Many students arrive in North D and don’t really leave very often. It just so happens that Dunedin is located in a pretty special part of the world, and Otago students are in the best place to experience it.

We have complied a list of the 7 best reasons to leave North Dunedin. Some are day trips, while others will provide a few hours of fun.

1.) Otago Peninsular

This is a beautiful walk or bike ride. A recently-constructed cycle lane now takes riders all the way to Portobello. MacAndrew Bay is worth a stop, and for the more intrepid cyclists, Highcliff Road is an excellent way to return to the city. It has little traffic but beware of steep climbs and descents.

2.) Orokonui Nature Reserve

This reserve has a predator-free fence and is a 15 minute drive from North Dunedin. On the way to discovering the pristine native forrest you will encounter stunning views of the Otago coast.

3.) Waitati

Waitati is a quaint little seaside township 19km North of Dunedin. Suitable for cyclists (it’s recommended and possible to avoid SH1 for most of this route). It makes for an excellent spot for a picnic and to check out the local area.

4.) Signal Hill

This is the classic photo-shoot location for Dunedin students. It has a historic lookout and a monument to the founders of Dunedin. Starting just below the lookout and finishing behind Logan Park High School is the Signal Hill mountain bike track. It has a range of tracks for all abilities, and there is a shuttle to transport riders back to the lookout to save you the 300m climb.

5.) Tunnel Beach

This is a beautiful location just south of Dunedin. It has a historical hand-dug tunnel connecting the track to the beach. While swimming is definitely not advised, the views make this a Dunners bucket list necessity.

6.) St Clair

This is a southern surfer’s paradise. Be cautious and stay between the flags, and probably take a wetsuit too, but you won’t be disappointed. In summer, the Dunedin City Council operates a salt water swimming pool at one end of the beach which is affectionately known as “Salty” by the locals.

7.) Nugget Point

This is a bit of a drive from Dunedin, located in the Catlins, but if you’re looking for a more substantial day trip it will not disappoint. There is a historic lighthouse nestled above a modern observation deck overlooking the point. Down below you’ll see sea-lions resting on the beaches. This is a gem that is well-known in Southland and Otago, but one many students won’t have heard of. Take a warm jacket and a camera.

Always respect the places you’re visiting. Don’t litter, and stay on marked paths for your own safety, and to protect our natural environment.