Walks to try around Dunedin (under 2 hours)

This is a beautiful, tranquil native forest track that’s an easy walk and worth the drive over Three Mile Hill. It has an interesting historic background as it follows an abandoned water race past several weirs across side streams. You rarely see other people on the track and it has scenic picnic spots.

It starts at the car park at the junction of Silverstream Valley and Flagstaff-Whare Flat Roads. Dogs allowed off lead. 1 hr 30 min, 7km (return).

Barbed wire

Raceman’s Track and other tracks in the Whare Flat area were developed for farming and to help supply water to Dunedin. Barbed wire fences were erected to retain stock. Bush has grown over many of these barbed wire fences and they are now hidden. Walkers should watch out for these fences and take care, particularly if their dogs are off lead.

From St Clair Esplanade, walk along St Clair and St Kilda Beaches to Lawyers Head. Either walk back along the beach or climb one of the numerous tracks to get to John Wilson Ocean Drive and then walk through a playground and sports fields back to the esplanade. Dogs allowed off lead on the beach, and on leash along John Wilson Ocean Drive. 1 hr, 3.5km (one-way).

There is a network of easy walking native bush tracks around a reservoir and creeks which are popular with dog walkers and joggers. The area provides a dry sheltered walking area on rainy days. Entry points are on Burma, Rockside and Tanner Roads and Woodhaugh Street. You can easily walk for an hour or longer around these tracks. Dogs allowed on lead.

Start at the car park on Tunnel Beach Road, signposted off Blackhead Road. Follow the steep track down the spectacular coastline. At the end of the track a short tunnel with steps leads down to the beach. The beach is accessible two hours either side of low tide. Dogs not allowed. 1 hr, 2km (return).

This family and dog-friendly walk starts and ends at the car park on Beach Road. There is a large grassed area beside the car park that is ideal for picnics. Visit the beach and watch rock climbers scaling the cliffs along the beach.

Caves at the end of the beach are made of basalt rocks formed from cooling lava from the Dunedin volcano which erupted 16 million years ago. The sandy floors of the caves contrast with the huge square basaltic pillars at their entrances.

The caves are nesting grounds for little Blue Penguins/kororā. Occasionally, other penguin species visit as well as sea lions/rāpoka, leopard seals/hiri reparo and fur seals/kekeno. Take care not to disturb native wildlife using these caves.

Dogs allowed off lead. 1 hr 30 min, 7km (return).

From the car park in Bethunes Gully, head up the hill to Mount Cargill, through pine and native forest. Panoramic views of the city and countryside are worth the strenuous climb. Dogs allowed off lead. 4 hrs, 8.5km (return).

From the Bull Ring car park on Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road, follow the track onto Flagstaff summit. For a longer walk, continue to Ross Creek along the Pineapple Track, finishing at Booth Road. Dogs allowed off lead. 1 hr, 2.5km (return).

From the car park at the end of Frasers Road, walk through native forest and along Kaikorai Stream up to Dalziel Road. Turn left at Dalziel Road and left again at the sign to the new downhill section of the loop. Follow the track back to the stream where a temporary crossing is provided. This is a great track for families and dogs allowed off lead. 2 hrs, 7km (return).

There are several access points for this flat walk, including the end of Wingatui Road before it crosses the stream or from the Mosgiel Pool car park where you can head left or right. If you head left, you can walk as far as Riccarton Road. Great for families, suitable for buggies and dogs allowed off lead. Between 30 min and 2 hrs (9km).

Start at the Outram Glen picnic area on the right past the Taieri River bridge. There are lovely swimming and fishing spots along the track. Dogs allowed on lead. 30 min, 6km (return). You can walk further to Lee Stream along a rougher track.

Start from the end of Riverside Road, first right past the Taieri River bridge. The track passes through forest and provides great views of the Taieri River and Taieri Island (Moturata). After a seat at the top of the hill, continue down to finish at the John Bull Gully picnic area. You can continue further to Taieri Ferry Road, near Henley, if you want a longer walk. 1 hour 30 min, 4km (one way) to John Bull Gully. 2 hrs 30 min, 8km (one way) to Henley.

This track is managed by the Clutha District Council.

Start at the end of Seal Point Road, cross farmland and then down the huge sand dunes, which are a feature of this walk. Enjoy sea lions/ rāpoka and yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho from a distance – stay at least 20m away. Dogs not allowed. 1 hr 30 min, 3km (return).

The loop track begins at the end of Sandymount Road. Walk through an avenue of macrocarpa trees to a lookout offering amazing views, then further on take a look at two interesting natural features – Lovers Leap and the Chasm. Dogs not allowed. 1 hr, 2.5km (return).

Please note – this track is closed for lambing from 1 September to 23 October.

This pleasant, sheltered walk around Orokonui lagoon and through native forest has several starting points, including parking areas on Orokonui Road, Doctors Point Road and Chelivode Street. Good for families and dogs on lead. 1 hr, 3km (return).

Starting at the car park at the domain on Barvas Street, take the track around the peninsula to Karitane Beach. Follow the track through the cemetery back to the domain. For a longer return walk, continue along the beach. Dogs on lead. 45 min, 2.4 km (return).

Start at the end of Scotia Street, cross the causeway and turn right towards the beach. Walk along the beach and head back to the lagoon through the Waikouaiti Sports Park. Dogs on lead around lagoon and off lead on the beach. 1 hr 30 min, 4km (return).

You can spend at least an hour here, walking through native forest, paddling in the toddler’s pool, lunching in the picnic and barbeque areas, trying out the flying fox and other playground equipment and feeding the ducks. Dogs not allowed.

Spend some time strolling around these stunning gardens from the lower formal garden up to the rhododendron dell. There are several trails you can follow; the themes are volcanic, silent spaces, treasured plants, trees, play and off the beaten track. Visit the winter garden, information centre (ask for some food to feed the pigeons) and the aviary at the top of the gardens. Dogs, bikes and scooters not allowed.

Start at Queens Gardens, walk along Vogel Street to see some of Dunedin finest restored heritage buildings. At the end of Vogel Street, walk under the shady trees beside the Oval and return to Queens Gardens via Princes Street. Dogs on lead in Queens Gardens, along Vogel Street and allowed off lead at the Oval as long as sport is not being held.

Try the 8.2km walk developed by the Dunedin Amenities Society which showcases the Town Belt’s best features. It starts at the Southern Cemetery and ends at Woodhaugh Gardens. Dogs on lead. Dogs allowed on tracks through the Town Belt but must be under control.

You can explore and find out about the Dunedin Town Belt by scrolling through the Dunedin Town Belt Story Map (link to external website, new window)