If you are planning a visit to Dunedin for the first time, you are in for a treat. This fabulous city on the southeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers something for everyone, with stunning landscapes, a strong Maori and Scottish heritage, and fascinating wildlife being among its many highlights.
But with so much to see in so little time, it pays to be organised. So, here are the top 10 must-visit attractions you need to visit to make the most of your time in what has affectionately been called the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’
Key Takeaways
- Dunedin is a treasure trove of unique attractions that cater to all interests
- From breathtaking beaches and diverse wildlife to literary landmarks, architectural wonders, and a buzzing craft beer scene, this charming city on New Zealand’s South Island truly has it all
Explore Spectacular Beaches
Dunedin is home to some of the best beaches on the South Island, and thankfully, many are just a short drive from the CBD. If you are into surfing, one of the first places you should head to is St Clair, which is known for its great swell. However, Aramoana, Karitane, and the charming-sounding Murdering Bay all have good breaks, too.
For those who aren’t into surfing, Brighton Beach, about a 20-minute drive from the town centre, is a lovely spot for a swim. Elsewhere, Tunnel Beach has an Insta-worthy sandstone sea arch, and Long Beach is a noted spot for rock climbing and cave exploring.
If you are planning a wider Dunedin to Queenstown road trip itinerary, you’ll definitely want to factor several of these beaches into your journey plan.
Otago Peninsula
If you are into wildlife, you’ll want to head over to the Otago Peninsula to spot yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins (no, you can’t take one home with you, but you’ll want to!), sea lions, and fur seals.
Whilst there you should also head to the Royal Albatross Centre, which is home to the only mainland breeding colony in the world of the Northern Royal Albatross.
Should your route take you 20 km north of Dunedin, you might also want to pop into the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary to see Otago Skinks, Tuatara lizards, and several different native bird species, including the national bird, the Kiwi.
Literature Sites
You might not be aware of this, but Dunedin is a UNESCO-designated City of Literature. Nowhere is this more evident than in Writer’s Walk, which features a striking statue of Robert Burns and a notable collection of plaques that highlight informative and entertaining quotes about the city and its literary heritage.
If you really consider yourself a bibliophile, you should enjoy checking out the Dutybound Book Bindery which puts on demonstrations of old binding techniques. It would also be worth going to the De Beer and Reed Galleries to browse their collections of rare manuscripts.
As you would expect, given its recognition, there are plenty of bookshops you can visit, too.
Visit Larnach Castle
Probably the most well-known of all Dunedin’s main attractions is Larnach Castle, which has the distinction of being the only castle in New Zealand. The beautiful residence was built in 1871 in a Victorian style by William Larnach, who was a politician and merchant born to Scottish parents.
It features a 3,000-square-foot ballroom, which hosts a delicious high tea every day at 3 pm, spectacular gardens, and a tower that showcases tremendous views over the Otago Peninsula. The castle is just a 20-minute drive from the Dunedin CBD and is open to the public 365 days a year
Grand Architecture
If you are visiting New Zealand on a budget, then you should enjoy Dunedin because it offers plenty of sightseeing activities that won’t cost you a cent. One of the best of them is to walk around its streets and take in its magnificent Edwardian and Victorian heritage architecture, which is pretty much everywhere you look!
Many can be appreciated from the outside, although the Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one you can go inside for free.
Dunedin Street Art Trail
While you are looking at the heritage architecture, make sure you also keep an eye out for the street art. There are plenty of murals and other quirky artworks dotted around the city, many of which are down alleyways that are easy to miss.
If you want to see all the major highlights, there is a map you can pick up from the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Information Centre that illustrates them on a 90-minute walk.
Otago Museum
For those wanting a slice of culture, the Otago Museum is a world-class institution that is well worth visiting. Founded in 1865, it houses the world’s only bicultural science centre, and New Zealand’s biggest science centre.
Overall, it has more than 1.5 million objects in its collection, with its most notable feature being an indoor tropical forest, which allows you to stroll among thousands of butterflies. It also has a bike-riding skeleton and a three-story slide, which is particularly popular with children.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
While it’s handy to have a car, Dunedin’s city centre’s flat and compact layout makes it a terrific place to explore on a bike. There are several places in town where you can hire a bike to jaunt around the city.
However, if you really fancy getting your heart rate up, there are five different trail networks for mountain biking in the surrounding countryside. Signal Hill, about a 40-minute ride from the CBD, is considered to be one of the best.
Visit Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers is a delightful village about a 15-minute drive northeast of Dunedin. Blessed with a lovely, laid-back nature, this charming community is a haven for creativity, with the works of plenty of musicians, painters, sculptors, potters, and jewellers evident throughout it.
It also has a lovely cafe scene, which champions the best of the region’s local produce.
Check out the Microbreweries
Dunedin has a thriving craft beer scene, which you should take the time to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing. Several venues offer locally brewed beer, with Emerson’s craft brewery and the Speights Brewery being two of the most popular.
Both offer tours of their facility and tastings of their different beer.
Final Word
In conclusion, Dunedin is a treasure trove of unique attractions that cater to all interests. From breathtaking beaches and diverse wildlife to literary landmarks, architectural wonders, and a buzzing craft beer scene, this charming city on New Zealand’s South Island truly has it all.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or simply someone looking to relax and soak up the vibrant culture, Dunedin promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to fall in love with the ‘Edinburgh of the South’—a destination that will leave you longing to return.
