Explore Otago Peninsula & Dunedin's great outdoors

Hills, forest, ocean, beaches and Gothic Revival architecture. It's a magical combination that urges you to get outdoors at every opportunity.

When the original Scottish settlers laid eyes on Dunedin in the 1840s, they had grand plans. They set about creating an architecturally-splendid city that would show the northern hemisphere a thing or two about urban design. To appreciate the historic beauty of the city, we recommend urban hikes in and around the CBD, including the popular street art trail.

Of course, the ultimate biking adventure in this neck of the woods is the Otago Central Rail Trail, a five-day off-road journey between Middlemarch and Clyde in Central Otago. You can catch the Taieri Gorge Railway to Middlemarch from Dunedin, then pick up your bikes and get going. Accommodation along the way should be booked before you head off though, because the trail can get busy during summer months.

You don't have to be a mountain biker to enjoy the best of Dunedin cycling. The city has a network of dedicated cycle lanes and paths, so you can easily get around on two wheels. The most scenic riding can be found around the harbour's edge. You can ride to Aramoana via Port Chalmers or follow the edge of the Otago Peninsula to Taiaroa Head.