Dunedin Surf Beaches

Surfing in Otago provides an acclaimed range and quality of breaks – St Kilda and St Claire are the two prominent city breaks just minutes from the urban centre, while for the escape artists, Aramoana through to Karitane fishing village is abundant with coastal breaks for a mixture of surfing ability.  

Swells are usually in the vicinity of producing 1-3 metre waves, but that has not excluded 4-6 metre beauties from making regular appearances in the region. This is why Dunedin is home to a Big Wave competition held annually in October and entitled in memory of celebrity surfing legend Rex Von Huben – a local who had an eminent reputation amongst the national surfing community.  

Due to the geographical positioning of the coast and its proclivity to tropical cyclones, there are north and east swell combinations which almost guarantee being able to locate offshore winds on a daily basis. Also unlike surfing areas further north in New Zealand, Dunedin surfing experiences entail colder temperatures – however, if you are prepared with a spring suit for the summer season and a full winter suit with booties for its chilly alternative you are doubtless rewarded with uncrowded waters (especially the further you venture from the city), and plenty of ancillary adventures such as diving for kaimoana and immersing yourselves in amongst playful Hectors dolphins.  

Beyond the immediate Dunedin coast, there is the playground of the adventurous. South Otago entertains the expanse of the Caitlin’s coastline and is a microclimate for outdoor encounters and a wealth of exceptional surf breaks.  

Esplanade Surf School based at St Clair Beach is a great way for enthusiastic surf learners to engage with what the Dunedin surfing scene truly has to offer.

Ph: (03) 455 8655 www.espsurfschool.co.nz