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
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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 Dunedin Botanic Garden or Otago Museum while you're exploring the area.

North 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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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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Portobello

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

Portobello
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
The price is NZ$172 per night from 27 June to 28 June
NZ$172
27 June - 28 June
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place to always stay suits us perfectly"

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
The price is NZ$181 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$181
11 July - 12 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! (1,000 reviews)
"The property stay was enjoyable, especially the balcony and the view. However, I couldn’t give a 5-star rating due to the lack of parking availability. We were surprised to learn that Expedia members cannot reserve/book parking through the app, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
3.5 out of 5
10 Smith Street, Dunedin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$195 per night from 28 June to 29 June
NZ$195
28 June - 29 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
"Great value. Nice breakfast. Good location."

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
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! (763 reviews)
Family visit
"Great place to stay, modern clean rooms. Warm and cosy for a early winter stay. Quiet location. Friendly check in. Excellent location to city tourist attractions, eateries and shopping."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments
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! (480 reviews)
"I've stayed here a couple of times before and always found it value for money. Had a down stairs unit this time, which I appreciated."

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Woodlands Motels and 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! (179 reviews)
"Warm cosy spacious accommodation for our family. Thank you."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

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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