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Tomahawk Beach, Dunedin

By Author Jon Algie

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Dunedin

Tomahawk Beach, Dunedin

Tomahawk Beach is at the city-end of the Otago Peninsula and is part of a glistening coastline which features some of New Zealand’s best beaches. St Clair is far more famous, but there is heaps to see at Tomahawk Beach and I reckon it’s a good option for people who love exploring. 

Tomahawk Beach

Dunedin’s beaches aren’t exactly tropical, but their rugged, windswept charm makes them fun to explore and photograph. Tomahawk Beach is no different. The white (ish) sands, wavy water, dunes and headlands attract a few local walkers and surfers. There are various paths through the dunes, some of which aren’t particularly easy to follow.

I had a little adventure trying to climb up the dunes and then through the trees at the far end of the beach. It seemed like a place you’d hide a dead body. I eventually found my way out, with a few scrapes and scratches for souvenirs. There are more defined paths so I’d recommend sticking to them.

READ MORE: 26 of the Best Beaches in Dunedin

Above the Beach

Head up the hill at the northern end of Tomahawk Beach and you’ll get a sweeping view over the dunes, Lawyers Head and St Clair. You can also see Smails Beach if you continue up the hill for another couple of minutes. 

READ MORE: 10 of the Best Things to Do in St Clair, Dunedin

There’s a track leading up to the golf course at the southern end of Tomahawk Beach. It’s my favourite view of Tomahawk Beach — be careful of golf balls though!

Tomahawk Lagoon

While walking by Tomahawk Lagoon I met Edward, an older gentleman who lives nearby, and he told me all about the birds (swans, herons, egrets etc.) living there. If you’re into these kinds of birds make sure to bring your camera. 

READ MORE: Dunedin Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip

The Peg 41 Track heads up from Tomahawk Lagoon to the Soldiers Monument on Highcliff Road. It’s a beautiful walk and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. From the Soldiers Monument you could connect up with the Greenacres Track which takes you all the way to Macandrew Bay.

Getting to Tomahawk Beach

Tomahawk Beach is easily accessed if you don’t have your own transport. You can walk like I did, which took around an hour from the city centre (it was a pretty quick pace though) or catch a number 3 bus from the city bus depot to the suburb of Tomahawk. Smails Beach and St Kilda Beach are nearby, and you can do the Karetai Road Track for awesome views over this whole area.

Are you planning a trip to Dunedin? Check our post about the best things to do in Dunedin!

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Jon Algie

I'm a South Island local -- born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen a good chunk of the world I realised how special this place is -- the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I'm still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.