Beaches

New Zealanders don't often utter the two words "Dunedin" and "beaches" in the same breath, but the truth is, there are at least eight or nine magnificent, unspoiled, white-sand beaches within an easy drive of Dunedin. You may not always want to swim in the coolish waters, but from a scenic point of view, they're worth a visit. St. Kilda and St. Clair are probably the best known, made famous by a dedicated band of wet-suited surfers. A short drive north to the Port Chalmers area reveals Long Beach, Aromoana, and Purakanui, and on Otago Peninsula, Pilot's Beach (near the Albatross Centre), Victory Beach, Sandfly Bay, and Seal Point are all generally deserted and beautiful. Closer to town you have Tunnel Beach, which is accessed through private property and a tunnel. Ask the staff at the visitor center for driving instructions. You'll find great walks on Brighton Beach, a 20-minute drive south of Dunedin.