Let’s sort out that image right now.
Dunedin is barely a blip on the Queenstown glitz and glamour of the New Zealand tourism poster. However Dunedin is an underrated gem for New Zealanders and Australians with its small town grace. The town played a significant role in the emergence of modern New Zealand, grand nineteenth century wealth is carved into the distinctive combination of dark basalt and Oamaru stone Dunedin Railway building.
Once the economic hub of New Zealand the town retains a pride in its place in the history books. Yet you would not be visiting a museum but a vibrant, contemporary city that is looking forward rather than harking back to faded glory. Dunedin will become one of your favourite places to visit.
Dunedin’s vibrant heart is The Octagon, central Dunedin. Framed with al fresco cafes and bars, the area is a natural meeting point. The visitor information centre is part of this buzz making it easy for tourists to pop into the information centre to check for the latest happenings.
Part of the Octagon’s charm is architectural showpieces of former merchant houses, a heritage court house and 19th government buildings reflecting Dunedin’s story as a significant gold mining city. Basalt, limestone and granite buildings are in contrast to contemporary Christchurch or Wellington’s wooden homes.
Best time to visit
Year round. Winter is chilly, spend time indoors in the numerous museums and cafes or simply indulge in brisk walk.
Weather
Dunedin Weather Forecast and Observations
Getting there
There is a bus service between Dunedin and Port Chalmers.
Highlights:
Larnach Castle
145 Camp Road, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Portobello Otago Peninsula Museum
17 Harington Point Road, Portobello, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
Waikouaiti Heritage Centre
200 Main Road, Waikouaiti 9510, New Zealand
Dunedin Gasworks Museum
20 Braemar Street, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand
Olveston House
42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
Railway Station Anzac Avenue, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Dunedin art museum
30 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Otago Peninsula Trust
430 Portobello Road, Macandrew Bay, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Royal Albatross Centre
1260 Harington Point Road, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Fletcher House
727 Portobello Road, Broad Bay, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
Glenfalloch Garden & Restaurant
430 Portobello Road, Macandrew Bay, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Historic Lime Kilns
55 Sandymount Road, Sandymount 9077, New Zealand
Downtown Architectural Heritage Walk: This is an excellent place to start your exploration of historic Dunedin.
Historic Railway Station, Dunedin @davidwallphoto
TIP: Look out for Dunedin’s street art. For self-guided tours, check out our travel pack information for details.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Cnr &, Great King Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Larnach Castle gardens
145 Camp Road, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Speight’s – Knowing what matters since 1876. Dunedin is home to two craft beers, Speight’s Ale known as “the pride of the south” and Emerson’s microbrewery. It is possible to tour the Speight’s brewery, so join the ninety minute tour that tracks the timeline of Speight’s ale from 1876 to the mammoth copper vessels of today’s brew house, before finishing with a complimentary ale.
Guided tours with Elim Wildlife: Encounters inc Royal Albatross Centre Tour. Is recommended for visitors who wish for logistics as well as tour details to be fully managed. Elim offers access to private land that is not accessible for casual visitors. The tours are well known for their sustainable practices.
Hagley park @Andy Belcher
Harbour cruises Photo moments on your harbour cruise Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours, you’ll travel out through the Otago Harbour to the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea, flying past a historic lighthouse. Our cruises also frequently spot blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins! The crew will provide a full commentary during your cruise about the local history, scenery and wildlife spotted along the way. Don’t be put off by cool & windy weather. These are often the best conditions for wildlife viewing. Especially when it comes to albatross, they love a brisk southerly wind. Binoculars and warm jackets are provided during your cruise.
Length of time: one hour.
Dunedin harbour view
Dunedin harbour @pawopa3336
Seasonal: Annual ID Fashion Week when the country’s fashionistas line the sides of the long railway catwalk.
Otago Farmers Market is every Saturday morning. It is located next to the historic railway station. On average there are over 76 stalls.
Tunnel Beach
Otago 9076, New Zealand
St Kilda beach
Otago 9013, New Zealand
Sandfly Bay
Otago 9077, New Zealand
Aramoana Beach & saltmarsh walk
Aramoana 9082, New Zealand
The Pyramids at Victory Beach
Okia Flat 9077, New Zealand
Allans Beach track
Allans Beach Road, Portobello, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Port Chalmers
Katiki Point
Katiki Point, Portobello, a coastal day trip winding through bays and valleys of the Otago Peninsula.
Highlights:
About an hour’s drive north of Dunedin is Katiki Point, a spectacular headland known for its wildlife viewing. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot along the rugged coastline.
Countless seals and seal lions are lounging on rocks and beaches. If you are lucky you will observe the local penguins. Remember to respect the animals by keeping at least four metres away from animals. We are guests in their home.
Portobello
A seaside village, between Dunedin and Taiaroa Heads is the closest settlement to the Royal Albatross Centre. A highlight of Portobello is the Happy Hens shop, with its hand-painted ceramics and wooden chickens.
Moeraki Boulders
From Katiki Point, iconic instagram stars, the famous Moeraki Boulders are a 10 minute drive from Katiki Point. From the car park, a short walk leads you directly to the beach, where you can admire the famous spherical rocks. While the rocks are now instagram stars as well as sunrise or sunset images you could be one less person on the beach and simply check out numerous instagram photos instead. The boulders are magnificent however over tourism could mar your personal moment on the beach.
This area is a tourist hot spot, especially with the large coach tours resulting in surges of people on the beach.
Katiki Lighthouse Penguins @Nz Frenzy South Island New Zealand
Railway Enthusiasts must do journey: Taieri Gorge Heritage Railway
For heritage train lovers the Taieri Gorge rail journey is a must. Book for your trip to ensure you have a place on this popular day trip from Dunedin. The train traverses winding gorges, ten tunnels and Wingatui Viaduct, the second largest wrought iron structure in operation.
Facts:
Journey to the seaside: seaside day trip for train enthusiasts
“Departing from the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station, the Seasider travels along the edge of the picturesque Otago Harbour, before climbing the gentle slopes above Port Chalmers, a pretty port-side town. At the top of the hill, the train emerges to look over the dazzling Blueskin Bay, revealing breathtaking views over bays, inlets and beaches”
Facts:
Taieri Gorge Heritage Railway @Alchetron
You have arrived on a cruise ship, either your cruise trip manager will arrange guided tours or you can independently manage this process. For an independent day trip, including pick up from your cruise ship, check out your choices before deciding what to see.
The historic precinct is compact and walkable. This includes The Octagon, notable buildings such as The Courthouse, Merchant Buildings, historic Post Office building, original Railway Station, University buildings and the Cathedral.
The journey is worth it.