Dunedin, nestled on the South Island of New Zealand is home to history, Scottish heritage, and beautiful landscapes. Read our Insider’s Guide to Dunedin showcasing the top activities and places to eat and stay while you’re in town. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a stop our your road trip our guide will help to best plan your visit.
How to get to Dunedin.
Dunedin is secluded in a small harbour along the East Coast of New Zealand only a flight or drive away. Start your adventure to Dunedin by flying into Christchurch, picking up your mode rental from the airport and starting the scenic 4-hour drive down the coast. Alternatively, catch a quick flight or hop on the Intercity Bus. If you’re flying into Queenstown, pick up your _Mode Rental from the airport and start the leisurely 3.5-hour drive.
Top Dunedin Activities
Baldwin Street: Give yourself a challenge by walking the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street. Recognised by the Guinness World Records for its 35% grade, be sure to snap a photo at this iconic landmark. You’ll find yourself wondering if the residents who live up the hill must walk or drive down it every day! We recommend against driving up it, so park your rental on the street opposite and proceed from there!
Larnach Castle (pictured): Home to New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle is a majestic estate that offers stunning views of the Otago Peninsula. Wander through its Victorian architecture, learning about its rich and intriguing history while observing the lush gardens. This is a favourite activity for kids!
St Clair Beach: Opt for a more relaxing day by visiting St Clair Beach. It’s a prime spot for surfers, but also offers a leisurely experience with some of the best cafes and restaurants boasting stunning seaside views. If you’re not fond of the cold, consider a dip in St Clair Hot Saltwater Pool with gorgeous beach views.
Otago Museum: A great activity for the kids that will keep them entertained for hours is the Otago Museum. Home to the Tuhura Tropical Forest and the Science Centre, it offers interactive and fun experiences for everyone! Explore the butterflies in the tropical forest or learn about the science that surrounds us daily.
Toitu Otago Settlers: Dunedin is the oldest city in New Zealand. Discover fascinating human history exhibits and learn about the first settlers in Dunedin at Toitu Otago Settlers. Take a step into this region’s past and present.
Wildlife Sanctuary: The Royal Albatross Centre offers guided tours around the colony at Taiaroa Head, approximately a 35-minute drive from central Dunedin. Here, you can view the majestic albatross, known for its huge three-metre wingspan, which spends 85% of its time flying at sea. For more local wildlife experiences, Natures Wonders is located on the same road as the Royal Albatross Centre. We recommend stopping there for a wildlife tour to see hopefully the yellow-eyed and blue penguins, seals and many more!
Tunnel Beach (pictured below): Explore Dunedin’s coast through Tunnel Beach. This hand-carved tunnel takes you to a sheltered beach along the cliffs where you can explore hidden caves, admire stunning rock formations, and soak in panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. It’s recommended to visit at low tide!
Farmer’s Market: Join the locals and wander around Otago's Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. This bustling hub of local produce, artisanal crafts and delish treats is a must-visit. Sample fresh fruits, homemade cheeses, and handcrafted goods with the locals.
Orokonui Eco Sanctuary: Explore Sanctuary and encounter some of New Zealand’s Forest birds, reptiles and plants. Guided tours are available, offering different tracks built for varying levels of fitness.
Eat and Drink
Dunedin is home to so many great places to eat and drink. We have highlighted some of the most popular that you should try while you’re in Dunedin.
If you’re a beer lover, Dunedin is home to some of the South’s most loved breweries. Experience one of New Zealand’s oldest working breweries, Speights. Making beer for over 141 years, you can learn the ins and outs of how this popular southern beer is brewed. Once the guided tour is finished, head on over to the Speights Ale House for a pint and a good pub meal.
Another Dunedin favourite is Emmerson's Brewery. It is a must-visit for beer lovers, with daily tastings and a diverse range of beers, we promise you’ll find one you love. Not only does Emmerson’s make great beer but the bar snacks and share plates are also something you don’t want to miss. The atmosphere is buzzing making it a great spot to visit on your trip to Dunedin.
Looking for a great café with a good array of food and coffee? Buster Greens, Vogel St Kitchen, and Good Earth Café are some of Dunedin’s most popular choices. Alternatively, try Beam Me Up Bagel for a freshly rolled and baked bagel with a selection of delicious fillings. It’s a local favourite!
Dunedin offers great nightlife and some of the best dining atmospheres. We recommend No 7 Balmac, Ombrellos, Prohibition Smokehouse or Esplanade to experience some of Dunedin’s finest offerings and warm hospitality.
Accommodation
Dunedin offers a wide range of places to stay from luxury to more budget-friendly options. For luxury accommodation, consider Bluestone on George, Distinction Dunedin Hotel and Fabel Dunedin, all of which provide excellent service. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, highly rated choices include Ocean Beach Hotel, The Law Courts and Quest Dunedin. Additionally, there are several backpackers and holiday parks available as alternative budget-friendly options.
Ready to plan your trip?
Our guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Dunedin with your family and friends. Whether it's exploring Dunedin’s vibrant food scene, touring around two of New Zealand’s biggest breweries, learning about the town’s history, or visiting some of New Zealand’s natural wonders, Dunedin will create unforgettable memories on your road trip.
