Pram walks are a sanity staple for many Mums. We know that getting outside in the fresh air (& hopefully sunshine) changes our mood, reduces anxiety, boosts lagging energy and rejuvenates a weary soul! Research proves the significant health benefits associated with walking outside. Not only providing basic foundational strength and fitness but also allowing us to deepen our connection with nature – when we feel connected we experience a greater sense of wellbeing.

Pram Friendly walks in Dunedin, New Zealand

Getting out of the house is so good for both the mind and the body. We have some beautiful places in Dunedin to explore. I’m sharing some of my personal favourites here with you and the Dunedin City Council has some great walking guides and tracks listed on their website.

Dunedin Botanical Gardens

This is my absolute favourite. You can do laps around the flat lower garden area or for something to get your heart pumping a little harder, venture into the upper gardens. As my kids got older, they loved playing choose your own adventure, following whatever path they felt like to explore different areas of the gardens. You can grab a hot drink or snack afterwards at the Crocodile café, play at the playground or feed the ducks (and pigeons) at the duck pond.

Woodhaugh Gardens

This is another nice garden area to explore, with a mix of open grassy areas and bush. In the summer you can splash in the children’s paddling pool afterwards or hang at the playground. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy being out in nature.

Harbour Cycleway

Starting at either St Leonards, Ravensbourne or by the boat ramp near the stadium (and rowing & yacht clubs), this is a great walk along the harbour on a nice day – it can get windy at times, so make sure you dress appropriately. And hopefully by the end of 2022, the cycle way will be completed all the way to Port Chalmers! Add a little strength exercises along the way using the outdoor gym equipment.

St Clair Esplanade & Second Beach

Take in the iconic St Kilda beach esplanade walk and continue past the pool to the Second beach track. There are several good coffee shops along the esplanade as well as two children’s playgrounds. And in the summer months, why not take a dip in the salt water pools too.

John Wilson Drive

Park by the St Kilda Surf life saving club & walk to the end of John Wilson drive. A popular walk with mums, bubs & pooches & close to the kids favourite Dinosaur Park.

Back Beach, Port Chalmers

This dirt road starts by the Port Chalmers Yacht club and continues around the Port Chalmers peninsula. You can turn back at the end of the dirt road, or continue along the footpaths, through the main street, past the port to continue the loop back to the yacht club. Stop off in Port Chalmers for a coffee & visit the local library which has a nice relaxing kids area with some toys & of course lots of books.

But what if the weather is awful?

For those cold, windy days – why not walk the isles of Bunnings or Mitre 10. Both places also have a cafe & children’s playground.

More Resources

We also have articles for Perth, Hobart, Sydney, Canberra

Caren runs Mums & Bubs classes in Dunedin. Caren has always been passionate about fitness, and became a Mums Fitness Specialist after her own experience with pregnancy, birth and pelvic floor dysfunction.