Lovers of the outdoors are spoilt for choice when visiting Dunedin. Such easy access to remarkable landscapes makes it a top tier outdoor destination for activities such as biking, surfing or golf, while fans of walking, paddling, sailing and fishing can almost find new destinations daily.
Biking and cycling
Dunedin is a biker’s playground. The summer climate is perfect for mountain biking, with mild temperatures and a late setting sun. A compact layout and a flat run for commuting in the city, great mountain biking tracks and views from the peaks as well as historical rides along the Otago Central Rail Trail makes the city a must-visit for cyclists of all kinds.
Walking and hiking
There are numerous scenic walks around Dunedin. Short tracks criss-cross Otago Peninsula, the Town Belt and Ross Creek.
Further afield, there are tracks near the Taieri River and Silverstream, half-day hikes along Dunedin’s dramatic skyline (Pineapple Track, Leith Saddle and Mt Cargill Tracks), walks to mysterious places like Tunnel Beach, and serious hikes in the Silver Peaks.
Surfing
From great beach breaks close the city centre, to fun point breaks on the North Coast, to numerous hidden reef breaks, Dunedin has something for everyone.
Dunedin could be called the "cold coast" considering it's also a surfer's paradise. Sure, you’ll be covered head-to-toe in thick rubber instead of board shorts. With some 30 beaches within 30 minutes’ drive of the city centre, Dunedin is almost the unofficial beach capital of New Zealand.
Fishing
Dunedin is a fisherman's dream. Close to the city centre you can experience sea fishing and fly fishing and there are numerous dams and lagoons where you can catch trout, salmon and various other varieties of fish. Dunedin also provides a natural harbour and low-lying tidal seabeds where other sea food is abundant.
Golf courses
Whether you're after a relaxing nine-hole golf course, or 18 holes of challenging undulation and course features, Dunedin is sure to impress. Dunedin's courses are all within close proximity to the city centre.
Water Sports
Dunedin harbour and the surrounding beaches are perfect for many leisure water sports, with kayaking, paddleboarding, foiling and sailing among the most popular.
You can almost always either find a sheltered bay or inlet to glide across waters, or an ocean facing spot where you can ride the waves.
Dunedin has half a dozen family-oriented sailing and yacht clubs. If you are looking for places to pop your own boat into the water, you’ll need tips about ramp locations and safe sailing in the harbour. We recommend getting in touch with one of the Dunedin clubs.