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 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 First Church of Otago or Grand Casino.

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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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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Kenmure

While there might not be top attractions in Kenmure, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino.

Kenmure
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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
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
The price is NZ$140 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$140
12 July - 13 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! (997 reviews)
"Friendly caring welcoming staff!"

Reviewed on 5 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$145 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$145
13 July - 14 July
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 8 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$237 per night from 25 July to 26 July
NZ$237
25 July - 26 July
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! (747 reviews)
"Great staff from reception, cleaners and restaurant. We had high tea and selection was tip top. We stayed in a twin bedroom, one queen and two singles. Really needed a quiet stay and I wasn’t disappointed."

Reviewed on 8 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! (767 reviews)
"We always stay here, it is so handy to everything and easy to get to, plus free parking. The staff are great and it was easy to add another night to our stay. Would stay again"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 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! (181 reviews)
"Lovely host"

Reviewed on 7 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! (481 reviews)
"Great location and clean, tidy rooms. Plenty of room for a family with 3 teens. We will stay here again in the future!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 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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