Travel guide, top sights and attractions
Destination Dunedin
the centre of the world (trust us google maps got it wrong)
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- Auckland, New Zealand
7 minutes Otago, South Island
Destination Dunedin
the centre of the world (trust us google maps got it wrong)
to visit Dunedin & Otago Peninsula
Dunedin is barely a blip on the Queenstown glitz and glamour yet the place is an underrated visitor hot spot. Explore Dunedin’s authentic heritage charm while munching on delicious cheap eats fostered by a vibrant student culture. Linger in ghostly corners and hidden alleyways. Be intrigued by Victorian follies and grandeur at Larnach Castle and the celebrity glamour of a merchant’s house at Olveston.
Discover where the wild things roam; it’s the local beach. Don’t be surprised to read advice on how to approach a massive sea lion. Be flabbergasted by magnificent ocean Royal Albatross soaring over Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula is love at first sight with adorable waddling tiny penguins of Penguin Place.
Dunedin & Otago Peninsula is not a faded 19th century glory rather a vibrant, contemporary city. Visit one of Best Bits travel guide’s favourite places, Dunedin and find out why. Create holiday memories and destination Dunedin and see why Dunedin & Otago Peninsula has bewitched travel writers.
Royal Albatross and blue penguins are must do wildlife encounters. The bird’s landing is a spectacular plunge and slight wobble on landing. Can the bird stop in time, is it safe and you are part of the drama of getting home to feed hungry chicks. The glide, the sheer weight of the enormous birds settling in for the landing is memorising. Forget the chilly breeze, the albatross love a good blow as the three metre albatross wingspan needs nature to give it an updraft for a decent lift off into the sky.
Relish the rare opportunity to view albatross on the only mainland colony in the world. Albatross are the monarchs of the sea need our support to ensure their well-being, visit the observatory and have a chance to meet the personalities who have made the Otago Peninsula their nesting home.
The best time to visit the Royal Albatross, Otago Peninsula is between September to January when the chicks are hatching, growing and practicing their flight techniques. In the late afternoon you could witnessl see courtship displays.
At dusk the sea breezes pick up is when the juveniles return from a day at sea.
As with all wildlife there are no guarantees what you will observe.
Royal Albatross Centre access is via a 1 hour guided tour to their viewing platforms. You will need to organize your own way to the Centre unless you have joined a guided tour.
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.
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.
The best spots to observe wildlife in Dunedin & Otago Peninsula are:
… read more Where to find wildlife Dunedin & Otago Peninsula. Getting there, the best time to visit and safety messages.
Dunedin is surrounded by beaches, coastline and the Otago Harbour is the centreplace. Find a wetsuit and join the locals surfing remote beaches. Relish the solitude and splender of Dunedin, ‘cold water Bali.’
A bit chilly, then hang out in the nearest cafe … plenty to pick and choose from.
Dunedin, its local wildlife frequenting the beach, the pounding surf and fascinating rock caves and arches offers an interesting alternative to the idea of a beach holiday.
Dunedin beaches local inhabitants are wild. Enjoy the sheer delight of sharing a beach with seal or sea lions. The possibility of viewing (at a safe distance) the local wildlife is an undeniable attraction.
Dunedin, Otago Peninsula has a very short summer season of warmer temperature. January to February the water temperature is between 12c to 15c. In the depth of winter the Dunedin water temperature can drop as low as 8c. It is brisk year round.
A bit chilly for a dip. Join a local surfing school and hire a wetsuit, you’re sorted and ready for action … read more DUNEDIN BEACHES, ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO.
Dunedin offers rhododendrons ideal growing conditions creating one of New Zealand’s glorious spring displays of mature flowering tree plants.
Where are the best places to find flowering rhododendrons in Dunedin & Otago Peninsula?
The best places to observe spring flowering rhododendrons are:
Picnic in the Dunedin Botanic Garden, wander through an extraordinary sight, a traditional Chinese Scholar’s Garden or dine in style in a woodland garden, Glenfalloch.
Dunedin Botanic Garden rhododendron displays are magnificent. The best season for flowering displays is late October through to November. Year round the garden is a place for walks and connections through to outer suburbs. The gardens have nooks and areas perfect for photo moments.
learn more Dunedin Botanic Garden website has an excellent description of its walking tracks. Take a peep and pop the gardens on your to do list for walks.
… read more What to do and see in the Dunedin Botanic Garden, Frequently Asked Questions about the Dunedin Botanic Garden and more …
Larnach Castle gardens are a testament to the nineteenth century planting styles with a walled herb and vegetable garden, a magnificent herbaceous border and garden topiary. Combined with the quixotic Victorian castle interior Larnach Castle is justifiably one of Dunedin’s must-go attractions.
learn more Otago Peninsula Glenfalloch woodland garden is a beautiful example of how the harbour’s panoramic views have been skillfully tied into plantings. Dunedin festivals are held in the grounds with the well regarded restaurant an additional treat for visitors.
learn more Explore a Dunedin heritage merchants home. “Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home between 1906 to 1966.” You feel as though you are stepping into someone’s sitting room rather than a static museum. It is a time capsule reflecting the early part of the twentieth century.
Dunedin offers rhododendrons ideal growing conditions creating one of New Zealand’s glorious spring displays of mature flowering tree plants.
learn more Dunedin is home to a classic Chinese scholars garden, Lan Yuan. A fascinating glimpse into Asian garden fung shui principles. Imagine a garden built in China, dismantled, shipped to NZ and reconstructed on a small urban site in Dunedin.
learn more Discover a quiet treat overlooking the busy Port Chalmers harbour. A converted quarry is now an outstanding garden retreat filled with cool climate plants. Planning a day trip to explore Port Chalmers your bucket list will feature Lady Thorn Rhododrendon Garden.
Learn more Architecture in all its stately glory, solid stone buildings reflecting the glory days of Dunedin’s gold mining heritage
Downtown Architectural Heritage Walk
This is an excellent place to start your exploration of historic Dunedin.
Look out for Dunedin’s street art. For self-guided tours, check out our travel pack information for details.
Tunnel Beach is a great photo moment. Access is via a relatively steep path that leads to a rugged beach framed by soaring cliffs. You get a sense of desolation and wild beauty that characterises much of the Southern beaches. You will pass through a hand cut tunnel. The story behind the tunnel starts on a good note, three girls wanted to swim regularly at the beach, their father John Cargill commissioned the tunnel. According to legend one of the daughters later drowned. The drowning is conjecture and unproven. The tunnel was opened to the public in 1983. Look for the hand cut tools on the sides. If you visit only one beach for insta moments Tunnel Beach is a recommended choice.
With prominent sand dunes, windswept shores and beautiful coastal vistas, Sandfly Bay is one of the beautiful places on the Otago Peninsula. A great insta moment, photo moments galore on the beach. The name reflects the beaches tendency to be very windy. Wind tossed hair is almost guaranteed.
A walk around the beach tracks Sandfly Bay Track will give you an opportunity to observe yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions making the most of their coastal habitats. Remember to keep at least twenty metres from their habitat.
Isolated, pure white sand in contrast to dramatic imposing cliffs plus a saltmarsh walk across a landscape where imagination is all you want it to be. Must visit locations for photo enthusiasts and lovers of nature at its most raw. Aramoana means pathway to the sea, and expect to meet some local residents, sea lions. Remember to keep your distance of at least 20 metres and do not get between a sea lion’s view of the sea.
The area is known as Okia Flats with over 3km of coastline. Victory Beach is the longest on the Otago Peninsula. Photo moments of expansive ocean views with a backdrop of natural grasslands surrounding the relatively sheltered beach. The track is a well-maintained track, with access from Victory Beach’s car park. Remember to check out a geological sight known as The Pyramids – a series of basalt volcanic columns that were named for their incredibly symmetrical shape. From The Pyramids you can continue up the surrounding dunes to soak in the panoramic views and watch basking far seals.
At the northern end of Victory beach is the yellow-eyed penguin trust regeneration site Okia that needs visitors to be observant of the wildlife in the vicinity.
Allans Beach Track. A walk around Allans Beach’s wild coastlines is another opportunity to spot the Otago Peninsula’s resident penguins and sea lions among other beach-loving native animals. A short five-minute stroll from the car park will take you across Allans Beach track – it’s not uncommon to find yourself facing the resident wildlife as you venture onto the tracks. Keep at least 20 metres from all wildlife.
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.
Apart from castles, parks and street art there is plenty to amuse kids and great things to do.
… HANG ON, COMING SOON
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.
Check out Central Otago travel guide for summer festival favourites – Alexandra Blossom Festival.
TOP SIGHTS
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.
learn more The iconic instagram stars are the Moeraki Boulders. From the car park, a short walk leads you directly to the beach, where you can admire the famous spherical rocks. 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.
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.
learn more “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”.
learn more The central city is very walkable with most attractions within 2 -3 kms of the Otagon. The city is very hilly providing visitors with a workout.
The public Dunedin buses – Public Transport is a student favourite. There is a handy PDF map of the timetable on the website together with the latest fares.
Cycling in Dunedin is for the fit with many steep streets and crisp autumn / winter season a deterrent to cycling. For visitors wishing to cycle the Otago Rail Trail there are a number of bike hire tour operators available in the small towns dotting the trail.
Dunedin Airport is over 28km from the city centre.
For visitors there are two choices, a shuttle bus service which is very reasonably priced however you will need to be patient as passengers are dropped off at various locations or a personalised more expensive taxi service.
The rental car companies have depots at the airport.
The central city is very walkable with most attractions within 2 -3 kms of the Otagon. The city is very hilly providing visitors with a workout.
The public Dunedin buses – Public Transport is a student favourite. There is a handy PDF map of the timetable on the website together with the latest fares.
Cycling in Dunedin is for the fit with many steep streets and crisp autumn / winter season a deterrent to cycling. For visitors wishing to cycle the Otago Rail Trail there are a number of bike hire tour operators available in the small towns dotting the trail.
There is no public train service in Dunedin.
Visitors generally arrive in Dunedin by air or road.
Year round.
Dunedin Weather Forecast and Observations
What to see and do in Dunedin
Dunedin spoils the visitor with plenty of things to do. The city attractions are based around heritage, wildlife & the outdoors and culture, a combination encouraging visitors to return.
There is plenty of attractions and things to do beyond Dunedin with Central Otago offering visitors a chance to experience quintessential glimpses of heritage small towns that sprung up in the 19th century gold rush heyday. Cromwell is home to award winning pinot noir vineyards that tempt visitors to linger in wineries and indulge in courtyard lunch. The sheer beauty of the area has attracted artists and crafty people with art studio trails a visitor attraction.
| Dunedin | Cromwell | 220.3 km |
| Dunedin | Naseby | 143 km |
| Dunedin | Clyde | 197.9 km |
| Dunedin | Ranfurly | 131.5 km |
| Dunedin | St Bathans | 168.9 km |
| Dunedin | Roxburgh | 149.5 km |
Central Otago is a holiday destination away from the tourist hub of Queenstown and the busy regional capital of Otago, Dunedin. The wide open blue skies beckon the adventurer to explore side roads of Central Otago and find out why film directors fall in love with the extraordinary landscape.
And consider linking your Central Otago road trips with The Catlins, Southern Scenic Road Trip: Wildlife Safari Road Trip, The Catlins – Best Bits and Southern Scenic Road Trip: Invercargill to Fiordland National Park – Best Bits.
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