Dunedin travel guide — what to do & see, free activities

Why should I go to Dunedin, isn’t it boring?

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.  

Heritage buildings and monuments

Walking tours of historic Dunedin

Downtown Architectural Heritage Walk: This is an excellent place to start your exploration of historic Dunedin.

Gardens

Craft Beers

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.

Wildlife

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.

Harbour

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.

Festivals and Markets

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.

Beaches & Coastal Walks

Day trips from Dunedin

• Day road trip to Port Chalmers (OR) use public transport (bus). Port Chalmers is primarily known as a cruise ship port. Yet Port Chalmers is a port settlement that is a charming mix of heritage attractions, cafés and galleries. “The harbourside setting, intriguing galleries and relaxing eateries are all within easy walking distance of each other. For six months of the year, from October to mid-April, Port Chalmers is a busy cruise port, with ships arriving early in the morning and departing early evening. Several early Antarctic expeditions left from Port Chalmers, and up on the hill above the township is a memorial to Captain Scott, whose 1901 and 1910 expeditions departed from here. This is also a great vantage point to see the harbour and the workings of the port on a busy day.
• Port Chalmers’ Regional Maritime Museum is housed in the original 1877 stone post office building. It has a maritime collection and a settlers’ collection, telling the stories of early pioneers and many port characters who have lived here over the years.” NZ tourism

Day road trip north of Dunedin

Katiki Point

Katiki Point, Portobello, a coastal day trip winding through bays and valleys of the Otago Peninsula.

Highlights:

• Wildlife viewing Katiki Point
• Quaint country town Portobello
• Royal Albatross Centre dusk viewing
• Avoid the temptation of Moeraki boulders

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.

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:

• Duration of train journey between 4.5 hours to 5 hours.
• Train journey has a commentary.
• Mobile service is sometimes patchy. Ensure you have cash for the buffet carriage.
• Open air platform for photo moments.

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:

• Duration 3 hours.
• Train journey has a commentary.
• Photo moments, announcements that train will slow down for all keen photographers.
• Departure from Dunedin Railway Station. Returning to Station, the journey is a loop.

Getting around

Travel Pack

• Travel pack. Walks around Dunedin map PDF
• Travel pack. Dunedin heritage walks PDF

The journey is worth it.

Photo Gallery