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Lonely Planet recently recognized the Otago Peninsula as one of the world’s top cycling destinations. From the accommodation, cycling enthusiasts can embark on scenic rides, such as a 25-minute journey to Victory Beach, where you can explore unique natural pyramids and encounter diverse wildlife along the way.
The Otago Peninsula, particularly around Cape Saunders, is a paradise for walkers and cyclists, offering a variety of scenic tracks that cater to all fitness levels. The well-maintained trails meander through breathtaking coastal landscapes, featuring sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush native bush, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Walkers can explore the iconic Sandymount Track, which leads to panoramic viewpoints, while cyclists can enjoy the dedicated cycle paths that wind along the coastline, such as the route to Allans Beach and beyond. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or an invigorating ride, the diverse range of walking and cycling tracks on the Otago Peninsula ensures a memorable outdoor experience amidst some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.
Victory Beach is the longest beach on the Otago Peninsula. It is named after the shipwreck of the SS Victory in 1861, parts of which are still visible at low tide. The beach is a fresh sight after crossing grasslands and sand dunes. Over three kilometres long, this massive undeveloped stretch of sand separates the ocean from volcanically formed pyramids. Alluring grasslands cover the surrounding area and provide shelter for local wildlife.
Many species are found in the area. New Zealand sea lions and fur seals bask in the sun on the beach, while blue and yellow-eyed penguins take shelter in the reserve. Avoid disturbing the penguins off track and in the sand dunes, and keep your distance from the sea lions and seals.
The base of the pyramids is just a 15-20 minute walk from the carpark, with a well-maintained track leading to the top of the small pyramid. From there, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a clear perspective of the distance to the beach. A straight 30-minute walk from the pyramids takes you through the Okia Reserve, a vast area rich in vegetation and local wildlife, where skinks and geckos are common sightings in the grassland. For those wanting to explore further, an additional loop track circles the reserve, taking up to two and a half hours to complete. With limited shade along the way, sunscreen is recommended.
Alternatively, you can park at the carpark outside the reserve and enjoy a beautiful walk at sundown.
Otago Harbour, located in Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island, stretches 22 kilometers from the central city’s Steamer Basin up to the Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve. It is bordered by Port Chalmers on the west and the Otago Peninsula on the east, with scenic sandflats, hills, and islands along its length. A 54-kilometer cycle trail runs along the west side of the harbour, past Port Chalmers and towards the Aramoana sandspit, providing cyclists with both flat routes and optional uphill paths for panoramic views.
The cycle trail can be adapted for shorter rides, with a loop option available by taking the Port To Port cycle ferry between Port Chalmers and Portobello, reducing the cycling distance to about 31 kilometers. The mostly flat, winding route offers stops for photography, bird-watching, and visits to local cafes and shops, making it accessible for all levels of cyclists. Nearby beaches, rich birdlife, and harbor activity add to the attraction, making Otago Harbour a prime destination for scenic and leisurely cycling.
Find out more about Cycle the Loop here : https://www.dunedincycleway.co.nz/index.html. You can also find port to port ferry and cruise information here : https://www.porttoport.co.nz
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