Aotearoa's newest scenic trail
Ōtepoti Dunedin’s shared pathway Te Aka Ōtākou (The Otago Vine), which lines the scenic Otago Harbour, is the perfect excuse to get out and about, enjoy some scenery and explore one of the most picturesque places in the country.
Te Aka Ōtākou comprises two sections: Te Ara Moana (The Ocean Path) and Te Awa Ōtākou (The Ocean River).
If you don’t have your own bicycle, you can hire one from Dunedin E-bike Hire or iBike Hire or take the path by foot.
Te Ara Moana is the part of the shared pathway that hugs the harbour from the city out to Port Chalmers. Completed in late 2023, the trail to Port Chalmers is beautiful, taking you past rustic railway tracks, tussocky inlets, and over the bright blue boardwalk at Blanket Bay.
There’s lots to explore once you arrive in the portside village of Port Chalmers.
Amazing vistas can be seen from Centenary Lookout, which has a distinctive giant anchor and a memorial to the ill-fated Scott Antarctic Expedition that launched from Dunedin. On the opposite side of the village is Flagstaff Lookout, which has equally stunning views and is also home to the Ralph Hotere Sculpture Garden, dedicated to the work of the renowned artist who called Port Chalmers home.
A harbour ferry can be taken between Port Chalmers and Portobello, so you can complete the loop of the harbour.
Te Awa Ōtākou comprises the shared harbour path on the Otago Peninsula from Portobello back to the city.
The peninsula side of the path is stunning; it’s no surprise it was twice ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten rides in the world, and that was before the pathway existed.
Weave past the deliciously named Pudding Island and Pineapple Rock towards Broad Bay, which is home to the historical Fletcher House. This is New Zealand’s only fully restored Edwardian villa. It’s open to the public for a small charge and is well worth a stop.
Cafés, boat sheds, and mini beaches line this side of the harbour path on the way back to the city.
The urban part of the path runs through the built-up industrial area by the harbourside, providing a bit of contrast to the natural beauty of the peninsula. This quirky bit of the pathway runs past rustic loading docks, heritage buildings, and a handful of giant teeth…#IYKYK.
This section of the shared path places you in the neighbourhood of a craft distillery, boutique chocolatier, seafood restaurants, and museums. It’s a pocket of vibrancy and energy.
You’ll also find yourself within walking distance of New Zealand’s most photographed building, the stunning Dunedin Railway Station. If you’re there on a Saturday morning, the impressive Otago Farmers’ Market is a great place to grab a hot drink and some local produce and baked goods for a picnic.
The shared path is a real choose-your-own-adventure. Start where you like, and finish where you like. Tackle it in one day or pick a side to explore over two; there’s no wrong way to do it.
HARBOUR PATH HIDDEN GEMS
Try the iconic seafood platter at Careys Bay Historic Hotel | Enjoy the views of Quarantine Island from the ferry | Cool your feet at Broad Bay Beach | Grab a coffee and explore the grounds of Glenfalloch Garden | Stock up on local choccy at OCHO