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Things To Do In Dunedin

Surrounded by dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of the long Otago Peninsula is Dunedin, New Zealand's first City. One of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, it wears its Scottish heritage with pride. Dunedin is the main centre of Otago, a region recognized for its spectacular scenery an... Show More

Tourist Information About Dunedin

Top Attractions

Olveston Historic Home Tours

Olveston Historic Hom...

Olveston was built as a family home and furnished with fine art, furniture and a ......

Tūhura Otago Museum Science Centre Day Pass

Tūhura Otago Museum ...

Come visit the largest science centre in New Zealand. With a Tropical Forest fil ......

Tourist Information About Dunedin

Surrounded by dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of the long Otago Peninsula is Dunedin, New Zealand's first City. One of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, it wears its Scottish heritage with pride. Dunedin is the main centre of Otago, a region recognized for its spectacular scenery and the Otago Peninsula is internationally renowned as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand. On Dunedin's doorstep, you will find incredible wildlife including the world's rarest penguins and the world's only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross. Along the stunning sandy beaches around Dunedin, you will also likely find New Zealand fur seals, Hooker Sea Lions and the occasional Sea Elephant.


Best Attractions and things to do in Dunedin



Olveston Historic Home

1. Olveston Historic Home

Olveston was designed as a family home with exquisite art, furniture, and antiquities from all around the world. Because there were no heirs, the house and its contents were donated to the City of Dunedin. Olveston is a time capsule, with minimal change inside since it was occupied as a home between 1906 and 1966.

 
Signal Hill Walk

2. Signal Hill Walk

When it comes to free Dunedin attractions, Signal Hill is a terrific choice. The beginning of the Signal Hill trek is conveniently located in town. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views of Dunedin at the summit.

 
Visit Larnach Castle

3. Visit Larnach Castle

A trip to Larnach Castle is a must-do for anybody visiting Dunedin.

The lone castle in New Zealand is a prominent and well-loved part of Dunedin's heritage. Larnach Castle, which was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant and politician of Scottish ancestry, has been lovingly restored to its original Victorian splendor, and it's lovely chambers and gardens are open to the public 365 days a year. The castle has a 3,000-square-foot ballroom that holds high tea every day at 3 p.m., as well as a tower with panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula.

 
Visit Port Chalmers

4. Visit Port Chalmers

Historic Port Chalmers is a short drive from Dunedin and is truly charming. The village has a unique combination of historical sites, cafés, and galleries. This small town's creative community has resulted in a plethora of lively art and culture, ranging from potters and sculptors to painters, musicians, and jewelers.

Port Chalmers is a popular weekend destination for Dunedin residents and one of their favorite activities.

 
Explore Dunedins beaches

5. Explore Dunedin’s beaches

Only a few minutes' drive from the city center, you can relax on one of Dunedin's beautiful beaches.

St Clair is a popular surf spot, however other beaches such as Aramoana, Murdering Bay, and Karitane all have good waves. If you merely want to swim, Brighton Beach, about 20 minutes from Dunedin, is a lovely option.

Long Beach contains large caves to explore and is suitable for rock climbing, while Tunnel Beach has a beautiful sandstone sea arch that is best seen at low tide.

 
Otago Museum

6. Otago Museum

For 150 years, the Otago Museum has shared world-class treasures. The museum conveys stories about nature, culture, and science with nearly 1.5 million pieces. There is a three-story slide, a bike-riding skeleton, and, most of all, an indoor Tropical Forest where you can walk amongst a thousand rainforest butterflies, making it New Zealand's largest and only bicultural science facility.

 
Cycling and mountain biking

7. Cycling and mountain biking

Dunedin's compact city structure and flat roads make it ideal for cycling tours, while the surrounding countryside features five mountain biking trail networks. Signal Hill has the best downhill track in the country, and it's only 40 minutes from the city center.

Middlemarch is around an hour's drive from Dunedin and serves as the start of the well-known Otago Central Rail Trail. Historic gold mining sites, country pubs, and tranquil, golden-hued scenery are all part of this 150-kilometer trail.

 
Pineapple Track Walk

8. Pineapple Track Walk

Here's another trekking destination to add to your list of Dunedin attractions. There are numerous ways to enjoy Dunedin, and this is one of them. This walk can be done on the road or, if your feet are feeling up to it, via the Skyline walkway, which begins in Glenleith.

 
Botanic Gardens

9. Botanic Gardens

The vast Botanic Gardens are probably the most well-known of all Dunedin attractions. There are several paths through the tranquil and well-kept gardens to choose from. While you're there, make an effort to converse with the parrots at the aviary. Opoho Road is where you'll find the Botanic Garden.

 
Tunnel Beach

10. Tunnel Beach

This coastal landscape is dominated by natural sandstone cliffs, archways, and pillars. Tunnel Beach is located in South Dunedin, just off Blackhead Road. Drive to Corstorphine or take a local bus route 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the corner of Middleton Road and Stenhope Crescent to the start of the track.

 


Top attractions in Dunedin



The Olveston Historic Home Tour: This is a fascinating tour of the Olveston Historic Home, a beautiful Edwardian mansion that has been preserved as it was when it was occupied as a home between 1906 and 1966. The house is furnished with fine art, furniture, and artifacts from all around the world, and the tour offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the time.

Tūhura Otago Museum Science Centre Day Pass: This is a fun and educational experience for families, the largest science centre in New Zealand, Tūhura Otago Museum Science Centre, features a Tropical Forest filled with live exotic butterflies, and many hands-on interactives that will encourage a whole day of fun, learning, and discovery! It is a great way for kids to learn about science and nature in an interactive and engaging way.



The best things to do near Dunedin



The Mountain Experience Quad Bike Tour: This is a thrilling and exciting way to explore the rugged terrain. You'll ride a quad bike over hills, valleys, and through streams, taking in the stunning views of the region. This is a great way to experience the outdoors and get an adrenaline rush.

Milford Sound Luxury Private tour: This tour takes you to the spectacular Milford Sound and offers a unique and luxurious way to explore the region. You'll have a private guide and enjoy the stunning views of the sound, the fiords and the Southern Alps, and have a chance to spot unique wild animals.

Milford Sound, Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park Heli Flight: This is a spectacular way to see the Milford Sound, the Southern Alps, and the Fiordland National Park from above. You'll fly over rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows and get an unforgettable view of the region.

Stewart Island: Fly | Explore | Fly: This tour takes you to the beautiful Stewart Island, where you'll fly to the island, spend time exploring and seeing the unique wildlife, and then fly back. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Stewart Island and see the unique wildlife such as the kiwi birds.

Glacier Galore: This tour takes you to the glaciers of the region, where you can see the stunning views of the glaciers, ice formations, and alpine landscapes. You'll have a chance to land on the glacier and walk around and explore the area.