The Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders. It’s also very easy to explore thanks to its position on the doorstep of Dunedin. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or have days to explore, this post will show you the best things to do on the Otago Peninsula as well as some tips on how to string them together.
The High Road (Highcliff Road)
There are two roads you can take when exploring the Otago Peninsula. Highcliff Road winds around the hills and provides access to some of the attractions on the ocean side of the Peninsula. It then meets the harbourside road (Portobello Road) in Portobello village.
Soldiers Monument + Roadside Viewpoints
You don’t have to drive far from the city before the views open up. The Soldiers Monument would make for a good start to the day as it’s an easy walk and the views of the city, peninsula and harbour are stunning.
You can combine the Soldiers Monument with the Peg 41 Track if you’re keen for a longer walk, although it might be best to start that from the bottom.
There are several roadside viewpoints near the Soldiers Monument — head up there for a look even if you’re not planning a day out on the peninsula.
Highcliff Track / Boulder Beach
A short walk along the Highcliff Track brings you to a viewpoint above Boulder Beach. There’s a track leading down to the beach but it looks pretty dodgy, probably best to use the other track (read this post for more information).
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is one of the most iconic attractions in Dunedin — New Zealand’s only proper castle! Built in the 1870s, it sits on a hill above the harbour and is a fun place to wander both inside and out.
If you’re keen to reach Larnach Castle on foot you could park down at Broad Bay and walk up from there.
Sandfly Bay
The Sandfly Bay car park is a fair distance above the beach. You can walk down via the dunes (which can be fun going down but hard coming back up) or just enjoy the views from the top.
Lime Kilns
On the road to Sandymount you’ll see an old lime kiln by the side of the road. Find a park close by, cross the road and try and find the other one lying crumbling in a paddock.
Sandymount
Sandymount is one of the places I’d recommend visiting on the Otago Peninsula if you’re running short of time and want to see the highlights. There are some short hiking trails to viewpoints over Allans Beach and Hoopers Inlet.
You can also walk down to Sandly Bay from Sandymount. There used to be a longer walk here too (Lovers Leap and the Chasm) but sections of it are currently closed.
Hoopers Inlet
From Sandymount you’ll head down the hill to sea level (either via a gravel road off Sandymount Road or by heading back to the junction and then taking Highcliff Road down to Portobello). You’ll drive around Hoopers Inlet on the way to Allans Beach.
There isn’t too much to see but it’s a popular place for aurora photography — we went once but weren’t very successful. Continue around Hoopers Inlet to Allans Beach to see sea lions and one of New Zealand’s best beaches.
Allans Beach
If you’re visiting one beach on the Otago Peninsula, Allans Beach should be it. It’s in a beautiful location, the sand is white, the surf is good and there’s lots to explore. You’ll likely encounter sea lions, keep your distance if you do!
Victory Beach + The Pyramids
This is another fun beach to visit on the Otago Peninsula. From the carpark it’s a 30-minute walk to Victory Beach via The Pyramids. It’s pretty obvious why they’re called that! You can climb one of the pyramids for awesome views over the area.
The Harbourside Road (Portobello Road)
Portobello
If you’ve spent the morning exploring the oceanside of the Peninsula you’ll probably be hungry! There are a few places to eat in Portobello and it’s a nice town to hang out and relax in before pushing on to Taiaroa Head.
You can also catch the Port to Port Ferry to Quarantine Island and Port Chalmers — I highly recommend this trip, especially on a sunny day when the island looks its best.
Harrington Point Beach
Harrington Point Beach is a short distance from Taiaroa Head and is longer than the tiny beaches at Broad Bay and Macandrew Bay. Wellers Rock is also nearby (well known place but not that interesting). Also check out Otakou Golf Course nearby if you want to play a round. It’s a country course with cheap green fees!
Taiaroa Head
Those on a quick trip will head straight for Taiaroa Head at the far end of the Otago Peninsula. It’s home to wildlife including albatross, sea lions and little blue penguins. You’ll have to pay to see the penguins (they arrive at Pilots Beach just before sunset) and the albatross nesting area.
There’s plenty to do for free too. You can walk down to Pilot’s Beach during the day and maybe you’ll spot a penguin. There’s also a clifftop viewpoint where you can see Taiaroa Head Lighthouse and lots of birds.
Harbour Cone
After visiting Taiaroa Head it’s probably time to head back to the city. There’s plenty left to see though! The Harbour Cone is a great option if you have time. Either park on Bacon Street in Broad Bay or on Highcliff Road just above Portobello (saves you some uphill walking although the parking up there isn’t as convenient).
The final part of the track takes you up the rocky Harbour Cone for 360-degree views — a great spot to see the scale and beauty of the area.
Broad Bay
Broad Bay is a small suburb just past Portobello. Two good walks start from there (Harbour Cone and the track to Larnach Castle) and there’s a beach by the yacht club. There are no shops or places to eat though so Portobello and Macandrew Bay are similar but better options.
Macandrew Bay
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, Macandrew Bay is a popular weekend spot for locals. There’s a nice beach there as well as a café, playground, gallery and store. It’s the perfect place to grab an ice cream or a coffee and enjoy the sun, especially if you have kids.
Glenfalloch Gardens
From Macandrew Bay it’s a short drive (or walk / bike ride along the Harbour Cycleway) to Glenfalloch Gardens, a café / restaurant with a huge garden and forest trails. There isn’t anything else similar in Dunedin and I reckon it’s a place most tourists would love. A great place to end your time on the Otago Peninsula!
READ MORE: 10 of the Best Gardens in Dunedin
Harbour Cycleway
The 32km Harbour Cycleway connects Port Chalmers and Portobello, which sit on opposite sides of the harbour. It can be walked or cycled and you can easily do short sections. Macandrew Bay to Glenfalloch Gardens would be a good section to do.
Lawyers Head
The Otago Peninsula starts at Lawyers Head, at the far end of St Kilda Beach. It’s right in the heart of Dunedin, so if you’re in a rush you can get a taste of the peninsula without leaving the city. Lawyers Head is at the end of John Wilson Ocean Drive — such a scenic part of the city!
Tomahawk Beach and Lagoon
At the other side of Lawyers Head is Tomahawk Beach. You can walk down there by cutting across the golf course, or just drive. It’s a decent beach and the Peg 41 Track is worth doing if you’re keen on some hiking.
Smails Beach
Smails Beach is one of our favourite beaches in Dunedin. There are great views from the car parks above and an underrated walk at the far end (Karetai Track).
You can reach Lawyers Head, Tomahawk Beach and Smails Beach by bus from the city making it a solid option for people without their own transport.
READ MORE: 26 of the Best Beaches in Dunedin
Mt Cargill
Across the harbour, high above Port Chalmers looms Mount Cargill, one of Dunedin’s tallest mountains. From the top (you can reach it by car) you can see almost the entire length of the Otago Peninsula and most of it’s landmarks.
Otago Peninsula Transport
Buses (number 18) ply the route between the city and Portobello (and Harrington Point less frequently). It’s good if you want to check out places like Macandrew Bay and Portobello but you’ll need your own transport or to take a tour if you want to see the best stuff.
Otago Peninsula Itinerary
A very quick Otago Peninsula itinerary would probably include Taiaroa Head, Larnach Castle, Portobello and Allans Beach.
If you have a full day to explore I’d recommend starting early and heading up Highcliff Road first. Stop at the Soldiers Monument, Larnach Castle, Sandymount, Allans Beach, Portobello, Taiaroa Head and Macandrew Bay / Glenfalloch. You could fit more in if you were rushing or drop a couple of places if you’re slower traveller.
If you have two days you’d take the same route but add in a few more places and do some of the longer walks. You could spend a lot longer than two days as there’s heaps to explore (lots of other walking tracks). There’s accommodation all over the Otago Peninsula and it makes for a good alternative to staying in the city.
Are you planning a trip to the Otago Peninsula? Let us know in the comments below!
Jon Algie
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