Dunedin

A steep track and narrow, stepped tunnel lead down to this romantic and secluded beach, once the private domain of the powerful Cargill family. White sandstone cliffs and curious wind, sea and rain-sculpted stacks add to the atmosphere here. Tunnel Beach is approximately 7km south of Dunedin. Turn from Blackhead Road onto the seaward branch of Green Island Bush Road. The track to the beach crosses private farmland and is closed August through October for lambing.

1 hr return

St Clair offers seaside delights just ten minutes from Dunedin's Octagon. A popular destination since Victorian times, you can walk or surf here or kick back and enjoy the Esplanade's bars, cafes or restaurants. St Clair's therapeutic Hot Salt Water Pool, open October – March, is a national institution. Drive to the Esplanade via Caversham and Forbury Road.

Gardens, both public and private, adorn the city and provide year-round interest. Dunedin's Botanic Garden opened in 1869, making it the oldest in New Zealand. Famous for its rhododendron dell and the associated Spring Festival (October), the garden is also known for its camellias and roses, extensive native plant and geographic collections and Edwardian winter garden. The New Zealand Gardens Trust has designated Dunedin Botanic Garden a Garden of International Significance.

Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road, then right onto Seal Point Road to reach the carpark. A path crosses farmland to the sand dunes. Go down the sand hill – which can be rather testing on the return, uphill journey – and walk about 1 km along the beach. Near the southern end a marked track leads up to a hide to view the yellow-eyed penguins. Please don't linger on the beach below the hide, or anywhere else they come ashore. If you encounter a penguin on the beach keep well away and crouch down. If they feel threatened they will not come ashore. Please keep at least 10 metres away from sleeping sea lions, 20 metres from active animals and if you are in a group don't surround them.

1 hr return

The circuit track begins at the carpark at the end of Sandymount Road. This walk via The Chasm and Lovers Leap – with a side track to Sandymount summit – gives spectacular views of Otago Peninsula’s coastline and cliff tops. Another marked route provides alternative access to Sandfly Bay. The Lovers Leap and Chasm tracks are closed for lambing, 1 August – 31 October.

Lovers Leap 50 min return. Sandymount Circuit 1 hr return

A short walk on a wild Otago Peninsula beach. From Portobello, drive to the far end of Allans Beach Road and park under the trees. Give sea lions a wide berth (20m) if you meet any on the beach and retreat if you see penguins approaching. To protect wildlife, dogs are not permitted on the eastern end of the beach.

5 min to the beach

There are two starting points: off Aramoana Road, 50 metres before Pari Street and at the end of Heyward Point Road, which is off the road From Port Chalmers to Purakanui and Long Beach. There are great views from this clifftop track. To the right, Taiaroa Head and the mouth of Otago Harbour, and to the left looking up Otago's east coast. After following the cliff tops the track descends through regenerating bush to the more exposed Heyward Point. Closed for lambing, 1 August to 31 October

2 hr return

Outram Glen is 23 km from Dunedin via Three Mile Hill. Approaching Outram township, turn right immediately after crossing the Taieri River Bridge. Stay on the gravel road that runs alongside the river to reach the carpark. Outram Glen is a popular picnic and swimming area. The walking track to Lee Stream has recently been upgraded and makes an excellent family walk. The track begins at the car park and runs alongside the river. After approximately 30-40 minutes there is a short, steep stepped section leading to a long traverse above the river. After about an hour the track returns to the river and soon reaches the confluence of Lee Stream and the Taieri River.

3 hr return