Discover the spectacular landscapes, wildlife and local history of Dunedin. From edgy urban street art to adorable penguins, Dunedin is a region full of surprises. Make sure you tick off these top 10 activities and attractions in Dunedin next time you're in town.
Image credit: Penguin, Dunedin. By Miles Holden
1 | WILDLIFE.
Dunedin is home to rare wildlife. On the Otago Peninsula, you can spot little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions. You can also visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. View the Albatross with a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre(opens in new window).
Elm Wildlife Tours visits the far reaches of the peninsula for close encounters with the wild inhabitants. To get a different perspective, join a Monarch Wildlife Cruise(opens in new window) for a unique view via sea.
A visit to Orokonui Eco Sanctuary(opens in new window), 20 kilometres north of Dunedin will be rewarded with Tuatara lizards, Otago Skinks and 17 species of native birds, including kiwi.
Image credit: Lanarch Castle, Dunedin. By Enterprise Dunedin
2 | VISIT LARNACH CASTLE.
Sightseeing in Dunedin isn't complete without a visit to Larnach Castle.
New Zealand's only castle is an important and much-loved piece of Dunedin history. Built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant and politician born of Scottish parents, Larnach Castle has been carefully restored to its original Victorian grandeur, and its beautiful rooms and gardens are open to the public 365 days a year. The castle boasts a 3,000 square foot ballroom, which hosts high tea at 3pm every day, and a tower commanding sweeping views of the Otago Peninsula.
Larnach Castle is located 20 minutes' drive from downtown Dunedin.
Image credit: Craft Beer, Dunedin, Dunedin. By Miles Holden
3 | ENJOY A LOCALLY-BREWED BEER.
After a day of sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Dunedin is get cosy in one of the city's many pubs and enjoy a local beer. To go one step further, indulge in a tour and tasting at Emerson's craft brewery or the historic Speights Brewery.
Image credit: Port Chalmers, Dunedin. By DunedinNZ
4 | VISIT PORT CHALMERS.
A short drive from Dunedin, historic Port Chalmers is truly charming. The village offers an interesting mix of heritage attractions, cafés and galleries. The creative community in this small town mean it's full of vibrant art and culture, from potters and sculptors to painters, musicians and jewellers.
Port Chalmers is a popular weekend destination from Dunedin and one of the locals' favourite things to do.
Image credit: Mural by Tyler Kennedy Stent, Dunedin. By Tyler Kennedy Stent
5 | DUNEDIN STREET ART TRAIL.
Explore the ever-growing collection of vibrant, whimsical artworks from international and local artists which are dotted throughout the central city, around corners, down alleyways and boldly painted upon the sides of buildings. The walk takes around 90 minutes, and you can pick up a copy of the trail map at the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Information Centre or join a guided walking tour with Small City Big Walks.
Image credit: Tunnel Beach, Dunedin. By Enterprise Dunedin
6 | EXPLORE DUNEDIN'S STUNNING BEACHES.
Escape to one of Dunedin's fantastic beaches, only a few minutes drive from the city centre.
St Clair is a popular surf beach, but other beaches have good breaks too - including Aramoana, Murdering Bay and Karitane. If you just want to swim, Brighton Beach is a beautiful choice, just 20 minutes' drive from Dunedin.
Long Beach is good for rock climbing and has huge caves to explore, while Tunnel Beach features a spectacular sandstone sea arch, which is best visited at low tide.
Image credit: Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin. By DunedinNZ
7 | TRAVEL THROUGH TIME AT TOITU OTAGO SETTLERS MUSEUM.
The Toitu Otago Settlers Museum(opens in new window) has created a wonderfully immersive experience that shares the story of Dunedin’s past, from the early Māori inhabitants and European settlers, through to more modern history complete with trolley-buses, vintage cars and retro homewares.
The interactive displays, replica models and activities for children, bring local history to life in a refreshing and engaging way, making it a great activity to do with kids.
Image credit: Cycling the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin. By DunedinNZ
8 | ENJOY CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING.
Dunedin's compact city layout and flat runs make it a great place for cycle touring, while the surrounding countryside offers five mountain bike trail networks. Signal Hill, just 40 minutes' ride from the city centre, has the best downhill track in the country.
About an hour's drive from Dunedin, Middlemarch forms the start of the famous Otago Central Rail Trail(opens in new window). This 150km trail takes in historic gold mining sites, country pubs, and peaceful, golden-hued landscapes.
Image credit: Municipal Chambers, Dunedin By Gouldy99
9 | DISCOVER A CITY OF LITERATURE.
Dunedin is a UNESCO designated City of Literature, and it shows. The town's central Octagon proudly displays a statue of Robert Burns, and has its own Writers’ Walk - a series of plaques featuring entertaining and informative quotes about Dunedin and its heritage.
Bibliophiles should visit the rare manuscript collections at the Reed and de Beer Galleries, or head to Dutybound Book Bindery to see old binding techniques in action. For some serious browsing, swing by Hard to Find Bookshop, Stafford 6 Books or the University Book Shop.
Image credit: Olveston Historic Home, Dunedin. By DunedinNZ
10 | MARVEL AT DUNEDIN'S GRAND ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE
Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere with gorgeous heritage buildings everywhere you look. Nowadays, these are filled with quirky cafes, boutiques and other attractions that will fill days of exploration.
Spend a few hours admiring the valuable collections at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery or many independent galleries where local artwork is on sale. Visit the exquisitely preserved Olveston Historic Home for a peek at the home-life of a Dunedin family during Edwardian times. Or visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens to explore the Edwardian Winter Garden or the glorious Rhondendron Dell.
