Dunedin is a buzzing city with wildlife riches that are beyond imagination and architecturally quaint charms that you can never get tired of soaking. It also has some of the most romantic spots on the planet. But apart from its mix of festivals, nature trails and great nightlife, it attracts tourists for the adventures that it offers.

Surfing and water sports

Dunedin is one of the best surfing destinations on the planet, being exposed to South swells that cause 6m plus waves. Surfers also wait for tropical cyclones that combine the East and North swells to give them massive surf breaks on Aramoana Beach and Murdering Bay. Although most beaches are good for surfing in Dunedin, you will find the biggest crowds at St Clair, which has the extra danger of sharks lurking around.

Tourists can join a jet tour to experience the thrills offered by a jet boat over the roaring Clutha River. Apart from being thrown up and down over the gushing river, thrill-seekers will also love the surrounding landscape and the local tales narrated by the guide.

Wildlife and trekking adventures

If you are a trekking enthusiast, you can try a tour in Otago Peninsula, which has all-weather tracks that let you enjoy panoramic views while spotting yellow eyed penguins, fur seals and cormorants. The Middle Earth Adventure has to be a one-of-its-kind experience planned for mid-life women that extends for 7 nights and 8 days. The adventure takes them backpacking across New Zealand's most awe-inspiring landscapes, walking across trails and living amongst wildlife, watching birds, sunbathing, beach-combing and fishing.

Another unique experience thrill-seekers can taste in Dunedin is the Hair Raiser Ghost Walk that takes one through dark and haunted corners of the inner city, with the guide narrating fascinating tales behind ghost sightings of Dunedin. You can also go for a horse riding trek on Blueskin Bay. Dunedin car rental services will let you drive to this estuary 25km from Dunedin along the beautiful Otago coastline. Thrill seekers will also love the hunting and shooting experience in Dunedin. The area boasts of an amazing wildlife with trophy hunting tours across some wonderful hunting terrains. A unique shooting experience will find you chasing deer, goats, pigs, buffalo, feral cattle and antelopes. Kids will also love clay target shooting, paintball and laser games.

You can explore the beauty of Dunedin. The best way is to go for car hire in Dunedin which lets you get rid of the hassles of public transport, especially when driving around with your family. Besides, some of the tours have strictly adhered starting timings, which could be hard to make if you are not sure of how to get along in the city. If your back is in good shape, you can try mountain biking on Signal Hill, which is a 3km drive from central Dunedin. You can hire a car and carry your bike to the starting point. Signal Hill has some of the world's most exciting downhill mountain biking tracks.

Dunedin has some premier surfing and mountain biking spots, although families will also enjoy the soft adventure expeditions including trekking and hunting.