18 Unique Things to Do in Dunedin: A Complete Travel Guide to Dunedin, New Zealand
This post contains a complete guide to Dunedin, including 18 of the best things to see and do in the Southern city.
Known as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand, with a reputation for raucous university parties, Dunedin is a city with surprising Scottish heritage, preserved Victorian architecture, dramatic hills and a rugged coastline. It’s also a city with plenty of unique things for travellers to do.
I’d forgive you if you were a first-timer in New Zealand and hadn’t heard of Dunedin. At times, to me, it has felt like the South Island’s little secret; almost as if locals keep its cool factor discreet so as to not attract too much attention from tourists. But, I’ve written this guide to Ōtepoti Dunedin so that you can be in the know.
After my most recent visit to Dunedin, I was chatting with friends who live in (gorgeous) Queenstown, and we were all in agreement that Dunedin could easily be considered the “Wellington of the South Island.” Just like Wellington, Dunedin has great coffee and food. Dunedin has a picturesque harbour. Dunedin has a rich history and there’s an alternative sort of subculture that exists. And, while yes it does remind me of Wellington, the truth is Dunedin is truly unique. It’s a young, artsy city that has plenty to offer visitors.
And so, I’m sharing the very best of this gem of the Southeast. In this post, I’m revealing unique things to do, delicious places to eat, and standout accommodations in Dunedin.
how to get to dunedin ↴
Chances are, if you’re headed to Dunedin, you’re already somewhere on the South Island of New Zealand. Dunedin has its own airport, which serves as a gateway to the greater Otago region. There are regular domestic flights from Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away west of Dunedin, but there are taxis and shuttles that can get you from the airport to the city. You can also use Uber or rent a car, the latter being my recommendation for getting around.
Rather than fly into Dunedin, you can also drive yourself there. Dunedin is located on State Highway 1. It’s approximately 4.5 hours from Christchurch, 3.5 hours from Queenstown, and 2.5 hours from Invercargill.
If you’re not up for driving or flying, there is an InterCity bus that is safe and budget-friendly.
getting around dunedin ↴
You can get around a bulk of the town on foot, but be warned: Dunedin is known for its rolling hills. Some of the best things to do in Dunedin that are included in this post will require the use of a car. Rental cars can be hired from a number of reputable companies throughout the South Island.
I recommend:
Go Rentals - they have sustainable electric Tesla options at some of their branches
when to visit Dunedin + how long to stay ↴
As a Southern coastal town, Dunedin is known for being windy, wet, and cold. Your best chance for warm weather is visiting during January and February when summer temperatures average between 20-30 degrees. In the winter months, temperatures dip well below zero.
2-3 days in Dunedin is a leisurely amount of time to spend in the city. It’ll give you enough time to try lots of delicious food, while also allowing you wiggle room to explore attractions that are a little further away, like the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. You can easily tag on a fourth day in Dunedin, but 2-3 days is a good length of time to keep you moving and excited about your stay.
where to stay in Dunedin ↴
We found that travelling in New Zealand in 2022/2023 meant steep price increases from what I had experienced pre-pandemic.
best hotels in Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross | stylish, contemporary rooms
Distinction Dunedin Hotel | the choice for business travellers
Ebb Dunedin | sleek design hotel
Law Courts Hotel | central budget hotel with basic rooms
We love using Booking.com to book the best places to stay around the world.
where to eat in Dunedin ↴
One thing I can promise you is that you will not go hungry in Dunedin. It would be impossible. Down almost every street, we found ourselves strolling into a beautiful bakery, scarfing down veggie-friendly plates, and drooling over Dunedin’s best dishes. And don’t fret, you won’t go thirsty either. Microbreweries, craft cocktails, and perfected coffee abound. This Southern city’s food and drink scene will keep you satiated.
breakfast, brunch, + coffee
Morning Magpie | try their famous cinnamon roll (pinwheel)
Heritage Coffee | modern take on breakfast classics, don’t leave without trying their Brioche French Toast
Catalyst | plant-based brunch packed with flavour
Buster Greens | seriously delicious treats that include filling salads, vegan baked goods, smashed avo and halloumi
The Tart Tin | great coffee + cabinet food that sells out daily (get one of their donuts and thank me later)
Beam Me Up Bagels | hand-rolled boiled bagels that make a filling breakfast + delicious coffee
lunch + dinner
Esplanade | beachfront Italian food in St. Clair
Side-on | known for its toasts, has great baked goods for a grab-and-go lunch/picnic, also be good for breakfast
Good Good | burger food truck
Moiety | upscale dining without any pretence, make sure you make a reservation!
tītī | a fine dining farm-to-table experience that showcases Dunedin’s agricultural roots
cocktails + drinks
Albar | subtle Scottish pub with beers on tap from Emerson’s brewery
Emerson’s Brewing Co. | a taproom with delicious craft beers
Dunedin Craft Distillers | craft gin distillery created with local botanicals
Noisy Brewing Co. | a chic microbrewery with an innovative food menu
Woof! | special cocktails in a relaxed pub-like atmosphere
18 of the best things to do in Dunedin ↴
walk up the steepest street in the world
Dunedin is home to the steepest residential street in the world, Baldwin Street, although reports vary regarding the official grade. Regardless, it’s a very, very steep street and walking up it takes real effort. Feel free to take photos of the incline, but be respectful that this is a residential area.
hike the Organ Pipes
The Organ Pipes is a quick 2-kilometer walk that features outstanding columns created by volcanic formations. There is a small amount of scrambling towards the top, but the panoramic views are spectacular. The Organ Pipes Track can be accessed via a trailhead along Mt Cargill Road where there is a small carpark found at the base of the track. Please note: the carpark has room for a maximum of three vehicles (and even that might be a push), so get there early and make sure you park safely off the road.
stroll past the famous Six60 house
If you want to fit in like a local, make Six60 the soundtrack to your New Zealand trip. As one of the country’s most acclaimed musical groups, Six60’s origin story is well known for having started at 660 Castle Street. The house is a nostalgic piece of local musical history that has recently been purchased by the band for a whopping NZD $1.7m. There’s no museum (or anything else) to see here (yet), just the house where the band started. If you’re a fan of the lads, swinging past for a photo is a fun stop on your way to do the many other things on this list. This is a residential area made up of mostly university students, but please be respectful when driving by.
visit the Museum of Natural Mystery
Three rooms filled with “skulls, bones, and biological curiosities” make up Dunedin’s Museum of Natural Mystery. The museum also houses unusual cultural artefacts and canvas paintings of animals. It’s a small, private collection, but for NZD $10 you can wander around perusing the many oddities that exist inside this mini museum.
enjoy the City of Literature
Dunedin is designated a City of Literature by UNESCO, making it a bibliophile’s paradise. The city center has a massive statue of Robert Burns, and Dunedin has its own “Writers’ Walk” made up of a series of plaques that feature information and quotes. Travellers can visit the Dutybound Book Bindery to witness firsthand old binding techniques. As a university town, Dunedin also has a number of fantastic bookshops to peruse including Hard to Find Bookshop and Stafford 6 Books.
observe the Oamaru Blue Penguins Colony
Located roughly a 1.5-hour drive North of Dunedin is Oamaru, famously home to the Blue Penguin Colony. Every evening at dusk, the blue penguins waddle their way up the rocky shoreline and back home to their nests. You can buy tickets for NZD $39 per adult to safely watch from an observation deck, just be sure to dress warm because the coastal nights get chilly! There are no photos or videos allowed at the penguin colony, as flash and blue screen lights can disorientate the penguins. You’ll just have to buy a ticket and see it for yourself.
visit the Dunedin Railway Station
Often referred to as the “Gingerbread House”, the Dunedin Railway Station is the city’s most iconic architectural landmark. The station is massive and decorated lavishly with 750,000 Royal Doulton porcelain tiles. Today, it’s open for the public to marvel at the ornate interiors.
sunrise at Moeraki Boulders
Geologists The Moeraki Boulders are spherical rock formations lying along Koekohe Beach. They can be found both in clusters and scattered across the Otago coastline. These geologic wonders are believed to be calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Unfortunately, the boulders have started to disappear from a combination of erosion and being taken/vandalized. For now, there are still plenty of them to see along the beach just an hour North of Dunedin.
visit Larnach Castle
Built in 1871 by William Larnach for his beloved wife, Larnach Castle and its garden grounds have been lovingly restored so that now they can be enjoyed by tourists. Initially, it took 200 workers three years to bring Larnach’s vision to life. No expense was spared in importing fine materials from around the world for the castle’s construction. It’s now a place for weddings, balls, and
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand's first botanic garden! It’s highly rated and has global awards for its well-manicured collection of nearly 7,000 species of plants. The gardens recently celebrated their 159th anniversary. Spend an afternoon listening to the native bird song and learning about the flora.
Otago Museum
The Otago Museum houses a number of exhibitions that share cultural stories of the Otago region. The museum has been continually collecting over a million objects and artefacts for over 150 years. If you time your visit right, there are often community events to attend.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Room after room of incredible exhibitions, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery (DPAG) is one of New Zealand’s four major metropolitan art galleries. Like many attractions in Dunedin, it’s considered the country’s first established art gallery. DPAG houses artwork from decorated kiwi artists and historical works from world-renowned artists including Machiavelli, Claude, and Monet. You can easily spend a few hours basking in the genius of artistic masterpieces.
Olveston Historic Home
The Olveston Historic House is another piece of acclaimed architecture in Dunedin. Built by an English architect for a Dunedin businessman who lived there with his family until 1966, the Olveston Historic House was turned into a museum in 1967. Today, as a museum, it’s considered a heritage property that showcases life in Dunedin throughout the early 20th century. Admission is NZD $25 per adult, and you can take a guided tour of the estate while you visit.
Dunedin Chinese Garden
Another unexpected attraction to visit in Dunedin is the city’s Chinese Garden. This traditional Chinese landscape was built to celebrate the city's Chinese heritage and its relationship with Dunedin’s sister city, Shanghai. It does cost NZD $20 to get in, but it is pretty cool that the garden was designed by Chinese artisans.
spot seals
Dunedin isn’t known as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand for nothing! It’s fairly common to visit the coastline and spot seals lounging in the sun or playing in the waves. Look closely as they sometimes blend in and look like large boulders, and remember to give them space. Seals are wild animals and they can act territorial over their space and protective if they feel threatened.
stroll along the Dunedin street art trail
When I said Dunedin was an artsy destination, I meant it. There are plenty of murals across the city by local and national artists spanning the entire facades of buildings.
watch the waves at Tunnel Beach
I’m not sure how I had been to Dunedin previously and not made it the 7-minute drive out to Tunnel Beach. You’ve likely seen photos of Nusa Penida in Indonesia, and I swear Tunnel Beach is a New Zealand dupe— one that’s much less crowded but with equally stunning blue waters. It’s quite a steep walk down to the beach from the free parking lot up top, which means walking back up the hill can be a leg buster, but it’s worth all the huffing and puffing. If you walk down the tunnel, be careful of the unevenness of the steps leading to the beach.
surf at St. Clair
St. Clair is a residential (and super affluent) suburb of Dunedin. This bougie area is known primarily for its white sand beach lined with highly-rated seafood restaurants, quaint cafés, and bars. It also has a reputation for great surf. In the summertime, you’ll find avid surfers hitting the waters with their boards.
map ↴
Find 18 unique things to do in Dunedin, New Zealand on the map below.
