Area Profiles

Click the links below to learn more about the area…

Andersons Bay, Belleknowes, Brighton, Brockville, Caversham, City Rise, Green Island, Halfway Bush, Helensburgh, Kaikorai Valley, Leith Valley, Musselburgh, North Dunedin, North East Valley, Ocean Grove, Opoho, Pine Hill, Roslyn, South Dunedin, St Clair, Wakari, Waldronville

Andersons Bay

  • Locally known as "Andy Bay," is a sunny suburb in Dunedin.

  • Positioned above Andersons Bay inlet, most homes offer a northerly orientation and water views.

  • 2.8 kilometres from the city centre- easy to drive in through port smith drive and over the bridge

  • Andersons Bay boasts excellent school services, including Anderson’s Bay and St Brigid’s primary schools, Bayfield High, and Tahuna Normal Intermediate.

Belleknowes

Belleknowes, a desirable residential suburb, is situated atop a hill between Roslyn and Mornington, offering stunning views across Dunedin.

  • Located within the Town Belt, Belleknowes is found at the convergence of City Rise, Mornington, and Roslyn.

  • The prominent Belleknowes Golf Course, the nearest golf course to Dunedin's centre, is a key feature of the area.

  • The suburb is home to various parks including Jubilee Park and Robin Hood Park, where the Beverly-Begg Observatory is situated.

Brighton

  • Brighton, located approximately 16km south of central Dunedin, has been a favoured beach destination for both local residents and vacationers.

  • The Brighton Surf Life Saving Club is a central point of the community.

  • In this quaint coastal village, you'll find amenities such as a bustling dairy, and the South Seas Gallery.

  • Offering the ultimate surfers lifestyle dream.

Brockville

Positioned approximately 5km northwest of the Octagon.

  • The Brockville Road stretches from the upper part of Kaikorai Valley Road to Dalziel Road.

  • Within this residential area, there is a compact group of shops, the Brockville Full Primary School and Bilingual Unit, a kindergarten.

  • Green spaces are abundant in Brockville, featuring two parks, a football and cricket ground, as well as a community park and playground.

Caversham

  • Caversham, one of New Zealand's earliest suburbs. Originating from the Central Otago gold rush, the suburb's location on the path to the goldfields facilitated its growth. It thrived for years as a bustling centre of commerce and industry.

  • Presently, the area is primarily residential, with a few retail shops along South Road and limited light industrial activities.

  • The suburb hosts two primary schools: Caversham Primary and College Street School. Additionally, secondary education is conveniently available at nearby St Clair.

City Rise

City Rise, one of Dunedin's earliest suburbs, showcases its history through its grand old homes and established schools. Many houses in this area offer breathtaking views, some of which are among the finest in Dunedin.

  • Positioned above The Exchange, City Rise resides on the elevated side of Princes Street. Its boundaries are marked by Stuart Street to the north, Maitland Street, and the town belt to the south and west.

  • Although primarily residential, City Rise also houses significant educational institutions due to its historical importance. Schools include Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools, the former King Edward Technical College, and Arthur Street Primary School.

Green Island

Green Island settled in 1848, thrived due to its strategic location on the route to Taieri and Otago Goldfields.

  • Experienced growth in the 1950s and 1960s with state housing projects, contributing to the neighborhood's character.

  • Notable features of Green Island include quality state-built houses, a bustling shopping center, and essential services.

  • The suburb offers recreational opportunities with its own football, cricket, and rugby clubs centered around Sunnyvale Park.

  • The name "Green Island" is derived from the adjacent Green Island bush, a forested area separating the suburb from Blackhead.

Halfway Bush

  • The area features a mix of farmland, lifestyle blocks, and scenic reserves, with a population of around 1860 residents.

  • Halfway Bush Primary School is a small country school within the city limits, with 51 students, along with a Kohanga Reo, playgroup, and community hall on its spacious grounds.

  • Local amenities include a dairy at the top end of Taieri Road and a takeaways spot closer to town.

Helensburgh

Helensburgh is located on the city outskirts, with just a few blocks separating it from the countryside.

  • The area boasts abundant bush and birdlife, offering residents a natural and tranquil environment.

  • Stunning views stretch across Balmacewen to Mt Cargill and North East Valley, enhancing the scenic beauty of the place.

  • With a population of around 1000, residents of Helensburgh enjoy a unique sense of spaciousness and connection with nature.

Kaikorai Valley

  • Kaikorai Valley stretches from the southern motorway's Burnside junction to Stuart Street.

  • Comprising Kenmure, Bradford, and Kaikorai suburbs, the valley features a mix of light industrial businesses and residential homes.

  • Schools are well-represented, including Bradford Primary and Kaikorai Valley College, serving students from Year 7 to Year 13. The college's park-like setting fosters a sense of community.

  • The valley is home to the popular Top 10 Holiday Park, drawing consistent visitors and adding to the area's appeal.

Leith Valley

Leith Valley, on Dunedin's northwest edge, includes Woodhaugh, Glenleith, and Leith Valley suburbs.

  • The area houses about 1500 residents and follows the Water of Leith stream for 14km from Mount Cargill to the harbor.

  • Woodhaugh features Woodhaugh Gardens and historical buildings, attracting students and families.

  • Glenleith offers bush, Ross Creek track, and a significant reservoir, transitioning to a rural setting in Leith Valley.

  • The Leith Valley Scenic Reserve has Nicols Falls and glow worms, while Leith Valley Touring Park provides diverse accommodation options.

Musselburgh

  • Musselburgh, a sunny suburb southeast of the city center, marks the narrow point where the Otago Peninsula connects to the South Island.

  • Notable for Musselburgh Rise, a prominent rocky outcrop above the local coastal plain known as "The Flat".

  • Conveniently located, it's a 5-6 minute drive to the city, University, Hospital, and beaches, and offers nearby amenities.

  • Musselburgh Rise is the heart of the suburb, housing a retail area with various shops and services.

  • The area is linked by main roads like Portobello Road and is home to Bayfield High School, with historic sites like Belmont House and the Taranaki Māori prisoners' memorial.

North Dunedin

  • North Dunedin defines the city, known for its connection to the University of Otago.

  • The majority of residents are university students, bringing vibrant and dynamic energy to the area.

  • Key features include the hospital, Otago Museum, Knox Church, Otago Polytechnic, schools, and important venues.

North East Valley

A very special community here, with lots to offer the green thumb and outdoor enthusiast.

Location

  • North East Valley is a historic suburb, 3 kilometres northeast of Dunedin's centre, known for community spirit.

  • Home to University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students, it's a lively area.

  • Dunedin Botanic Garden: First NZ botanic garden, Dunedin Botanic Garden is here, covering 28 hectares with 6,800+ plants. It celebrates 150 years, featuring hill views, bird songs, and diverse plant collections.

North road Landmarks:

  • North Road runs 2.2 kilometers, passing by iconic sites like the steep Baldwin Street.

  • Notable landmarks include North East Valley Normal School, Quarry Gardens, Chingford Park, and more.

Landmarks and parks:

  • Chingford Park holds historic stone stables and serves as a recreational reserve.

  • Forrester Park offers sports fields, BMX circuit, dog park, while Bethune's Gully has walking tracks.

Normanby and Rural area’s.

  • Normanby marks the suburb's northern end, leading to countryside with steep slopes.

  • Links to rural farmland through North Road and Norwood Street, less used due to the Dunedin Northern Motorway.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove, previously known as Tomahawk, is situated at the eastern end of St Kilda Beach.

  • This small semi-rural community marks the beginning of the Otago Peninsula and is surrounded by natural features like the Pacific Ocean, Tomahawk and Smaill's beaches, Tomahawk Lagoon, and the Ocean Grove Recreational Reserve.

  • Despite its serene setting, Ocean Grove is just 6.5km (12-minute drive) from central Dunedin.

  • The area hosts two clubs: Grants Braes Association Football Club located at the reserve, and the Tautuku Fishing Club, housed in a historic stone homestead named Glencairn.

Opoho

  • Opoho, a sunny residential suburb, lies on the western side of Signal Hill, 3 kilometers northeast of Dunedin's city center.

  • This esteemed area features a mixture of student flats, homes of elderly citizens, and those in the academic community.

  • Landmarks include Musselburgh Rise, a rocky outcrop with views over North East Valley and the Dunedin Botanic Gardens.

  • Opoho is situated at the start of the Otago Peninsula, with natural surroundings such as Tomahawk and Smaill's beaches, Tomahawk Lagoon, and the Ocean Grove Recreational Reserve.

  • The suburb hosts the Grants Braes Association Football Club and the Tautuku Fishing Club. The Centennial Lookout atop Signal Hill offers remarkable city views.

  • Opoho Creek, or Stony Creek, is the origin of the name "Opoho." The suburb's layout primarily centers on Evans Street and Signal Hill Road.

  • Notable landmarks include the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Centennial Monument, Knox College, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) headquarters.

  • The suburb features walking tracks connecting to Cleghorn Street, Logan Park, and Ravensbourne.

Pine Hill

Pine Hill encompasses Dalmore on its lower slopes and Liberton partway up the hill, extending into the countryside via Campbells Road.

  • The area features a mix of semi-rural properties on the city's outskirts, with Pine Hill and Liberton Christian schools and Aquinas College providing educational options.

  • Pine Hill boasts a hidden gem: breathtaking panoramic views of the city, depending on a home's orientation.

  • The neighborhood is notable for Dunedin's first state house, built in 1937 on Wilkinson Street, alongside quality houses and spacious sections.

  • Streets are appealing, with green spaces and easy access to Dunedin Botanic Gardens and Woodhaugh Garden located at the hill's base.

Roslyn

  • Roslyn, located merely a few kilometers uphill from the Octagon, is perched atop a hill, making it a beloved destination for both locals and newcomers in Dunedin.

  • Renowned for its sunny climate and panoramic vistas in all directions, Roslyn features a bustling village-like center with restaurants, cafes, shops, and services.

  • The compact shopping area includes a florist, bakery, pharmacy, and supermarket, providing a convenient hub for residents.

  • Helen Wright, co-owner of the popular café and wine bar Rhubarb, notes the area's vibrant atmosphere, friendly community, and proximity to various amenities.

  • Rhubarb's 10th anniversary exemplifies Roslyn's liveliness and the residents' strong attachment to their unique village.

  • Roslyn enjoys easy access to several of Dunedin's top schools and the town belt, located just below the suburb, provides a scenic route into town.

South Dunedin

History:

South Dunedin holds a significant historical value due to its early settlement and its importance to Dunedin's development.

Location:

  • Positioned approximately 2.5 kilometres south of the city centre.

  • Boundaries encompass the Otago Harbour to the south and east, Caversham to the west, and a ridge of hills to the north.

Composition:

  • South Dunedin consists of a mix of residential homes, retail shops, and light industrial activity.

  • Notable retail giants like the Warehouse, Mitre 10 Mega, Pak'n Save, and Countdown contribute to it being the city's second largest retail area.

  • A stretch of retail shops along King Edward Street adds to the diverse shopping options, including second-hand stores, Alex Campbell Menswear, and Thomas Shoes.

St Clair

St Clair, a charming seaside suburb in Dunedin, is distinguished by its splendid historic houses, signifying its enduring desirability.

  • The suburb's appeal stems from its ocean views, beach access, sunny orientation, and proximity to the town center.

  • St Clair's Esplanade is now home to a vibrant café, bar, and restaurant scene, enhancing its dynamic community for its 4300 residents and making it a popular weekend spot for the rest of Dunedin.

  • St Clair Beach is renowned for its consistent surf break, and the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club, established over a century ago, is an active part of the community.

  • The St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, dating back to 1884, remains a treasured feature, offering warmth outdoors.

  • The St Clair Golf Club, positioned atop Forbury Hill, offers stunning panoramic views of Dunedin, the harbor, and the Pacific Ocean.

  • Cargill's Castle, built in 1877 for Edward Cargill, a former mayor and MP, is now owned by a trust with plans for public enjoyment and a walkway.

  • The suburb faces erosion challenges due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, with ongoing efforts to protect the beach and dunes.

  • St Clair encompasses highly-regarded schools such as King's and Queen's High Schools, as well as St Clair Primary School catering to around 450 students from Years 1-6.

Wakari

  • Wakari likely derives its name from "Whakaari," meaning "raised view" in Māori, referencing the nearby hill Flagstaff.

  • Positioned on a key route linking central Dunedin and the Taieri Plains, it transforms into Three Mile Hill Road west of Halfway Bush.

  • Wakari Hospital, specializing in psychiatric and health services, is a prominent feature, located in the western part of the suburb.

  • The hospital has a history evolving from an infectious diseases center to a general hospital and later focusing on geriatric and psychiatric care.

  • Wakari Kindergarten, Wakari School, and the Roslyn Wakari football club are notable establishments contributing to the community.

Waldronville

Around 500 residents, a mix of families and retirees, call Waldronville home. It's described as an easy place to live.

  • Waldronville is conveniently located, with a three-minute drive to a supermarket and Green Island shops, and a 13-kilometer drive to central Dunedin via the southern motorway.

  • Positioned on the south side of Lookout Point, Waldronville enjoys a warmer climate than central Dunedin, and it's surrounded by green spaces and the ocean.

  • The suburb is bordered by attractions like Kaikorai Lagoon, Island Park Recreation Reserve, and Island Park Golf Course.

  • Developed by Bill Waldron in the 1950s and expanded in the 1970s and 1990s, streets in the area are named after aircraft, adding a colorful touch.