Dunedin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Larnach Castle which includes a castle and street scenes
Dunedin featuring farmland and landscape views
Dunedin showing a church or cathedral, street scenes and mist or fog
Larnach Castle
Dunedin showing farmland

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 heritage elements, a pond and a park

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 First Church of Otago or Grand Casino.

Dunedin City Centre
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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
Otago Museum showing interior views

North Dunedin

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

North Dunedin
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Saint Kilda

4/5(85 area reviews)

Beaches and bars are some things travellers note about Saint Kilda. Check out St. Clair Beach or Edgar Centre while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Saint Kilda
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Brighton

Travellers like the beaches in Brighton, and Brighton Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Brighton
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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
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
The price is NZ$142 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$142
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Great place and spacious room. Clean and tidy"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
The price is NZ$160 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
NZ$160
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The gym was a great bonus"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin
The price is NZ$224 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
NZ$224
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (753 reviews)
"Bed extremely comfortable. Staff very helpful. Breakfast great. Dinner- average , limited veggie options."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Distinction Dunedin Hotel
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.
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 clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (772 reviews)
"Very good location and standard of accommodation"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

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 daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (183 reviews)
"Spacious unit"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

755 Regal Court
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (484 reviews)
"The best place in Dunedin that I’ve stayed in."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Woodlands Motels and Apartments
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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