Let’s Get Physical
Great Walks
A great place for walking, Dunedin has a range of tracks offering something for all ages and abilities.
The Dunedin Town Belt has been preserved since the early days of European settlement in Dunedin. This strip of parks and bush offers plenty of recreational possibilities, including walking. You can explore from any point, or attempt to traverse its entirety from the Oval to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens.
Ross Creek, off Burma Road, is a short and picturesque wander that weaves through native bush and exotic forest around one of New Zealand’s oldest reservoirs. The family-friendly loop is popular with walkers and joggers, as well as the local birdlife. The surrounding reserve offers the opportunity to find some solitude adjacent to the city, with bush, creeks, and even a waterfall.
The Pineapple Track leads to the top of Flagstaff, which has stunning views over the city and the Taieri Plain when the weather allows. From Booth Road you’ll get a real workout on the climb, or you can begin on Whare Flat Road, for a short and steep hike to the summit. Either way, it’s a great way to get your bearings - and some exercise - in Dunedin.
You can drive to the top of Mount Cargill for superb 360-degree views. But if you are feeling more adventurous, you can follow the relatively easy tracks through the bush from Bethune’s Gully. Once at the top though, a detour to the Organ Pipes is compulsory.
These hexagonal basalt columns are one of Dunedin’s most unique natural features. Be careful on the loose rocks that you’ll have to negotiate though.
A popular coastal walk on the Otago Peninsula, the Sandymount Track offers great views of Hoopers Inlet and Allans Beach. The hour-long walk has ups and downs through farmland, to a series of viewpoints. Begin at the carpark on Sandymount Road, off Highcliff Road.
Pedal Power
Dunedin has become a mountain biking mecca, with many kilometres of custom designed track to be found on the hills surrounding the city. These include the awesome Signal Hill Reserve, with a world class network of trails for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert riders. Mountain Biking Otago has also developed tracks at Wakari Creek, Whare Flat, Bethune’s Gully, Nicols Creek, and Swampy Summit.
Your Round
The selection of golf courses all around Dunedin is sure to offer something to please players of all abilities. Among them is the Otago Golf Club, at Balmacewen on the hills above the city. Established in 1871, its picturesque 18-holes have hosted the very best, including Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and New Zealand’s Sir Bob Charles and Michael Campbell.