Explore the Otago Penisula by bike

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On one of Dunedin's sunny days, why not hop on your mountain bike and enjoy some world class cycling tracks on the Otago Penisula. In their ‘Best in travel 2010' guide, Lonely Planet named the Penisula the top cycling destination in the world, ranking number one over routes in Canada, Italy, Australia, France and the United States. There are several routes that can be taken on a journey, that promises to be not only exhilarating, with steep climbs and fast descents, but also breathtakingly beautiful, with magnificent coastal views. 

Some of the recognised mountain bike tracks include ‘Karetai Road', which is a four wheel drive track across farmland leading from Smails Beach. This route is deeply rutted in places and can become extremely muddy when wet, making for a rather intrepid journey. 

Blueskin Road is a track on an unformed, legal road and links Highcliff Road to Boulder Beach. This route takes bikers over rugged farmland and can be ridden as a loop, incorporating Paradise or Braidwood Roads. ‘Paradise Road' is another track over farmland, which begins at Highcliff Road and ends on the white-sands of Boulder beach.

Lastly there is the ‘Camp Road' route which joins the majestic Larnach Castle with Broad Bay and encompasses scenic views of the Otago Harbour and surrounding countryside.