Dunedin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Dunedin featuring farmland and landscape views

Dunedin Travel Guide Video

The “Edinburgh of the South” offers Scottish heritage, a lively restaurant and pub scene and a beautiful coastline home to penguins, albatross and other wildlife.

Dunedin lies on the rugged coastline of the South Island in the shadow of a dormant volcano. This small city prides itself on its Scottish heritage, wildlife and natural beauty. Stroll through Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, which has 1,000-year-old trees, and listen to the call of native birds in the Dunedin Botanic Garden. Explore the city’s history with a tour of the Dunedin Railway Station and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Dunedin’s city centre is marked by The Octagon, a plaza packed with pubs, restaurants and markets. Dine at outdoor tables and be entertained by street performers, then stay for a drink in one of the many bars.

There are a host of historic buildings a short walk from The Octagon. Visit Dunedin Town Hall and the First Church of Otago. Take a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which has been operating since 1876, or Cadbury World, the country’s largest chocolate factory. Wander through the grounds of the oldest university in New Zealand, the University of Otago, which is about 1.2 kilometres (1 mile) from the city centre. Drive 20 minutes out of town to Lanarch Castle for high tea and a stroll through historic gardens.

South of the city you’ll find pristine beaches perfect for surfing. Drive along the scenic coastline and stop at St. Clair Beach to enjoy seafood paired with a glass of local wine.

Spot wildlife such as albatross and penguins on the Otago Peninsula. The Royal Albatross Centre, a 45-minute drive from Dunedin, is the world’s only mainland breeding area for these huge birds.

Experience warm sunny days in summer and unpredictable, chilly weather in winter, when the rugged coastline and wild seas are even more dramatic. If you’re feeling brave, join the thousands of locals and visitors who dress up in costumes and take the Polar Plunge, a beach swim usually held in June.

Fly into Dunedin’s airport 29 kilometres (18 miles) from the city centre from major cities throughout New Zealand and Australia. Once here, get around the compact city by bus, on foot or by bike, although be prepared to tackle some big hills Dunedin’s Baldwin Street is the steepest residential street in the world.

Where to stay in Dunedin

Dunedin which includes a pond, a park and heritage elements

Dunedin City Centre

4/5(900 area reviews)

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Toitu Otago Settlers Museum or First Church of Otago.

Dunedin City Centre
Otago Museum showing interior views

North Dunedin

Unique features of North Dunedin include the spas and gardens. Make a stop by Dunedin Botanic Garden or Otago Museum while you're exploring the area.

North Dunedin
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St. Clair

5/5(52 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to St. Clair. A stop by St. Clair Beach or St. Clair Golf Club might round out your trip.

St. Clair
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Portobello

While visiting Portobello, you might make a stop by sights like Lighthouse and Silver Peaks Reserve.

Portobello
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South Dunedin

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Travellers enjoy South Dunedin for its restaurants and waterfront. Consider checking out Edgar Centre while you're in the area.

South Dunedin
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Port Chalmers

You'll enjoy the churches and waterfront in Port Chalmers. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Chalmers Museum or Holy Trinity Church.

Port Chalmers
Leviathan Heritage Hotel Dunedin
Leviathan Heritage Hotel Dunedin
2.5 out of 5
27 Queens Gardens, Dunedin
The price is NZ$117 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
NZ$117
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and First Church of Otago are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (385 reviews)
"Room was very small, nowhere to open one suitcase let alone two. It was clean though! Building is older but to be expected. Parking is across a busy road with no lights/cross walk and lot is very rough/ uneven so not the most user friendly. The elevator is rickety but works!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Leviathan Heritage Hotel Dunedin
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
4 out of 5
137 St Andrew Street Centre City, Dunedin
The price is NZ$217 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
NZ$217
per night
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Good price for quality"

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2024

The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$194 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$194
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Grand Casino and Speight's Brewery are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"It was safe clean and comfortable and centrally located. However there were no instructors on how to operate, the TV, the radio or the heating .The bin in the bathroom wasn't emptied."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2024

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Woodlands Motels and Apartments
Woodlands Motels and Apartments
3.5 out of 5
594 Great King St, Dunedin
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Otago Museum and Dunedin Botanic Garden ...
8/10 Very Good! (384 reviews)
"So handy and close to everything!!"

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Woodlands Motels and Apartments
315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments
315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments
3.5 out of 5
315 George Street, Dunedin
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (640 reviews)
"Lovely property. Quiet even though in the middle of town. Good parking but walkable to almost everywhere. Staff were very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2024

315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments
755 Regal Court
755 Regal Court
3.5 out of 5
755 George St, Dunedin
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Otago Museum and Olveston are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
"Convenient, easy to access and get around from. Comfortable and quiet. A little damp smelling."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2024

755 Regal Court
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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