Dunedin

Nearby

Dunedin: Understand

Population 126,000

Famous for being a University city of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a delightful combination of fine Architecture and cultural riches. The port City of Dunedin is the South Island’s second largest.

Otago Peninsula

While visiting Dunedin, make sure you don’t miss a trip to the picturesque Otago Peninsula. Stretching nearly 20 km from the city, the Peninsula is home to many of New Zealand’s most treasured bird and sea life including the Yellow – eyed Penguin, fur Seals and the Royal Albatross. Along with the wild life, there are great walks that take you to many beautiful beaches situated along the Peninsula’s rugged coastline.

Dunedin: See & Do

A really neat and free activity in Dunedin is the Street Art Walking Trail. There are more than 30 artworks on the trail, made by local and international artists. It’s self-guided and takes approximately 90 minutes on foot. Pop into the i-Site Visitor Centre in the Octagon to pick up a map.

Enjoy a lovely walk around Otago University Campus. It is at the heart of the city, making Dunedin vibrant with students. The University turns 150-years-old in 2019, and the campus itself is beautiful (rumoured to be in the top 10 most beautiful campuses worldwide).

1-Day Trips Near Dunedin

Tunnel beach is a nearby beach accessible only by Tunnel! On the way there, the track goes down, down, down. And it’s a one-way, so on the back… it’s up, up up. Note: the track is down all the way there, and up all the way back! It’s closed in lambing season (typically August – October, but double check).

Multi-Day Trips Near Dunedin

The Otago Peninsula has a lot of options to explore, and while you could just go for a day there is plenty to keep you busy for a couple.

Tairoa Head is the headland at the end of the Otago Peninsula:
- Pilots Beach is a small beach located just inside the harbour entrance to the south of the head. Often seen here are fur seals, sea lions, little and blue penguins and the yellow-eyed penguin.
- Also from Tairoa Head is one of the better vantage points for seeing dusky dolphins, orca whales, southern right whales and Humpback Whales.
- The Northen Royal Albatross Colony is also at the headland. Where the birds breed is a DOC reserve with restricted entry (to protect efforts at increasing numbers of the birds). But there is a visitor center and there are guided tours into the reserve from there.
Sandfly Bay is a stunning beach. Don’t pack the togs though, this is a beach where you’ll need a windbreaker, gloves and a warm hat! You can see the famous NZ Yellow Eyed Penguins here, as well as seals.

Dunedin: Eat & Drink

The weekly Farmers Market on Saturday mornings at the railway station has a huge range of fresh produce and ready-to-eat options too. Cash recommended.

When we visit family in Dunedin, Vogel Street Kitchen is our preferred meeting spot. Excellent breakfast, pizzas come highly-recommended, and coffee and smoothies are great.

Perc Cafe is our sister in law’s favourite – good coffee and food. Often busy.

The Esplanade is an excellent Italian style restaurant on the St Clair waterfront. Prices are mid-range (pizzas from $22 and pasta from $25). They don’t take bookings, just show up.

ReBurger makes delicious, gourmet burgers that you can eat in or take away (or delivery!). The loaded fries and onion rings are also a great addition. Cheap too!

Rob Roy Dairy serves big scoops of ice cream at a reasonable price. It’s a great dessert after ReBurger.

Nightlife in Dunedin

Dunedin is a student town so the nightlife is pretty strong, particularly Friday and Saturday nights during the University terms.

Dunedin: Sleep

Hotel St Clair
Offers luxury Hotel accommodation on the St. Clair Esplanade, boasting award winning cuisine, wireless Internet access and superb beach views from every room.

Scenic Hotel Dunedin
Offers stylish, contemporary accommodation with spacious guest rooms, modern facilities and attractive local artworks, located in a central, inner-city location.

Pacific Park Hotel
Offers a range of quality (pet friendly) hotel and apartment lodgings set in a quiet location, boasting rooms with flat screen tvs plus wireless Internet access.

Quest Dunedin
Offers well appointed, spacious studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Centrally located just a short walk from the main shopping area.

Bluestone on George
Offers modern apartments located in central Dunedin. All units include a kitchen, laundry and ensuite bathroom with a range of bedding options.

Otago Peninsula Accommodation

Kaimata Retreat
Offers luxury, eco retreat-style accommodation set on a hillside overlooking the tidal estuary of Papanui Inlet on the Otago Peninsula.

Captain Eady’s Lookout
Offers peaceful Bed and breakfast accommodation located in picturesque Portobello. Boasts queen bedrooms with ensuites and superb harbour views.

Yellow House Bed and Breakfast
Offers luxurious, spacious B&B accommodation including a ‘Starry Suite’ that boasts a large glass ceiling, a two-person spa bath and breathtaking harbour views.

Where to next?

Nearby in Otago:

Oamaru Wanaka Queenstown

Nearby Regions:

Southland West Coast Canterbury

Historical city and Otago Peninsula

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South Island