biking spots in Dunedin. Grab your eager mates and soak up the fresh air on these amazing tracks. Whether you’re looking for some advanced tracks or more of a scenic ride, Dunedin mountain biking will deliver.
This article was created in paid partnership with Dunedin NZ.
