Location
New Zealand
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
About Smaills Beach
Smaills Beach, often spelled Smails Beach, lies on the Pacific side of the Otago Peninsula where it meets the mainland, south-east of central Dunedin. It sits within the Ocean Grove Reserve, next to Tomahawk Beach. The reserve was classed as government land in 1897 and formally established as Ocean Grove Reserve in 1931. Naturists use the beach for nude bathing, and a naturist interviewed by the Otago Daily Times has said people get the wrong idea about the beach and its users. The beach is exposed, with cold water and rips, and the Wikipedia entry notes it has no lifeguard patrol. Nude bathers should keep to quiet stretches away from the walking route, and stay out of the water alone. There are no facilities, so bring water, shade and anything you need. Birds nest on the coast, so keep away from them.
Getting there
Smaills Beach lies in the Ocean Grove Reserve on the Otago Peninsula side of Tomahawk Beach, a short drive from central Dunedin. The sources I opened do not give parking, walking times or track details, so check current access before visiting. There are no facilities at the beach. The sources do not describe accessibility for people with limited mobility.
Legal context
The Otago Daily Times reports that there is no law against being nude on a public beach where the activity is known to happen. Nudity is therefore tolerated on the basis of local custom rather than a designation. Undated press coverage mentions a police call about a naturist at the beach.
Naturism at Smaills Beach sits under New Zealand's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: New Zealand public nudity guide.
Researched 25 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -45.9072, 170.5611
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is nude bathing allowed at Smaills Beach?
There is no designation or bylaw for nude bathing, and the beach is used informally by naturists. A local naturist has said the beach is misunderstood, so keep to a discreet spot.
Is there a lifeguard?
No. Wikipedia notes that Smaills is not patrolled, so do not swim alone and watch for rips.
Are there facilities?
No facilities are described in the sources, so bring water, shade and anything else you need.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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