Exploring Dunedin's Coastal Gems
Dunedin, located in Otago on the South Island, is renowned for its stunning white sand surf beaches along the southern Pacific Coast. Among the most accessible are St Kilda and St Clair, situated right next to the city. These beaches, essentially two ends of the same bay, are perfect for enjoying white sandy beaches, swimming during the warmer months, and surfing throughout the year for the adventurous. Even during the cold Winter months, these beaches are worth a visit for their natural beauty and the invigorating coastal atmosphere.
St Clair Beach Highlights
At the St Clair end, you'll find a high sea wall, which provides a promenade as well as protection for the suburb of St Clair and several nearby cafés. There are several sets of stairs down the seawall, noting that the surf comes up ot the wall at high tide. At the end of the seawall is a heated outdoor saltwater pool, perfect if you can't abide the southern temperatures.
The sea wall is ideal for a stroll. You can also walk a short distance around the point beside the pool. Overall, the atmosphere at St Clair is urban, with convenient amenities and fabulous ocean views.
St Kilda Beach and Scenic Views
In contrast, the St Kilda end of the beach is wilder, featuring natural dunes that add to its rugged charm. For a panoramic view, head north of the beach to the lookout point beside the golf course. From here, you can gaze over Tomahawk Beach and the Otago Peninsula, offering a stunning perspective of the surrounding landscape.
St Kilda is also still accessible at high tide, although the area of exposed sand is limited.
The Heart of Dunedin Outdoors
St Clair Beach and St Kilda Beach have long been central to Dunedin’s recreational life, evolving from popular Victorian-era seaside resorts into iconic hubs of modern coastal culture. From the late 19th and early 20th centuries, locals flocked to these beaches in fine weather for swimming, promenading, and social gatherings. Surf lifesaving clubs formed as beachgoing and surf swimming, then surfing, became defining leisure activities.
Over time, St Clair in particular developed a strong surfing identity, becoming one of New Zealand’s best-known urban surf breaks, where surfing has been practised for decades despite the cold southern waters. Don't be surprised to see surfers out in terrible Winter weather at St Clair!
How to Get There
Victoria Road runs from the St Clair end and connects to John Wilson Ocean Drive in St Kilda. To reach St Kilda and St Clair beaches from Dunedin's city centre, the most direct driving route is to take Princes Street southwest, then turn south onto King Edward Street. This takes you all the way to Victoria Street - head west for St Clair and go almost straight ahead to John Wilson Drive for St Kilda. You can also take a bus heading towards the Pacific Coast. Both beaches are easily accessible with plenty of nearby car parking.
Other Dunedin beaches to visit include Aramoana, the beaches of Otago Peninsula, Smaills Beach, Tomahawk Beach, Ocean View Beach and Brighton.
