Have your camera at the ready, Ōtepoti-Dunedin has beautiful and varied landscapes unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. From volcanic rock formations and beach caves to views of the Southern Lights, few places have such breath-taking surroundings so close the city.
Organ Pipes
The Organ Pipes are outstanding columnar jointed basalt created by the volcanic formation of the Otago Peninsula. Think the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, but with mountain-top views. These incredible interlocking stone pillars are well worth the day walk up the Mt Cargill Track from Bethunes Gully or the shorter option down from the Mt Cargill summit carpark, and they make a fantastic picnic spot.
Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach is a spectacular sight and combined natural and manmade wonder just ten minutes’ drive from the centre of town. A dramatic sandstone sea arch juts out into the Pacific Ocean, but it’s for the hand-carved tunnel and staircase leading down to a secluded beach that it’s named.
The tunnel was manmade and believed to have been commissioned by John Cargill, a member of the prominent settler family that lived nearby, reputedly so his daughters would have a private spot to bathe.
Pyramids at Ōkia Reserve
Egypt's ancient pyramids are mere babes in arms compared to the two found at Ōkia Reserve. Wander the easy trail from the car park on Otago Peninsula's Dick Road to view the Large Pyrmaid (Pū wheke o Kia) and the Little Pyramid (Te Matai o Kia). These awe-inspiring features were formed millions of years ago during the active birth of Rakiriri, the long-extinct volcano on which Dunedin is built.
A track leads to the top of Te Mātai o Kia where you can get outstanding views of the reserve and its coastline. Signs of Māori occupation have been found in a cave at its base and it's regarded as an important archaeological site so take care. Nearby Victory Beach gets its name from the wreck of the steam ship Victory, whose barnacle encrusted flywheel can still be seen when the tide is out.
Southern Lights
If seeing the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) is on your bucket list, then Dunedin is a great place to go hunting for them.
At the right time of year and in the right conditions, the Southern Lights are visible from a number of locations around Dunedin. Grab your camera and head for the hills for the best aurora hunting vantage points.
Colouring southern skies in surreal shades of pink, purple, and green the best spots are just outside of the city lights, and include Tunnel Beach, the Otago Peninsula and Hoopers Inlet.
Stargazing
The clear skies of winter are the perfect time to take in epic views of the Milky Way. Drive just ten minutes out of the central city in almost any direction to find a good spot (remember to park out of the way of other vehicles).
The Beverly Begg Observatory is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday night throughout winter and offers 'Spaced Out' star tours - a close-up glimpse of the heavens with the expert guidance of the Dunedin Astronomical Society.
There are also local tour operators that offer guided night sky experiences with a Māori cultural perspective, such as Horizon Tours. Tūhura Otago Museum rounds out the options with its 360-degree planetarium, which regularly screens fascinating 3D shows on a variety of topics, including space.
Sutton Salt Lake
Hidden amid schist rock and tussocks, Sutton Salt Lake near Middlemarch is New Zealand’s only inland salt lake. Depending on the season, the lake might be filled with salty water or be completely dry, but the adventure to the scenic Dunedin hinterlands is worth the trip.
Bear Rock
At the mouth of Otago Harbour, the picturesque Aramoana Beach is an amazing viewpoint to snap a few photos of the eye-catching formation known as Bear Rock (or Keyhole Rock). Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the panoramic views of the northern coastline and Taiaroa Head.
Doctor’s Point Sea Arches
Once the weekend playground of Dunedin’s professional elite, Doctor’s Point is a spot we can all discover and revisit. Wander through the remarkable black stone and arches at low tide, going on to adjoining beaches with a long history of Māori whānau life, skirmishes and gathering kai. Before, or after your explorations, visit the nearby Waitati village galleries, nursery and cafes, or travel via the Blueskin Road passed Orokonui Ecosanctuary and through Port Chalmers.
Huriawa Pā
Huriawa Peninsula at the north end of Karitāne Beach was the site of a historic fortified Māori pā.
With the Waikouaiti River mouth on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this was a perfect defensive position. In the 18th century chief Te Wera and his people withstood a six-month siege here.
The peninsula is owned by Māori and the reserve is managed jointly by local Māori and the Department of Conservation. Enter the reserve through the ornately carved archway and follow the paths around the peninsula for stunning views along the coast, down the cliffs and past the blowholes.
Cloud Forest and Aotearoa's Tallest Tree
It may not be native, but the 80 metre Australian mountain ash at Orokonui Ecosanctuary is still New Zealand’s tallest tree. This forest titan is just a 1-hour walk down the valley from the ecosanctuary and is something to marvel.
Walk down from the unique native cloud forest at the top to get a photo with the giant.
Orokonui is one of the last areas of cloud forest and the flora and fauna love it. These water laden clouds carry moisture into the forest, creating an environment perfect for the growth of mosses and ferns making it a beautiful, lush environment and incredibly photogenic. The perfect place to head to if the weather is a bit grey.