Discover Brighton, Dunedin
Brighton is a Pacific Coast seaside town and south-facing surf beach on the Pacific Coast, about 20 km south of Dunedin. The beach consists of a compact town beach, 250 metres wide, with rocky points to explore and a sweeping 5 km expanse of white sand that stretches in a crescent to the west.
The town beach is patrolled by the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club in Summer, making it popular for swimming. The Otokia Creek creates a lagoon behind the beach, providing calm water for children to paddle or kayak. With its community feel and attractive setting, Brighton is a classic holiday beach, albeit with very limited services apart from accommodation.
The town and beach were named after the seaside resort of Brighton in England, reflecting the intention of early Europeans to develop a similar experience in NZ. But in reality, it bears no resemblance to its namesake. Brighton should also not be confused with New Brighton in Christchurch, a similar long, sweeping Pacific Coast surf beach.
How to get there
From central Dunedin, head south on State Highway 1 and take the off-ramp for Westland Street, which takes you to Brighton Road. Follow Brighton Road along the coast for about 20 minutes. Bus line 70 also stops nearby, making the area accessible by public transport.
Other nearby beach options include Ocean View, another long sweeping beach north of Brighton, and Blackhead, which unfortunately has an unsightly quarry next to the main parking area. It is, however, popular for surfing and has some interesting basalt rock formations. If you continue south on the coastal road, you will reach Taieri Mouth, another small beachside community next to a beautiful beach.
