Dunedin Travel Guide

Discover the must-see attractions, activities, and cultural experiences of Dunedin, New Zealand with our comprehensive tour guide. Find out about the best places to stay, dine, and explore, alongside practical tips and travel advice.


Introduction to Dunedin

Dunedin, the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, is a land of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. The city boasts an eclectic mix of world-class museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, as well as a thriving food and drink scene, numerous outdoor adventures, and an array of cultural festivals and events.

The city’s stunning architecture, which blends Edwardian, Victorian, and neo-Gothic styles, adds to Dunedin’s unique character and charm. If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin should definitely be on your itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in Dunedin

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Otago Museum

The Otago Museum is located in the heart of Dunedin’s Central Business District, and it is one of New Zealand’s oldest and finest museums. The museum offers interactive exhibits on natural history, cultural heritage, and contemporary issues, as well as a planetarium, a butterfly rainforest, and the largest collection of Polynesian artifacts outside of Polynesia.

Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

The Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a museum that chronicles the history of Dunedin and its people. The museum features collections related to the lives of early settlers in the region, including Māori, Chinese, and European immigrants. The museum has a strong focus on interactive exhibits, making it a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages.

Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle is another must-visit attraction in Dunedin, known as New Zealand’s only castle. The castle dates back to 1871 and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula. The castle is now open to the public and offers guided tours of its lavish interior.

Natural Attractions of Dunedin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula is situated on the eastern coast of Dunedin and is home to some of the city’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the peninsula, stopping off at viewpoints to take in the stunning views of the coastline and wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and penguins.

Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach located just south of Dunedin’s city centre. Visitors can walk down a steep track to the beach, which is surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs and an impressive tunnel, hand-carved by a 19th-century politician for his daughter.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Located just 20 km north of Dunedin, this ecosanctuary protects a vast complex of natural ecosystems, including forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Visitors can take guided tours through the sanctuary, spotting endangered birds such as the kiwi, kakariki, and takahe.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dunedin

The Pineapple Track

The Pineapple Track is a popular hiking and biking route that leads up through a series of pine forests and grassy mountain slopes. The track also provides visitors with stunning views of the city and harbour.

The Peninsula Traverse

The Peninsula Traverse is a coastal walk that starts at the Otago Peninsula and ends at the end of the Tomahawk Lagoon. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the coastline, and wildlife such as sea lions, fur seals, and yellow-eyed penguins.

Best Things to Do in Dunedin: Activities and Tours

Speight’s Brewery Tour

The Speight’s Brewery is Dunedin’s oldest brewery and offers visitors a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery itself. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and take part in various interactive exhibits.

Cadbury World

Cadbury World is a chocolate factory and visitor attraction, where visitors can learn about the history of chocolate and how it is made. The factory also offers a chance for visitors to create their personalised chocolate bars.

Elm Wildlife Tours

Elm Wildlife Tours provide visitors with a chance to see some of New Zealand’s rarest animals, including the Royal Albatross, New Zealand fur seals, and little penguins. Visitors can take part in guided tours of the Otago Peninsula, which has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in New Zealand.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dunedin

Day Activities
Day 1 Historic walk around Dunedin
Day 2 Otago Museum and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Day 3 Drive along the Otago Peninsula and visit albatross, penguin, and seal colonies
Day 4 Hike or bike the Pineapple Track
Day 5 Tour Larnach Castle and the gardens
Day 6 Visit Cadbury World and Speight’s Brewery
Day 7 Elm Wildlife Tours

Food and Drink Scene of Dunedin

Must-Try Dishes

Whitebait Fritters

Whitebait fritters are a popular dish in New Zealand’s South Island, including in Dunedin. The dish consists of tiny, delicate fish that are lightly battered and fried.

Garlic Prawns

Fresh garlic prawns caught from the Otago Peninsula are yet another must-try dish in Dunedin. Restaurants specialising in seafood offer this dish in a variety of cooking styles.

Local Beverages

Speight’s Beer

Speight’s is the oldest brewery in Dunedin and produces a range of beers that are well-loved by locals and tourists alike.

Otago Wine

Otago is home to over 100 wineries producing a variety of wines, including award-winning Pinot Noir.

Where to Stay in Dunedin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is a luxurious 4-star hotel located in the heart of Dunedin. The hotel offers modern rooms and suites, as well as exceptional dining experiences.

YHA Dunedin

A popular hostel in Dunedin, the YHA offers budget accommodation with a friendly atmosphere, as well as facilities like a kitchen, laundry, and bike rental.

Laneway Backpackers

Centrally located, Laneway Backpackers is budget-friendly accommodation that offers private and shared rooms. The hostel is modern, clean, and offers guests a lounge area and communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Dunedin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Local Handcrafts

Dunedin is renowned for its thriving arts and crafts scene, so visitors may want to purchase unique handmade souvenirs. The handcrafts include pottery, glassware, and jewellery.

Honey and Preserves

New Zealand’s honey is renowned for its high quality, and preserves like jams and chutneys made from locally sourced ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Dunedin

Dunedin has a rich history and a friendly local population. Visitors can expect the locals to be polite and welcoming, and ready to share their beautiful city’s history and culture. The city is famous for its distinctive local architecture, history, and culture.

Best Time to Visit Dunedin

The best time to visit Dunedin is from October through May, when the weather is milder, and outdoor adventures are at their best. The city can get quite cold and rainy in the winter months, so tourists should come prepared with warm clothing and rain gear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dunedin

Do:

  • Try local New Zealand foods like fish and chips, meat pies, and Hokey Pokey ice cream.
  • Visit local attractions like Larnach Castle and the Otago Museum.
  • Learn about local history and culture through tours and museums.
  • Drive through the Otago Peninsula to see the coast’s incredible wildlife.
  • Be ready with warm clothing and rain gear if you’re visiting in the colder months.

Don’t:

  • Feed or disturb wildlife.
  • Take photographs of Māori art without permission.
  • Litter in natural areas.
  • Swim in many of the beaches on the Otago Peninsula.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dunedin

Dunedin is a relatively safe city, with low rates of violent crime. However, visitors should be cautious and keep a watchful eye on their belongings, particularly in crowded areas.

Health in Dunedin

New Zealand is a developed country with good healthcare services. Visitors should purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses, just in case.

Getting to Dunedin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dunedin

The Dunedin International Airport is located just 22km from the city centre, and it offers frequent flights to other New Zealand cities and a few international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Dunedin

Dunedin’s central bus station is located in the heart of the city, and it offers connections to many destinations around New Zealand.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Dunedin from other areas of New Zealand, or take a train.

How to Get Around in Dunedin

Dunedin is a compact city that is easily navigated on foot. Visitors can also hire bicycles to explore the city and its surrounding natural areas.

Where to Go Next from Dunedin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Queenstown

Located just 3 hours away from Dunedin, Queenstown is one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand. The city is known for its stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and vibrant nightlife.

Christchurch

Christchurch, on the eastern coast of the South Island, is a cultural hub of the region, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance spaces. The city is also a gateway to several amazing natural attractions, including the Southern Alps, Mount Cook National Park, and the glaciers of the West Coast.

Conclusion

Dunedin is a fascinating, vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors of all ages and interests. With stunning natural landscapes, rich history and culture, and a thriving food and drink scene, it’s no wonder that Dunedin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Panorama of Dunedin Panorama of Dunedin Baldwin Street, steepest grade 1 in 2.86, holds the record for the steepest street in the world. Baldwin Street, steepest grade 1 in 2.86, holds the record for the steepest street in the world. Dunedin, Otago Harbour, and Otago Peninsula Dunedin, Otago Harbour, and Otago Peninsula Dunedin Railway Station Dunedin Railway Station Port Chalmers with cruise ship docked Port Chalmers with cruise ship docked A house on Baldwin St A house on Baldwin St Inside Dunedin Railway Station Inside Dunedin Railway Station Town Hall Town Hall Robert Burns Statue in the Octagon Robert Burns Statue in the Octagon Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, with Railway Station (left background) Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, with Railway Station (left background) Heart of the Lake Pavilion and entrance hall in Dunedin Chinese Garden Heart of the Lake Pavilion and entrance hall in Dunedin Chinese Garden Knox Church Knox Church Yellow-eyed penguin family, Otago Peninsula Yellow-eyed penguin family, Otago Peninsula Taiaroa Head Lighthouse and spotted shag colony (look in cave) Taiaroa Head Lighthouse and spotted shag colony (look in cave) St. Clair Beach St. Clair Beach The Meridian Mall The Meridian Mall The Octagon square is the heart of Dunedin, and surrounded by landmarks and eating and drinking establishments The Octagon square is the heart of Dunedin, and surrounded by landmarks and eating and drinking establishments Speights brewery Speights brewery Night view of the town hall Night view of the town hall Dunedin features some murals. Dunedin features some murals. Telephone booths at the Octagon Telephone booths at the Octagon