St. Clair Beach Tours

St. Clair Beach
St. Clair Beach
St. Clair Beach which includes a sandy beach, a coastal town and mist or fog
St. Clair Beach which includes a coastal town and a beach
St. Clair Beach showing a beach and cycling 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


Best Lodging Options Near St. Clair Beach

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

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

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Beach lodge motel

Beach lodge motel

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

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
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
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

3.5 out of 5
10 Smith Street, Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Ocean Beach Hotel

Ocean Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
134 Prince Albert Road; St Kilda, Dunedin
Ocean Beach Hotel
Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels

Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels

3.5 out of 5
41 Victoria Road, St Kilda, Dunedin
Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels
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

At St. Clair Beach in Dunedin, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the stunning coastline and taking guided tours to learn about the area's rich history. The beach offers a fantastic swimming experience, perfect for those looking to cool off. Walk along the sandy shores for breathtaking views, and consider additional charge tours for a more in-depth exploration of the surrounding attractions.

Shopping

Only 2 miles from St. Clair Beach, Seriously Twisted offers unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of New Zealand. If you're up for a drive, check out the shopping options in Dunedin city center for a wider selection, including boutiques and local markets.

Recreation

Forsyth Barr Stadium, located 3 miles from St. Clair Beach, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for fitness enthusiasts. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Chisholm Park Golf Club, just 0.6 miles away, where you can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by scenic views.

Edgar Centre, situated 1 mile from St. Clair Beach, provides a dynamic venue for various sports activities, ensuring a lively experience for those looking to stay active during their visit.

Adventure

Explore the Bush Creek Trail, located 4 miles from St. Clair Beach, for an exhilarating hike through stunning scenery and lush landscapes. For another adventure, tackle the Pineapple Track, 6 miles away, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at St. Clair Beach! Try your luck at the nearby Grand Casino, just 2 miles away, offering a mix of romance and city vibes. For a cultural night out, catch a show at the Regent Theatre, also 2 miles away, perfect for family entertainment.

Find the best attractions near St. Clair Beach

St. Clair Beach in Dunedin offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the piazzaSquare, local churches, and the history museum, perfect for travelers seeking culture, beach activities, and sports experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of St. Clair Beach while exploring nearby points of interest that enhance their vacation experience. Don't miss the opportunity to soak in the local culture and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

  • The Octagon: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Octagon, a lively piazza located 2 miles from St. Clair Beach. This central hub is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it the perfect spot to soak in the city's energy and enjoy local art and performances.
  • First Church of Otago: Discover the stunning architecture and serene ambiance of the First Church of Otago, located 2 miles from St. Clair Beach. This historic church is a testament to Dunedin's rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a peaceful place for reflection and admiration of its intricate design.
  • Toitu Otago Settlers Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of the region at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, situated 2 miles from St. Clair Beach. This engaging museum showcases the stories of early settlers, featuring interactive exhibits and artifacts that bring the past to life.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September47.5°F (8.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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

Visiting St. Clair Beach can be budget-friendly with a few smart choices. Enjoy free access to the beach, and plan your trip in June, August, or October for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or searching for last-minute deals on Expedia can yield savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's filters for eco-friendly options and sort by price to find the best deals. Consider package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional discounts, and join Expedia’s One Key program for exclusive offers.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and promotions, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at St. Clair Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.