You’ve made your way to Dunedin- what next? What are the best Dunedin tourist attractions? What to see in Dunedin? Best things to do in Dunedin? All these questions went through our heads when we planned our trip.
Dunedin, New Zealand is a city that is full of surprises. Nestled on the southeastern coast of the South Island, Dunedin is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts and culture scene, and unique wildlife.
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone who loves to explore new places, Dunedin has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey to discover the hidden gems of Dunedin and uncover the incredible things you can do in this charming city.
Dunedin is a city with a fascinating history that dates back to its Scottish roots. The city was founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers, and their influence can still be seen today in the city’s architecture, street names, and traditions.
History
To truly immerse yourself in Dunedin’s rich history, a visit to the Tuhura Otago Museum or Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a must. Toitū museum tells the story of the early settlers and showcases their journey to New Zealand. You can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, browse through historical artefacts.
Landmarks Worth Visiting
An iconic landmark that is worth a visit is the Dunedin Railway Station. This grand building is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world and is a testament to the city’s architectural heritage. The Take a stroll through the station’s ornate interior, admire the intricate mosaic floors and stained glass windows, and don’t forget to snap a photo on the iconic staircase.
Natural wonders and outdoor activities in Dunedin
Dunedin is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the must-visit natural wonders in Dunedin is the Otago Peninsula. Known for its stunning coastal scenery and diverse wildlife, the Otago Peninsula offers a range of activities for nature lovers. Take a scenic drive along the peninsula’s winding roads, stopping at lookout points to admire the panoramic views of the coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals, sea lions, or penguins!
Outdoor Activities
For those who enjoy hiking, a visit to the beautiful Signal Hill is a must. This popular hiking spot offers a network of trails that wind through native bush, providing stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Pack a picnic and spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the trails, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the tranquillity of nature.
Beautiful Beaches
For those who love beaches, Dunedin is home to some of the most stunning beaches on the South Island. Below is a list of must visit beaches in Dunedin:
Saint Kilda
Saint Claire
Tunnel Beach
Tomahawk Beach
Dunedin beaches also offers great surf if you are into surfing!
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
As somewhere that is internationally renown for its diverse collection of plants, the Dunedin Botanic Gardens is a Dunedin must do. Easy, relaxing, educational and rewarding with some epic views of the city, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquillity of these gardens.
They also have some native birds! We made friends with some macaws and keas.
Check out their official website here.
Discover Dunedin's unique wildlife
Dunedin is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a paradise for animal lovers. One of the highlights of any trip to Dunedin is a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre. Located on the Otago Peninsula, this center is the only place in the world where you can see the majestic royal albatross in its natural habitat. Take a guided tour of the center, learn about the life cycle of these magnificent birds, and witness their impressive wingspan as they soar through the sky.
Blue Penguins & Yellow Eyed Penguins
If you’re a fan of penguins, a visit to Penguin Place is a must. This award-winning conservation reserve is dedicated to the preservation of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. Take a guided tour of the reserve, learn about the conservation efforts, and get up close and personal with these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Cruise
If you fancy the thrill of seeing some of these incredible creatures with a captivating narration, why not book a wildlife cruise?
We have put the best one below to make it super easy for you to book with just one click!
Dunedin's vibrant arts and culture scene
Dunedin is a city that is brimming with creativity and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to a number of galleries, museums, and theatres, where you can immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
Start your cultural journey at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of New Zealand and international art. Explore the gallery’s diverse range of exhibitions, attend a workshop or lecture, and discover the works of renowned artists.
Other great places to indulge in art and culture are:
- Gallery De Novo
- Milford Galleries Dunedin
- The Artists Room
For a taste of the local performing arts scene, a visit to the Fortune Theatre is a must. This intimate theater showcases a range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary performances. Grab a ticket to a show, sit back, and be entertained by the talented local actors.
Uncovering Dunedin's Hidden Gems - Off the Beaten Path Attractions
While Dunedin is known for its popular tourist attractions, the city is also home to many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.
Dunedin Street Art Trail
One such hidden gem is the Dunedin Street Art Trail. Take a walk through the streets of Dunedin and admire the vibrant murals that adorn the walls of buildings. Each mural tells a unique story and adds a touch of colour to the city’s landscape.
Mountain Biking
Dunedin is full of off the beaten track cycle paths that are usually suitable for bikes with 21 speed gearing. Each track ranges from 15 to 75km in length and have significant inclines and declines.
Check out the Dunedin City Council website for more information on these tracks.
Glenfalloch Restaurant & Gardens
If you’re a nature lover, a visit to Glenfalloch is a must. This tranquil garden is a hidden oasis, filled with native plants, beautiful flowers, and a variety of bird species. Take a leisurely stroll along the garden’s winding paths. Then grab a seat in the cafe/restaurant and try some great food, ranging from coffees and cabinet treat to vegan 2 course Dinners!
It has a fascinating history as well as a remarkable collection of flowers and plants. This place is an extremely popular place for weddings though, so make sure they’re open to the public before you visit. You will find the information here:
A bonus thing to do in Dunedin is visit number 660 Castle St. It’s the house where famous kiwi music band Six60 set up their group.
Although be aware and respectful that this is street is full of second year uni students houses etc.
Must-visit landmarks and architectural marvels in Dunedin
For a quick glance at the landmarks, see the bullet points below:
- Larnarch Castle
- First Church of Otago
- Olveston Historic Home
- St Pauls Cathedral
Dunedin is a city that is rich in architectural marvels and iconic landmarks. One such landmark is the Larnach Castle, which is often referred to as New Zealand’s only castle. Take a guided tour of the castle, wander through its beautifully manicured gardens, and learn about its fascinating history. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula. You can stay overnight here too- we bagged a bridal suite (no, this doesn’t mean we got secretly married) which had impeccable views of the peninsular!
Another architectural gem that is worth a visit is the First Church of Otago. This grand church is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Step inside the church and marvel at its stunning stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and beautiful pipe organ.
Dining in Dunedin
Dunedin is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of culinary delights waiting to be savored. The city is known for its thriving food scene, which offers everything from fine dining restaurants to quirky cafes. Start your culinary journey at the Otago Farmers Market, where you can sample the best of local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious street food. Pick up some fresh fruits, cheeses, and pastries, and enjoy a picnic in one of Dunedin’s picturesque parks.
Jess & Ben’s Fave Food Recommendations:
- Buster Greens- Breakfast
- Catylst– Breakfast/ Lunch
- Let Them Eat Vegan– Lunch / Snacks
- Beam Me Up Bagel– Lunch/ Brunch (takeaway)
- Taco Vida – Lunch/ Dinner
- Prohibition Smokehouse– Dinner
All of these places have awesome vegan options and cater to most dietary requirements/allergies!
Sample Famous Beers in the Breweries
For a taste of the local craft beer scene, a visit to one of Dunedin’s breweries is a must. Take a tour of the brewery, learn about the beer-making process, and sample a range of delicious brews. Cheers to a great day of exploration!
Dunedin is home to a few famous New Zealand beers: Emersons Brewery and Speights. A tour around these breweries will leave you with a wealth of knowledge about beer.
When it comes to things to do in Dunedin we can’t recommend doing the Emerson’s Brewery tour enough – for $40 each you get a comprehensive overview of how they make their award winning beer, the opportunity to try said beer at different points of it’s fermentation process, and a walk around some of the impressive behind the scenes. What are you waiting for?
Shopping and local markets in Dunedin
Dunedin is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of unique boutiques, local markets, and artisanal shops waiting to be explored.
The Octagon
Start your shopping adventure at the Octagon, which is the heart of the city and home to a number of boutique shops. Browse through the diverse range of stores, from fashion boutiques to antique shops, and pick up a unique souvenir to take home.
Otago Art Society
For a taste of the local arts and crafts scene, a visit to the Otago Art Society is a must. This vibrant gallery showcases the works of local artists and craftsmen, offering a range of unique pieces that are perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors.
Otago Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning located beside the historic Dunedin Railway Station is the Otago Farmers Market. This market sells the best quality, home grown fruit and veg, meat, eggs, cheese- you name it! If you want to do something wholesome and support the locals, then pop down on Saturday morning.
Visit the Steepest Street in the World
Yes, this street does hold the Guinness world record.
Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, is an absolute must do and is renowned for being the steepest residential street in the world. The street is located in the suburb of North East Valley and gained global recognition for its extreme gradient. Baldwin Street attracts both locals and tourists who attempt to conquer its steep incline.
The street hosts an annual event called the “Baldwin Street Gutbuster,” where participants race up and down the hill. The unique topography of Baldwin Street has made it a popular destination, offering panoramic views of Dunedin from its summit.
Planning your trip to Dunedin - Accommodation and Transportation Options
Accommodation
When planning your trip to Dunedin, it’s important to consider your accommodation and transportation options. Dunedin offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploration. Consider staying in the city center, where you’ll be within walking distance of the main attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Here is a diverse list of accommodation option’s that we recommend for trip to Dunedin:
- Lanarch Castle – This one is a bit further out but it really is an awesome experience even if it is just for one night.
- On Top Backpackers – We love this place it’s super affordable, really nice and you can play pool just below in the pool bar.
- Euro 315 – A great mid price range option, really nice rooms, very reasonable and great location
- The Princes Apartment – A two bed apartment in the heart of the centre, great for if you’re travelling as a group.
Transportation
As for transportation, Dunedin has an efficient public transport system that includes buses and taxis. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, consider renting a car to make the most of your time in Dunedin. This will give you the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own leisure.
We do recommend having your transport planned or your own vehicle as some of the best things to do and see in Dunedin are a short drive from the city centre.
Jess & Ben: Dunedin Adventures
We loved Dunedin! We have visited multiple times and always had a great time.
What We Got Up To
The first time we went, we spent hours in the Tuhura Otago Museum and at one of the many stunning beaches.
The second time we visited (which was arguably so much better) was when we went to watch the mighty All Blacks play in a test match against The Wallabies at Forsyth Barr Stadium- one of the only stadiums (currently) on the South Island of New Zealand. Followed by an evening of touring round different bars.
We then spent the next afternoon at Emerson’s Brewery, which was probably Jess’ favourite beer experience ever. We did the brewery tour where they take you through every process, let you try hops and fermenting beer and explain so much about their processes. At the end of it we were given a tasting paddle to try some of their most famous beers. We shared a table with the other person on the tour and quickly became good friends, drinking late into the night!
Where We Stayed in Dunedin
We stayed at Larnach Castle, which was fancy! Neither of us has stayed on castle grounds before. To sleep like a king and queen, follow the link here to book a room at one of New Zealands only commercially used castles.
When we weren’t feeling fancy, we stayed in On Top Backpackers, which is a friendly and affordable hostel. A private room here only sets you back by $120, which is quite reasonable for New Zealand. Complete with a great pool bar below, its our go to budget place to stay.
Our Favourite Bar
In the octagon, there is a hidden (literally) bar called Mr Fox.
The door is located next to a busy pub, very easy to miss. There is a small drinks menu hanging on the wall which is your clue. Once through the door, you go down some stairs and are welcomed into a cozy bar, with friendly bar staff and delicious drinks.
They have some awesome drinks on the menu, the last time we went Ben had a variation of delicious rum and whiskey concoctions and Jess had a tomato, blackberry and balsamic cocktail, which is not for everyone but very up her street!
Defo check this place out!
Don’t miss out on these incredible things to do in Dunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand is a city that is full of nature, surprises, history, and hidden gems. Boating a range of activities from exploring the city’s rich history and heritage to discovering its unique wildlife and vibrant arts and culture scene, there is so much to see and do in Dunedin. So don’t miss out on these incredible experiences and start planning your trip to Dunedin today.
Follow @jessandbentravel on Instagram for more travel inspiration and tips.
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
Jess and Ben
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