A couple of years ago, as part of a fundraising event for a local charity, I abseiled from the gantry at Forsyth Barr Stadium. It was an exhilarating, albeit scary, experience.
It occurred to me that while the abseil was in one sense a unique opportunity, people who live in Dunedin are actually spoiled for choice when it comes to recreation, getting outdoors and experiencing new things.
There are some fantastic attractions and facilities in and around the campus area. The world-class Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Otago Museum, Botanic Garden and Public Art Gallery just to name a few.
As a student, however, it can become easy to confine yourself to just the campus area. I urge you to step beyond and discover all of what makes Dunedin one of the world’s great small cities.
Dunedin is a biker’s playground. The summer climate is perfect for mountain biking with mild temperatures, a late setting sun and trails which can be found in every direction. Our growing network of dedicated cycle lanes and shared paths provide flat riding and beautiful scenery for commuters and recreational riders alike. Or check out the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail which begins within the city’s boundary at Middlemarch.
There are numerous scenic walks in and around the city. Short tracks criss-cross the Otago Peninsula, the Town Belt and hill suburbs, while further afield there are half-day hikes along Dunedin’s dramatic skyline and tracks near the Taieri River and Silverstream. Take in the history on the Huriawa Pa Walk to a fortified Maori Pa along the spectacular Huriawa Peninsula at Karitane.
Why not head to Orokonui Ecosanctuary or Otago Peninsula for the wildlife.
Being a coastal city, Dunedin has many beaches scattered along its coastline. For surfers, there are great beach breaks close the city centre, fun point breaks on the north coast and numerous hidden reef breaks. Or you can kayak and windsurf on the harbour.
Close to the city centre you can experience sea fishing and fly fishing and there are numerous dams and lagoons where you can catch trout, salmon and other varieties of fish. In fact Dunedin is the only city other than Vancouver in the world where you can catch a salmon from a wharf in close proximity to the CBD. On Otago Peninsula, head to the Papanui Inlet to collect cockles.
For more ideas on what to do in Dunedin, visit www.dunedinnz.com.