Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN DUNEDIN
Thinking about rolling through Dunedin with your bike? You’re in for a treat. Dunedin, nestled on the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a dream for cyclists. From coastal roads to hidden trails in native bush, the variety is huge—and the views? Unreal. Whether you're a road warrior looking for speed, or a touring cyclist seeking culture and landscapes, there's a route here for you. This guide breaks down the best cycling and bike touring routes in Dunedin with practical tips, local flavor, and highlights along the way. Let's gear up and go!
Otago Peninsula coastal loop
Dunedin’s most iconic ride
If there’s one ride you absolutely can’t miss in Dunedin, it’s the Otago Peninsula Loop. This route takes you along the stunning southern coastline with front-row views of the Pacific Ocean, native wildlife, and heritage sites. The loop starts and ends in the city, clocking in at around 50–60 kilometres depending on the detours you take. It’s best enjoyed clockwise—out via Portobello Road and back via Highcliff Road for max scenery and smooth climbs.
Expect charming little bays, albatross sightings near Taiaroa Head, and even penguins if you time it right. The ride’s got a mix of flats and rolling hills, but nothing too intense if you're moderately fit. There are a few cafes en route—perfect for a flat white or a cheeky slice of carrot cake while soaking up those ocean views.
Distance: Approx. 55 km loop
Highlights: Taiaroa Head, Portobello, Highcliff panoramas
Road type: Sealed roads with light to moderate traffic
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: Morning to avoid winds and traffic
Don’t forget to stop at Larnach Castle if you’ve got the energy for a short hike. It's not every day you get to pair medieval-style architecture with a modern ride.
Taieri Gorge rail trail connection
Off-road adventure meets rail history
For a taste of Otago's rail history paired with off-road charm, the connection to the Taieri Gorge rail trail is a must. Start your journey from central Dunedin and ride through Mosgiel to Middlemarch—where the real magic begins. This part of the ride is about 80 km, so it’s a solid full-day tour or perfect for a two-day overnighter if you take your time.
From Middlemarch, you can hop on the Otago Central Rail Trail, a gravel cycleway stretching over 150 km through wide plains, viaducts, and tunnels. Even doing just a slice of it offers a memorable touring experience. You’ll see old railway stations, classic New Zealand farmland, and distant mountain ranges. It’s beginner-friendly and designed with touring cyclists in mind—think wide tracks and gentle gradients.
Distance: Dunedin to Middlemarch approx. 80 km
Highlights: Tunnel Beach, Wingatui Viaduct, old railway bridges
Road type: Mix of sealed and gravel
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging depending on pace
Best for: Multi-day bikepacking with a taste of history
There are options to shuttle back to Dunedin if your legs give out or you want a more relaxed return. Bonus points if you coordinate your ride with one of the vintage train services for a true combo of rail and ride.
Urban trails and hidden gems
Mix city culture with cycling thrills
Dunedin isn’t just hills and coastlines—it’s also got a surprisingly rich network of urban trails and short scenic rides that offer a completely different vibe. If you're in town for a few days and want to break up the long rides, these are perfect pit stops.
Start with the Harbour Cycle Path, a flat, safe ride running from the city centre out toward Port Chalmers. This ride is only about 15 km one way, making it ideal for a lazy afternoon or an easy start to your trip. You’ll ride past working docks, industrial murals, and views of Otago Harbour with plenty of photography stops.
Another hidden gem? Bethune’s Gully. Tucked just northwest of the city, it offers MTB trails and forest paths with short, sharp climbs and quick descents. Not ideal for road bikes, but perfect for gravel or MTB setups. Want a challenge? Tackle Signal Hill—it’s known for its epic downhill runs and even hosted national MTB championships.
Harbour Path: 30 km return, sealed and flat
Bethune’s Gully: Forest loops and trails for MTB
Signal Hill: Advanced-level MTB descents
Weather note: Always check wind forecasts
Tip: Carry layers—it’s Dunedin, after all
Whether you’re dodging seagulls on the waterfront or racing down forest tracks, Dunedin’s urban cycling scene delivers a different kind of thrill. Perfect for rest days—or just mixing it up.
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