Karitane Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 Days

Best Time: December to March

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"Rolling country, and breaking waves"

Karitane Tourism

A small settlement in the premises of Dunedin in New Zealand, Karitane is located a few kilometres to the north of the city. Blessed with a beautiful coastline, Karitane is the centre of many water activities such as Kayaking, scuba diving and fishing charters. Often referred to as the epitome of Small Town, this place will keep you entertained with its beautiful scenery and calming atmosphere whether you are here for a day, a week or even a month. 

Summer starts here in November and ends in April. The peak season starts in December and ends in March. The winter here from June to September attracts a number of travellers and tourists due to the thrilling cold water activities that take place in Dunedin. However, Karitane is a pleasant spot for visitors throughout the year. The beaches here are a delight as they are often uncrowded, making this  small settlement truly the “big wave spot”. At the walkways of Huriawa Peninsula, visitors can find fur seals or sea lions. All in all, Karitane is a perfect holiday retreat not only for Dundenites but for visitors from all over the world. 

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Things to Do

This small town is well-known for its beaches and scenery. Visitors can choose from a range of tours, walks and hikes along the Huriawa Peninsula. Apart from the water sports like kayaking, scuba diving, fishing and snorkelling, visitors can also indulge in swimming, boating and historical coastal walks into the native bushes in order to enjoy Maori culture, birdlife and stunning views.

Visitors can also do a little “knick-knacks” shopping here. Mostly, there are beaches, rock pools, bays and backwaters to explore where you will find a combination of rocky, smooth as well as rough sand. Even though it is called the epitome of small town, Karitane is a place full of adventure and experience.

History

Karitane is known for its pre-European and Maori history. However, people often talk about the Plunket Society. This was founded in 1907 by Sir Frederic Tuby King, the child health visionary who started an initiative to save and help mothers and children who were dying due to malnutrition and disease.

He focused on creating scientifically formulated doctrines in order to manage infant care. By the 1920s, there had been several trained nurses under Plunket hospitals, leading to an increase in awareness of mental health. During these years, there had been rapid development in Karitane in terms of infrastructure as well as health care.

These factors combined led to larger support for child services, Karitane got to see more Maori settlers along with people from different ethnicities and languages, especially from the Pacific islands. Today, even though a significant amount of nurses have retired from this service, Karitane is still known for its Plunket history.

Where to Eat

Even though Karitane is a small town, it offers a range of eating options. Visitors can choose from cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in all shapes and sizes. Cafes here mostly serve fast food and quick bites such as burgers, sandwiches, fries, etc.

One can also find authentic New Zealand delicacies, seafood and Asian food just a few kilometres from Karitane beach. Although, this place is best known for its seafood, there are alternative options such as vegetarian, gluten-free as well as vegan choice available in many restaurants in Karitane.

Irrespective of your palate or your dietary preferences, you will most likely find something to satisfy your hunger.

Where to Stay

This beachside town has a number of seaside hotels, motels, resorts and homestays. One can choose from a range of apartments with beachfront views and gardens, bed and breakfast, countryside houses, resorts with bbq facilities as well as free WiFi, patios, 24-hour front desk services, luggage storage space and other top-class facilities.

Although it may seem like the accommodation available is limited to areas near the beach. However, there are a number of houses, apartments, hotels and resorts that are located further in Karitane such as Airbnb in the countryside or hotels and resorts that are just a few kilometres away from this town.

Whether you need a five-star hotel or a simple homestay, you can find a good deal for yourself here.

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How to Reach Karitane

How to Reach Overview

  • Since it is located in the outskirts of Dunedin, the closest airport to Karitane is Dunedin Airport (DUD) which is around 68.1 kilometres away and it would take around an hour by car if State Highway 1 is taken.
  • Visitors can take a cab, taxi from the airport. Local transport such as buses are available in Dunedin that take people from Dunedin city center to Karitane.
  • Visitors also have the option of renting cars and motorbikes from Dunedin. 

Karitane Photos

Karitane
Waikouaiti River estuary at Karitane; fishing wharf and channel to the Pacific Ocean at right, Matanaka headland at left background.
Photograph of rock formations near Puketeraki by Albert Percy Godber

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FAQs on Karitane

What is the best way to reach Karitane?

  • Since it is located in the outskirts of Dunedin, the closest airport to Karitane is Dunedin Airport (DUD) which is around 68.1 kilometres away and it would take around an hour by car if State Highway 1 is taken.
  • Visitors can take a cab, taxi from the airport. Local transport such as buses are available in Dunedin that take people from Dunedin city center to Karitane.
  • Visitors also have the option of renting cars and motorbikes from Dunedin. 

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What are the places near Karitane?

The top places near to Karitane are Queenstown which is 169 km from Karitane, Invercargill which is located 197 km from Karitane, Dunedin which is located 29 km from Karitane, Te anau which is located 230 km from Karitane, Glenorchy which is located 197 km from Karitane

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