Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin wears its Scottish heritage with pride. It is a region with rich cultural history and distinct, expansive landscapes. Enjoy the quirky city vibe and venture out to experience the rare wildlife. Drive up the Otago Peninsula for breathtaking views. Observe Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat at Royal Albatross Centre. Or visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle and a sentimental piece of Dunedin history.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
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Dunedin (pronounced "duh nee den") is the second-largest city on the South Island of New Zealand (after Christchurch), and the main city of the Otago region. While Otepoti (Dunedin) has long been acknowledged for its Scottish influences, the surrounding region is rich in Maori history, and both the Toitu Early Settlers Museum and Otago Museum have exhibitions that provide insights into traditional cultural life.
Dunedin is home to one of Oceania's oldest universities and is rich in Edwardian and Victorian architecture, including the Dunedin Railway Station, First Church, Olveston, and New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, high on the Otago Peninsula.
The breathtaking journey along Otago Peninsula's high road offers spectacular views of the harbour on one side and untamed ocean beaches on the other. The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head on the Peninsula's tip is a must-see; it is the world's sole mainland breeding site for Royal Albatross. Take a boat ride or a prestigious wildlife tour for those who enjoy the outdoors to see sea lions, fur seals, and penguins.
Because Larnach Castle is the only castle in New Zealand, it plays a significant role in Dunedin's history. William Larnach, a politician and businessman born in Scotland, constructed it in 1871. The castle has been painstakingly restored to its original Victorian splendour, and lovely chambers and grounds are always open to the public. High tea is served daily at 3 o'clock in the 900-square-kilometre ballroom of Larnach Castle, which also has a tower with expansive views of the Otago Peninsula.
Discover the collection of colourful, quirky street art by international and local artists that have been boldly painted on the sides of buildings across the city. For maps of the city, visit the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. Then, spend 90 minutes in a world of vibrant expression and creative narrative.
Drive a short distance from the city centre to one of Dunedin's breathtaking beaches. Aramoana, Murdering Bay, and Karitane are all excellent surfing beaches in addition to St. Clair. Brighton Beach, which is only 20 minutes from Dunedin, is a great option if you want to swim, and Long Beach, which is well-known for rock climbing. Its sandstone sea arch, which is best viewed at low tide, makes the well-known Tunnel Beach easy to identify.
The countryside and city of Dunedin provide the ideal riding terrain. The Lonely Planet travel guide has twice ranked Otago Peninsula as one of the top 10 riding destinations in the world. Visit Signal Hill, Redwoods Wakari Creek, or Swampy Summit Circuit for the best mountain riding trails.
The renowned Otago Central Rail Trail is located around an hour's drive from Dunedin. This 150-kilometre trek passes by tranquil scenery and old gold mining sites.
Did you know that Dunedin is a UNESCO-designated City of Literature? The town's centre Octagon features a statue of Robert Burns and its own Writers' Walk, consisting of a series of plaques with amusing and educational comments about Dunedin and its legacy.
Book lovers will enjoy the rare manuscript collections at the Reed and de Beer Galleries, and why not experience a piece of literary history at Dutybound Book Bindery, where old binding processes are shown?
New Zealand has the 9th longest coastline in the world, with a length of 15,134 km. That means there is plenty of beaches to explore!
Over 1.5 million artefacts in the Otago Museum tell stories about nature, culture, and science. It is the location of both the world's only bicultural science centre and the largest science centre in New Zealand. It's a fun family outing, with games like a bike-riding skeleton and an indoor Tropical Forest where you can walk among a thousand rainforest butterflies.
Enjoy an immersive museum visit
The Toitu Otago Settlers Museum's interactive displays bring history to life. You can travel through time and learn about Dunedin's past with replica models and fun activities for youngsters.
Dunedin is regarded as a boutique city since it is compact but brimming with exciting things to do. It is tucked inside and around what was originally a volcano crater, and the hills that surround it look out over a lovely harbour and the Pacific Ocean. Its biggest draw card is that it is readily accessible, and there is a lot to see in a short amount of time.
Port Chalmers is a short drive from Dunedin and offers an interesting mix of heritage attractions, cafes and galleries. A haven for artists, it is a popular weekend place for Dunedin locals.
Dotted along the harbour you'll find galleries and restaurants all within easy walking distance of each other. From October to mid-April, Port Chalmers is a busy cruise port, with ships arriving daily.
With stretches of white sand beach and the wild blue ocean of the Pacific, St Clair is a popular spot for surfing and swimming. It boasts New Zealand’s most consistent surf break on any given day making it a favourite among local surfers.
The St Clair Esplanade has long been a popular destination for weekend walks or dips in the ocean. Sitting at the cafes and bars lining the promenade is a highlight in itself and people-watching is a favourite pastime. At the end of the beach is the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, one of the only heated seawater pools in New Zealand.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to New Zealand in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowDunedin is one of the Southern Hemisphere's best-preserved Edwardian and Victorian cities. The city centre has heritage buildings around almost every corner. There are several important architectural gems Close to the Octagon, including the Municipal Chambers, St Paul’s Cathedral, First Church, the Dunedin Courthouse and Dunedin Railway Station.
Feel like you've stepped back a few hundred years in time in this Edwardian house full of historical artefacts. Get a peak into the lives of a wealthy merchant family and their staff as you marvel at the ancient relics.
Combine your love of history and beer at Speight’s Brewery which was built in 1876. Sample their range of flavours and follow it up with a delicious meal at Speights Ale House.
A flourishing city, Dunedin has an abundance of spectacular and historical gardens. The Dunedin Botanic Gardens is perhaps its most famous landmark with a six-star Garden of International Significance. It is 150 years old and has over 6,800 plant species and wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and tui.
Explore the pathways of Glenfalloch Gardens or have an ice cream under the trees at Woodhaugh Gardens. Stop at the Tropical Forest, which by the way, is the hottest place in Dunedin and walk amongst exotic butterflies, across a swinging sky bridge or under its indoor waterfall. The Dunedin Chinese Garden is traditional and serene, featuring bridges and water features, and was built by Shanghai artisans as an inner-city sanctuary for peaceful contemplation.
The beautiful grounds of Larnach Castle will awaken your senses with floral scents and gorgeous views of the Otago Peninsula. Let your soul be replenished with the sun and fresh air followed by a delicious al fresco high tea. Stroll in the exquisitely manicured gardens which have attained a Garden of International Significance award from the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
Dunedin is home to rare wildlife. Spot little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions on the Otago Peninsula and you can also visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Elm Wildlife Tours visits the furthermost parts of the peninsula for close encounters with the wildlife. Visit the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary, 20 kilometres north of Dunedin, and you will be rewarded with tuatara lizards, Otago skinks and 17 species of native birds, including kiwi.
Dunedin is one of the few places in New Zealand to see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho) in the wild. They can be found nesting in the coastal vegetation in and around the Otago Peninsula.
Little blue penguins, the world’s smallest penguin, are also local to the area and can be seen waddling up to their burrows to feed their young.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Dunedin and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
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