Dunedin is the surfer's Surfers Paradise. Often called "Bali with wetsuits" due to the variety of waves and wide swell window - the craggy coastline serves up waves and offshore winds almost every day of the year. Unlike Bali, the water is cold and the neoprene is thick, but that keeps the crowds thin and wave count high.
Plenty of waves to keep you on your toes
There is something for every level of wave rider, from mushy beach breaks for beginners through to heaving reefs for the experienced.
When you combine the north and south coast options, there is rarely a day when there is no surf. Geographically, Dunedin is wide open to swells from the southwest to the northeast, ranging consistently from 1-3m, but 4-6m plus waves are a regular occurrence at any time of the year.
Check out Surfline or Swellnet for the latest Dunedin surf report.
City beaches
St Clair is the epicentre of Dunedin, a popular beach lined with cosy cafes and restaurants that beckon post surf. Just down the beach, St Kilda offers less crowded and punchier waves.
See the St Clair Beach Surf Cam
Further south, if Blackhead’s peaks are too crowded with locals, just find a wave to yourself along the little-surfed coastline between Brighton and Taieri Mouth.
Otago Peninsula and beyond
Otago Peninsula is where the real adventure begins, with a smorgasbord of mysto breaks, all regulated by the true locals - penguins, sea lions and sharks. If the surf’s not on, check out a wildlife tour to see the coastline from a different perspective.
Rare tropical cyclones bring Dunedin's wave-rich north coast to life, with Aramoana, Whareakeke and Karitane can be world class when the swell, tide and winds align.
Dunedin is also a great base for the big waves of the Catlins, just over an hour's drive south.
Coming from the Gold Coast? With a 3.5hr direct flight, you can have Snapper for breakfast and a smorgasbord of empty waves for lunch. Drop in here to find our more.