Dunedin offers much of what makes
New Zealand so visitor-friendly: this charming, culture-packed city is set alongside dramatic movie-setting scenery and lives a stone’s throw away from the rich coastline abundant with marine life. There’s no excuse not to make the most of both.
Visitors will find much evidence of its status as New Zealand’s oldest city. Enriched by Scottish heritage, the gothic spires and ornate brickwork closely resemble that of Edinburgh; this is no surprise, as Dùn Èideann is Gaelic for Edinburgh.
Urban Excursion
Dunedin’s CBD has a buzzing café and music culture, spotted with op-shops, record stores, and coffee havens. Explore the nooks and crannies of the streets while discovering the city’s architectural and colonial history. Some of the must-sees within Dunedin include Larnach Castle and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle and offers panoramic views over Otago’s sweeping landscape. Take a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, easily accessible from The Octagon, to explore the history of Dunedin right in the city centre.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Dunedin Railway Station, and the Otago Museum are all attractions near the centre of town that are worth browsing. Even the Dunedin Botanic Garden is bustling with vibrant flora and fauna in the winter glasshouse and rose garden.
To enjoy the coast a bit more, locals and tourists head to Tomahawk, Tunnel, Pyramid, and St Clair beaches for their seaside fix. During the summer months, St Clair Beach is perfect for walking, swimming or surfing and sits only a 10-minute drive from the city. Tunnel Beach is also wildly popular, as it features stunning cliffs and headlands with majestic views of the coastline.
And Beyond
The heart of the Otago region boasts stunning natural landscapes New Zealand is internationally renowned for – Otago’s rolling hills are famous for their debut as the Lord of the Rings movie setting.
The Otago Peninsula is on the top of any visitor’s list, as the coastline spans 470km and is home to penguins, sea lions, seals and the only mainland Royal Albatross colony in the world. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, jump on a cruise, or embark on personalised wildlife tours to experience the natural splendours of the Otago region.
Port Chalmers is another destination well worth the short drive from the city centre. It offers an eclectic mix of history, galleries, and harbourside attractions. Founded in 1844, many of the town’s early homes remain, giving it a seaside charm. Visit the Regional Maritime Museum and immerse yourself in the stories of pioneers and bold settlers.
Wine lovers will be at home here too, with Otago’s cool climate churning out some of the world’s top Pinot Noirs. This region is also known to produce impressive white wine varietals for those who aren’t as into their reds. There are countless wineries within a 2.5-hour drive of Dunedin that will consistently surpass your expectations.
For travellers looking to make a road trip out of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is a 3.5-hour drive from Queenstown and a 4.5 hour-drive from Christchurch. Have the luxury of exploring Dunedin, the Otago region and beyond at your own pace with a Hertz rental car.
