Dunedin Day Trips

Closer in, the guides cover Port Chalmers, Aramoana, Sandfly Bay and the Royal Albatross Centre at Pukekura.

Day trips from Dunedin reach the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula, the goldfields village of Naseby, and the waterfalls and coast of the Catlins. Within easy reach are the Moeraki Boulders, historic Oamaru, and the Central Otago wineries around Cromwell, plus the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Dunedin makes a great base for exploring the wider Otago region.

Day trips map

11 day trips in and around Dunedin. Tap one for how far it is and the guide, or find the ones nearest you.

Map of 11 day trips

Pins from each day trip guide. Distances are in a straight line from the city centre.

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11 day trips

Rail, Road & Scenic RoutesTaieri Gorge RailwayScenic Rail Journey from Dunedin1 km north-east5 hrThe Taieri Gorge Railway runs a 5-hour return trip from Dunedin Railway Station to Pukerangi, crossing historic viaducts and hand-carved tunnels.

Otago Peninsula & HarbourPort ChalmersSuburb Guide to Historic Port and Day Trip11 km north-eastPort Chalmers is a historic harbour suburb 13 km northeast of Dunedin city centre on the Otago Peninsula.

Wildlife & Nature EscapesSandfly Bay TrackWildlife and Coastal Views11 km eastToiletsNo dogs15 min one wayThe Sandfly Bay Track offers visitors a rewarding coastal walk on the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin, with opportunities to observe yellow-eyed penguins.

Beaches & Coastal SpotsBrighton BeachCoastal Day Trip and Swimming Spot15 km south-westDogs on leash20-25 minPerfect for family fun, Brighton Beach offers stunning views and activities; discover the secrets that make this coastal retreat unforgettable.

Wildlife & Nature EscapesSilver Peaks Scenic ReserveHiking Tracks and Day Trips15 km northNo dogsSilver Peaks Scenic Reserve north of Dunedin has tussock ridges, schist tors and the challenging Silverpeaks Circuit, with Jubilee and Philip J Cox huts.

Otago Peninsula & HarbourAramoanaBeaches, Boardwalk and Wildlife Day Trip40 min drive20 km north-eastToiletsDogs on leashAramoana sits at the mouth of Otago Harbour, 25 km northeast of Dunedin, offering a peaceful coastal setting with beaches, a saltmarsh boardwalk.

Wildlife & Nature EscapesRoyal Albatross Centre and PukekuraToroa, Fort Taiaroa and Wildlife at Taiaroa Head21 km north-eastRoyal Albatross Centre and Pukekura, Dunedin: the world's only mainland royal albatross colony, Fort Taiaroa tours, wildlife, opening hours and booking.

Wildlife & Nature EscapesSutton Salt Lake WalkDay Trip to New Zealand's Only Inland Salt Lake48 km north-westNo dogs45 minEasySutton Salt Lake walk: an easy 45 min to 1 hr DOC loop near Middlemarch to New Zealand's only inland salt lake. Directions, dogs, access.

Rail, Road & Scenic RoutesMiddlemarch, OtagoGateway to the Otago Central Rail Trail53 km north-westMiddlemarch serves as the primary eastern gateway to the Otago Central Rail Trail, a popular 152-kilometre off-road route through Central Otago.

Kaka PointCatlins Surf Beach and Nugget Point Gateway1 hr 15 min drive79 km south-westToiletsPlaygroundKaka Point is a Catlins surf beach about 1 hour 15 minutes south of Dunedin, with a surf club, several peaks and Nugget Point lighthouse nearby.

Heritage Towns & Scenic VillagesHistoric ŌamaruVictorian Heritage Day Trip from Dunedin1.5 hr drive94 km north-eastŌamaru, just over an hour north of Dunedin, is known for its Victorian whitestone streetscapes and the Ōamaru Heritage Precinct.