Discover Acorn’s favourite Ōtepoti (Dunedin) photography locations!
Ōtepoti (Dunedin) is a photographer’s paradise, and we’re excited to share our favourite spots in this vibrant scarfie town. From the charming inner suburbs to the stunning outer beaches, and everything in between, Dunedin offers a unique blend of heritage, character, and an ever-evolving atmosphere. Whether you're looking for hidden gems, iconic landmarks, or perfect places for the ideal shot, Ōtepoti has it all. Discover the best photography locations in Dunedin below, and get ready to capture the magic of this incredible city. Get outdoors and happy shooting!
Otago Peninsula
Whether you enjoy the wide open spaces of the Pacific Ocean or the beautiful silhouettes of boats coming into the harbour then the drive along the top of the Otago Peninsula is a dream.
Showcasing some of Dunedin’s best kept secrets we highly recommend packing a lunch, grabbing your favourite people and make a day out of this spectacular coastal phenomenon! Oh and don’t forget your camera!
Allans Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 32 minute drive including gravel road
Walk to site: 5 minute flat walk
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Amenities: None, 9 minutes to Portobello
Notes:
-Be aware of local wildlife such as sea lions and penguins
-Check for low tide
-Good for both sunset and sunrise
Hoopers Inlet
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 27 minute drive including gravel road
Walk to site: Park onsite
Amenities: None, 7 minutes to Portobello
Notes:
-Check for high tide
-Good for sunrise
Broad Bay
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 24 minute drive including gravel road
Walk to site: 5 minute slippery walk on a wee hill
Lovers Leap
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 30 minute drive including a gravel road
Walk to site: 20 minutes through
Dogs: No
Amenities: None, 18 minutes to Macandrew Bay
Notes:
-Exposed to wind
-Closed for lambing season from 1st September until late October
Sandfly Bay
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 20 minute drive
Walk to site: Depends how far you want to go, anywhere from 10mins to 1hr 30mins return.
Dogs: No
Amenities: No
Notes:
-Best for sunrise.
-Steep track to bottom of the beach, not good for bridal partys on wedding days.
-Stick to track and not the farmlands, if unsure go say hi to Bob who lives next door and can give you an idea where is okay to go.
Victory Beach + The pyramids
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 40 minute drive including gravel road
Dogs: No
Amenities: None, 10 minutes to Portobello
Dunedin Beaches
Is there anything more traditionally kiwi than a day at the beach? Dunedin has access to some of the most picturesque beaches anywhere in the country. Pumping surf, relaxing walks, engaging wildlife, and even sometimes the Aurora (Southern Lights). We have it all. Take a drive to one of Dunedin’s many beaches and feel your daily stresses drain away. Take a deep breath and feel the waves lap at your feet. Just make sure you have a warm pair of socks to put on afterwards!!!
Aramoana
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 31 minute drive
Notes:
-Best for sunrise
-Exposed to high wind
Blackhead Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 15 minute drive
Walk to site: 5 minutes down gentle track
Dogs: Allowed
Amenities: No, Nature?
Notes:
-Best at sunset
-Popular surfing location
Brighton Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 22 minute drive
Walk to site: a short 30 second stroll
Dogs: Allowed
Amenities: Bathrooms and food stores incl fish and chips, cafe, and a dairy(corner store)
Notes:
-Best for sunset although sunrise in the summer is great too
-Best for when tide is low
Doctors Point
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 22 minute drive
Walk to site: a short 30 second stroll
Dogs: Allowed
Amenities: Bathrooms and food stores incl fish and chips, cafe, and a dairy(corner store)
Notes:
-Best for sunset although sunrise in the summer is great too
-Best for when tide is low
Smails Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 15 minute drive
Walk to site: 20mins walk to rock caves
Notes:
-Check for low tide
-Be aware of local wildlife such as sea lions
-Best in summer (especially march) for sunrise
Tunnel Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 14 minute drive
Walk to site: 15 minute walk downhill and 20 minute walk uphill (rests are allowed)
Dogs: No
Notes:
-Best around low tide for access at the bottom beach
-Also a great place to see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) in the winter - if you’re lucky
-A bit steep but a well maintained track, More touristy location, can be relatively exposed
Murdering Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 35 minute drive including steep gravel road
Walk to site: a short 30 second stroll
Canoe Beach/Purakanui Beach
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 40 minute drive including gravel road (best in a 4ward drive)
Walk to site from carpark: 20minutes
Inside the City Limits
Most urban areas are filled with concrete and glass, but not Dunedin. Interspersed with old-style heritage buildings and delicious eateries are some of the greatest locations to get out of town whilst not even having to leave town. Wandering through the centre of Dunedin feels as though you have been projected years into the past. With the murals on the sides of buildings and the small-town vibe it is easy to forget Dunedin is a busy metropolis. Any direction you head will show you a version of the city you have never seen before. Step outdoors and get a little lost, you never know what you might find!!!
Botanical Gardens
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 7 minute drive
Walk to site: Can walk from town 30 minutes
Dogs: No
Amenities: Yes, bathrooms and cafes.
Notes:
-Popular tourist spot
Dunedin Town Hall
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: No travel required - In the octagon
Dogs: No
Amenities: Yes, bathrooms.
Notes:
-Need to talk prior to staff at the Dunedin Center.
-This location is a venue for weddings as well.
Mount Cargill
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 20 minute drive including gravel road
Walk to site: Depends where you park
Dogs: Yes
Amenities: No
Notes:
-Can be very very very windy
-Can be icy /snowy in winter
-Sunrise is best
Nichols Falls
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 20 minute drive
Walk to site: 15mins - 1hour walk depending on route to which location
Dogs: Yes
Amenities: No
Notes:
-Very slippery when wet
-Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet
-Mid day is best or else it is too dim for photos
Princes Street
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 2 minute drive
Walk to site: Depends where you park
Notes:
-Best outside business hours
Rattray Street
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 3 minute drive
Walk to site: Depends where you park
Notes:
-Best outside school hours
Vogel Street
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 4 minute drive
Walk to site: Depends where you park
Notes:
-Best outside business hours
-Great for overcast or wet weather days
-Note some locations artwork changes
Redwoods/Ross Creek
Travel from Dunedin Octagon: 13 minute drive
Walk to site: Depends where you park
Dogs: Yes
Notes:
-Great for overcast or wet weather days
-Busy walking spot with dogs
