What to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Dunedin

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Dunedin, Otago while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Dunedin attractions from NZ$15, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Dunedin tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 59 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Dunedin. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. The Octagon

Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
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The Octagon which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

2. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
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Larnach Castle

3. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
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St. Clair Beach

4. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
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Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

5. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
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Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring a garden and a lake or waterhole

6. Speight's Brewery

Find out how Speight’s creates one of New Zealand’s favorite beers when you visit this iconic brewery in central Dunedin. Learn how to make wooden beer casks and check out the sampling area to try a selection of local tipples.
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Speight\'s Brewery featuring interior views

7. First Church of Otago

Stroll through the grounds of the First Church of Otago and admire the building’s turrets, ornate façade and towering spire. Step inside to see the spectacular wooden ceiling lit up by the glow from a large rose-shaped stained-glass window.
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First Church of Otago featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

8. St. Paul's Cathedral

Gazing up from Dunedin’s Octagon, you can’t miss the ornate façade and towering spires of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Step inside and discover beautiful stone carvings, artwork and more, all illuminated by the colored light of stunning stained-glass windows.
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St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

Recommended things to do in Dunedin

Number of things to do
59
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hidden Tūhura Otago Museum Experience: NZ$15
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dunedin

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dunedin

The Octagon which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

The Octagon

4.5/5(497 reviews)

Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.

The Octagon
Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle

4.5/5(186 reviews)

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.

Larnach Castle
St. Clair Beach

St. Clair Beach

4.5/5(283 reviews)

Soak in the outdoor pool or take on the Pacific Ocean waves at one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches.

St. Clair Beach
Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall

4/5(85 reviews)

Watch rock concerts and classical music recitals at this auditorium, which is one of several facilities located in the Dunedin Centre.

Dunedin Town Hall
Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring a garden and a lake or waterhole

Dunedin Botanic Garden

4.5/5(179 reviews)

Spot native birdlife, admire thousands of colourful plant species and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns at this pretty public garden.

Dunedin Botanic Garden
Speight\'s Brewery featuring interior views

Speight's Brewery

4.5/5(86 reviews)

Learn the secrets of one of New Zealand’s most successful beer companies with a visit to this historic brewery.

Speight's Brewery
St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral

4.5/5(87 reviews)

Dramatic architecture, exquisite sculptures, superb stained-glass windows and one of the country’s largest pipe organs are all on show at Dunedin’s Anglican cathedral.

St. Paul's Cathedral
First Church of Otago featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

First Church of Otago

4.5/5(60 reviews)

With its breathtaking design and stained-glass windows, Dunedin’s most prominent church is often referred to as New Zealand’s finest 19th-century building.

First Church of Otago
Otago Museum

Otago Museum

4.5/5(146 reviews)

Find prehistoric fossils and ancient statues. Learn all about the enthralling cultural and physical history of New Zealand.

Otago Museum

Explore areas of 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 Grand Casino or The Octagon.

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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Bradford

When in Bradford, you can plan a visit to Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bradford
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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 Silver Peaks Reserve and Lighthouse.

Portobello

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Dunedin

Cape Saunders

Cape Saunders

Frequently asked questions

Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Dunedin offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Dunedin?
Start your day with a visit to Tunnel Beach and Dunedin Railways. Then, explore different parts of Dunedin for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dunedin?
Tunnel Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dunedin and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dunedin?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Tunnel Beach, Dunedin Railways and Pineapple Track with a three-day trip to Dunedin. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to St. Clair.
Is Dunedin a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Dunedin, including Dunedin Railways and Orokonui Ecosanctuary, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Dunedin is North Dunedin and Roslyn is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dunedin with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dunedin with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Dunedin for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Dunedin for adults including Seriously Twisted.
Are there free things to do in Dunedin?
In Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Dunedin.