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 and stunning half-day hikes along Dunedin’s dramatic skyline.
Sandymount Track
Begin your walk to the viewpoint in a tunnel of historic macrocarpa trees from the car park at the end of Sandymount Road.
Wander through coastal pastureland before reaching the viewpoint and its stunning views to the northeast over Allans Beach, Hoopers Inlet, Poatiri/Mt Charles and inland to Wharekākahu/Harbour Cone.
Pineapple Track and Mount Cargill
A walk along part of the Dunedin skyline with views of the city and Taieri Plains. The name, Pineapple Track, was adopted by parties of trampers on this route who rested at the top of a steep section to refresh themselves with tins of pineapple, often leaving the tins hanging in trees or on a fence. In places the walkway deviates from the original track to provide more scenic variation.
Mount Cargill provides some of the most spectacular views of Dunedin and the surrounding areas. At 676m, Mount Cargill dominates the northern end of Dunedin. There are two tracks to the summit – from Bethunes Gully or from Mount Cargill Road on the Organ Pipes tracks.
The Rock and Pillar Range
The Rock and Pillar Range is one of Otago's most distinctive upland features; its summit ridge dominated by impressive schist tors or rocky pillars.
Part of the range might look familiar as it was a filming location for The Hobbit.
Ross Creek
The Woodhaugh Gardens Trail through Ross Creek is a popular native bush walk that is relatively sheltered. It is often more popular during bad weather as it allows people to enjoy the outdoors without being forced into a battle with wet, windy weather. The walk starts on George St but can also be accessed from Woodhaugh Gardens, Cannington Rd, Rockside Rd, Tanner St, Burma Rd or Malvern St.
Tunnel Beach Track
Best at low tide this twenty minute easy walk from the car park on Tunnel Beach Road through private farmland takes you to a magnificent sandstone sea arch and man-made tunnel to the secluded beach with fossil filled cliffs on all sides. The tunnel was excavated in the 1870's for the Cargill family so they could bathe in privacy.
Silver Peaks
The Silver Peaks range lies right at Dunedin’s back door; between the Taieri River to the west and Blueskin Bay and Waitati in the east. The Silver Peaks Scenic Reserve and adjoining areas provide day walks and challenging backcountry tramping, less than a 30 minute drive from the city.
Dunedin Street Art Trail
Dunedin has a rich history in the arts and of making art freely available for all to enjoy. It is unsurprising, then, that the city is now embracing street art, with an increasing number of blank walls being transformed into works of art by local and international artists.
Experience these vibrant, whimsical artworks on the Dunedin Street Art trail. Artists include ROA (Belguim), Pixel Pancho (Italy), Phlegm (UK), Dal East (China), Mica Still (NZ) to name a few.
A great way to experience Dunedin's heritage is to join a guided walking tour. Ask the Dunedin isite Visitor Centre how to do this or read more about walking tours here.
Read more on outdoor walks and hikes at the Dunedin City Council website.