Sawyers Bay Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Sawyers Bay
Popular places to visit
University of Otago
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Otago during your trip to Dunedin. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its charming cafes.
The Octagon
Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.
Larnach Castle
Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.
St. Clair Beach
Soak in the outdoor pool or take on the Pacific Ocean waves at one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches.
Dunedin Town Hall
Watch rock concerts and classical music recitals at this auditorium, which is one of several facilities located in the Dunedin Centre.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Spot native birdlife, admire thousands of colourful plant species and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns at this pretty public garden.
Activities
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula
Our pick of the best Sawyers Bay Hotel Deals
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Very nice staff and our room was lovely n clean
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Great layout of room, with amazing views of the city. Nice large king bed which was soft but super comfy. Staff were amazing and great location close to restaurants, cinemas, & casino.
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Room comfortable. Best bed. Shower over bath not great for an older person. Good location and nice staff.
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Beach lodge motel
Defo use again
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
The suite was so comfortable and spacious (large couch with pillows and blanket plus a king-sized bed. I loved the enormous stand-alone tub in the bathroom which also had a washer-dryer. The kitchenette was well-supplied. There is an in-and-out garage next to the hotel. The hotel is in the center ...
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Clean room. Good staff.
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Sawyers Bay
Port Chalmers
Visitors to Port Chalmers like its churches and waterfront, and Port Chalmers Museum is a sight worth a stop.
Broad Bay
Broad Bay is well-regarded for its beaches, cosy cafes and colourful gardens, and you might also want to make a stop by The Fletcher House, a top sight in the neighbourhood.
Portobello
While visiting Portobello, you might make a stop by sights like Silver Peaks Reserve and Lighthouse.
Macandrew Bay
Travellers like the monuments in Macandrew Bay, and Glenfalloch Gardens is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Larnachs Castle
Though Larnachs Castle may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Forsyth Barr Stadium and Boulder Beach.
Ravensbourne
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ravensbourne and surrounding area, you can visit Signal Hill and Forsyth Barr Stadium.
