Dunedin Beaches

The best four beaches in Dunedin and why I like them

Tunnel Beach 

Because of the dramatic cliffs and pillars.
Because of its intriguing, dark / light atmosphere – think Wuthering Heights meets Mediterraneo.
Because of its history: the tunnel was bored in the 1870s by John Cargill, apparently as a gift to his daughter, and for many years the beach remained the private domain of the powerful Cargill families.
Because, when the tide is out, you could stage an opera here.

Located approximately 7 kms south of the city, Tunnel Beach is the most romantic spot in Dunedin. Park at the end of Green Island Bush Road, off Blackhead Road. Note that the walkway to the beach is quite steep (allow a one-hour return walk) and is closed from mid- August to late October for lambing. The beach is accessible only at low tide.

St Clair Beach
Because it’s gorgeous.
Because there’s great surfing here.
Because the Victorians loved it.
Because of St Clair Beach Resort
Because of the shark bell.
St Clair Esplanade is just a 10-minute drive from the city, via King Edward Street and Victoria Road. A vibrant spot, it’s a great place to people-watch, brunch, or catch some rays.

Brighton Beach
Because writer James K. Baxter lived in Brighton.
Because you can surf here too.
Because there’s safe swimming and the whole place is family-friendly in a1950s/ home-video kind of way.
Come during Dunedin’s Summer Festival (every January/ Februrary) and catch the Dunedin to Brighton Veteran Car Rally.
Brighton is on the south coast, a 30- minute drive from Dunedin.

Long Beach
Because it’s tranquil.
Because it’s a rock-climbing Mecca.
Because of the caves: groovy room-sized ones near the north end of the beach lead to a massive cavern you could hide an army - or stage an opera - in. Watch for rockfalls though, and – sometimes - falling sheep!
Long Beach is a stunning 30-minute drive north of Dunedin, via Port Chalmers. Make time to visit Port, Aramoana and Orokonui Ecosanctuary on the way.

Victory Beach and the Pyramids
This pristine and completely undeveloped beach is named after the Victory ship that sunk of its shores.

The Pyramids are in the Okia reserve which is a mixture of wetland and dune country. They are made up of perfectly geometric basalt volcanic columns. Climb up the smaller one for views over the dunes.

Aramoana beach and the Mole
This beautiful white sandy beach is split by thr Mole, a long breakwater stretching out into the harbour entrance. It's an exciting walk when the seas are big and a great spot to watch the albatrosses swooping into Tairoa Head on the other side the harbour.

There is a track and boardwalk that takes you through the tidal slat marshes and huge sandhill down the northern end of the beach. The settlement is full of classic kiwiana cribs (or baches as Northerners call them) and is so peaceful it's hard the believe that David Gray's massacre of 13 locals took place here.

Blueskin Bay
Blueskin Bay is an estuary about 25km north of Dunedin named after Te Hikututu and his nephew Kahutin because of all their Tā Moko (traditional Maori tattoos).

The estuary is abundant with Southern clams (or Cockles as the locals call them) and Southern Clams Ltd have made them a major NZ export. You might even be lucky enough to find an oyster or two. Anyone can gather them at low tide and we recommend simply cooking them in sea water over a driftwood fire.