Last updated October 2026
Andersons Bay is a residential suburb on the southeastern edge of Dunedin, New Zealand. It sits 2.8 kilometres from the city centre and offers views across the Otago Harbour and towards the Pacific Ocean. Its mix of established homes, green spaces and proximity to the harbour makes it a quiet yet convenient place to live or visit. Residents value the balance of suburban life with easy access to Dunedin’s amenities and coastal walks.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 2,700, up 2% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.71 km²
- Location
- 3.1 km south-east of central Dunedin
- Council
- Dunedin City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Tainui, Waverley, Shiel Hill, Musselburgh, Lawyers Head, Ocean Grove, Vauxhall, Highcliff
- Getting there
- Portobello Road and Andersons Bay Road; Otago Regional Council buses to central Dunedin
- Schools
- Andersons Bay School, Bayfield High School, St Brigids School (Tainui)
- Nearby landmarks
- Andersons Bay Inlet, Otago Harbour, the start of the Otago Peninsula
Who Lives in Andersons Bay
About 2,700 residents in 1,060 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Andersons Bay
Andersons Bay lies along the former shoreline of the Otago Harbour. Parts of the suburb occupy land reclaimed in the mid-twentieth century. The terrain rises from flat coastal strips to steeper hillsides that provide elevated views of the harbour and ocean.
The suburb features a mix of older bungalows and more recent homes. Many properties take advantage of the coastal outlook. Andersons Bay Inlet, a remnant of a larger historic waterway, marks the southern edge. A major landslip on Belmont Lane in February 2026 led to temporary evacuations and road closures, highlighting ongoing coastal and slope stability considerations in the district.
Green spaces and established trees contribute to the suburb’s leafy character. The area supports a range of households, from families to retirees. Its location allows residents to reach central Dunedin quickly while enjoying a quieter coastal setting.
Location and Access
Andersons Bay sits on the southeastern side of Dunedin’s urban area. Drivers reach the suburb in a few minutes from the city centre via Portobello Road or Andersons Bay Road. Public buses operated by the Otago Regional Council serve the area. Pedestrian and cycling routes connect to nearby coastal paths and the wider Dunedin network.
The suburb borders the Otago Harbour and lies close to the start of the Otago Peninsula. This positioning supports short trips to harbour-edge reserves and the city’s southern beaches.
Education and Community Facilities
Andersons Bay School provides primary education for local children. The school is one of the larger primary schools in Dunedin and maintains a decile 10 rating. Secondary students typically attend nearby high schools such as Bayfield High School. Tertiary institutions including the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic are a short commute away.
Community life centres on local events, neighbourhood groups and the Andersons Bay Community Association. Parks and reserves offer space for recreation and informal gatherings.
Near Andersons Bay
Just outside Andersons Bay, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Andersons Bay: Overview of geography, history and demographics with references to primary sources.
Stats NZ – Andersons Bay summaries: Latest census data on population, ethnicity, housing and education.
Dunedin City Council: Official information on local services, planning and coastal management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Andersons Bay from central Dunedin?
Approximately 2.8 kilometres southeast, a short drive or bus ride away.
Is there a primary school in Andersons Bay?
Yes, Andersons Bay School caters for Years 1–6.
Are there coastal walks or parks nearby?
The suburb offers access to harbour-edge paths and local reserves with views across the Otago Harbour.
What transport options serve Andersons Bay?
Local roads and Otago Regional Council bus services connect the suburb to central Dunedin.
Has the area experienced any recent coastal issues?
A landslip in February 2026 affected Belmont Lane and Portobello Road, prompting temporary evacuations and highlighting slope stability considerations.
What type of housing is common in Andersons Bay?
The suburb features a mix of classic bungalows and contemporary homes, many with harbour or ocean outlooks.
Is Andersons Bay suitable for families?
The presence of a local primary school, parks and proximity to Dunedin amenities supports family living.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Dunedin only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Andersons Bay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.