St. Clair Beach Tours and Activities

St. Clair Beach
St. Clair Beach
St. Clair Beach showing mist or fog, a beach and a coastal town
St. Clair Beach which includes a beach and a coastal town
St. Clair Beach showing cycling and a beach as well as an individual male


Soak in the outdoor pool or take on the Pacific Ocean waves at one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches.

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.

Escape the urban way of life and become a surfer for the day among the consistent blue rolling waves at St. Clair Beach. Experienced riders will love the powerful waves that break across this long beach while rookies can learn from the best at the Esplanade Surf School. Master the basics on land before you venture out into the rolling waves with one of the school’s qualified instructors.

If you prefer to have your feet on dry land, St. Clair is a beautiful spot to relax in the sun and watch the action in the water from a distance. Paddle lazily in the shallows or just lie on the sand and enhance your tan.

Opened in 1884, the outdoor saltwater pool at the southern end of the beach is perhaps St. Clair’s most recognisable feature. Measuring 25 metres (82 feet) long and located on the rocks beside the ocean, the pool is ideal, whether you are looking to swim a few lengths or watch the surfers showing off their skills.

After a quick plunge, go for a stroll along the esplanade that overlooks the beach. Select from a range of seafood offerings at one of the waterfront restaurants before you hit the bars to enjoy a beer or cocktail as the sun sets. Nearby you will also find several charming cafés that serve fresh coffee and pastries during the morning.

St. Clair Beach is a 10-minute drive southeast of Dunedin’s city centre. Take the bus, or if you are coming independently, use the waterfront parking lot just behind the esplanade.

Popular places to visit


Top St. Clair Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Beach lodge motel

Beach lodge motel

3 out of 5
38 Victoria Rd, Dunedin, Otago
Beach lodge motel
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

3.5 out of 5
10 Smith Street, Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Hotel St Clair

Hotel St Clair

3.5 out of 5
24 Esplanade, St. Clair Beach, Dunedin
Hotel St Clair
Quest Dunedin

Quest Dunedin

4 out of 5
333 Cumberland St, Dunedin
Quest Dunedin
Ocean Beach Hotel

Ocean Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
134 Prince Albert Road; St Kilda, Dunedin
Ocean Beach Hotel
The Chamberson

The Chamberson

4 out of 5
77 Stuart Street, Dunedin, Otago
The Chamberson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Clair Beach

St. Clair Beach in Dunedin offers a delightful blend of activities for visitors. Enjoy a round of golf at the nearby golf course, which boasts stunning coastal views. For those seeking adventure, the beach is renowned for its surfing opportunities, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers. Relax on the sandy shores or take a stroll along the scenic promenade while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful coastal destination.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Seriously Twisted, located 3.2km from St. Clair Beach, offering quirky gifts and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, head to Dunedin’s city centre for a variety of shops and boutiques that showcase local talent and creativity.

Recreation

Forsyth Barr Stadium, located 4.8km from St. Clair Beach, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Chisholm Park Golf Club, a mere 966m away, invites you to enjoy outdoor golfing amidst stunning scenery. For a longer outing, Island Park Golf Course, 8.0km distant, promises a delightful golfing experience.

Adventure

Explore the Bush Creek Trail, a fantastic hiking experience located 6.4km from St. Clair Beach, offering breathtaking scenery and a true sense of adventure. Alternatively, venture to the Pineapple Track, situated 9.7km away, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning outdoor landscapes of Otago.

Nightlife

At St. Clair Beach, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. The Regent Theatre, located 3.2km away, offers a blend of culture and romance with its captivating performances, making it perfect for a family night out or a special date.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Clair Beach

St. Clair Beach in Dunedin offers a perfect blend of culture, beach experiences, and urban charm. Explore the piazza, visit the local church, or delve into history at the nearby museum. Enjoy stunning oceanfront vistas while relaxing on St. Clair Beach or discover nearby attractions that showcase the best of Dunedin. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this coastal gem has something for everyone.

  • The Octagon: A vibrant piazza located 3.2km from St. Clair Beach, The Octagon is the cultural heart of Dunedin. Here, you can enjoy an array of cafés, restaurants, and street performances, all amidst stunning architecture and lively city vibes.
  • First Church of Otago: Situated 3.2km from St. Clair Beach, this iconic church boasts beautiful Gothic architecture and a rich history. It's a peaceful place to admire intricate stained glass windows and reflect on its cultural significance within the community.
  • Tomahawk Beach: Just 1.6km from St. Clair Beach, Tomahawk Beach offers a more tranquil seaside experience. With its golden sands and stunning views, it's perfect for a relaxing stroll, beachcombing, or simply soaking in the sun.

Best time to go to St. Clair Beach

The best time to visit St. Clair Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Clair Beach falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Clair Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
February57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
April53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June46.0°F (7.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August45.9°F (7.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September47.5°F (8.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
November52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Clair Beach

To save money during your visit to St. Clair Beach, consider travelling in June, August, or October, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can help secure better rates, while last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia might yield further savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tools to find eco-friendly options and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Don't forget to sort by price to find the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Clair Beach are June, August and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Clair Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Clair Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Clair Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your St. Clair Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia