Dunedin sits on the southeast coast of the South Island and combines heritage, coastal scenery and wildlife encounters in one memorable stop. Dunedin is Gaelic for “Edinburgh,” and the city has a strong Scottish heritage. The city is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities, with stately homes, museums and iconic stone architecture.
Getting there and around
Dunedin Airport is located 29 kilometres south of the City Centre, in Momona. Domestic flights to and from Dunedin are operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar, connecting Dunedin with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
From the airport, a shuttle costs approximately $20 for one person, $30 for two and discounts apply for groups of two or more.
The central city is compact and easily walkable, and Dunedin is known as the 15-minute city for this reason. Independent transport options include public bus, rental car, taxi, cycle hire or e-scooters. See Transport & Hire for vehicle rental and other options.
Otago Peninsula wildlife
The Otago Peninsula is globally renowned as a wildlife and eco-tourism destination. You can visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland location in the world where you can view northern royal albatross in their natural habitat.
On and around Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula, you will discover rare creatures including royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals. Walking tracks lead to cliff lookouts, beaches, penguin nesting areas and seal colonies. At Victory Beach there’s a rock formation known locally as “The Pyramids”; at Allans Beach you might see yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions.
See Tours & Activities to book wildlife viewing experiences.
Heritage and culture
Dunedin’s collection of beautiful heritage buildings includes Larnach Castle, the only historic castle in the country, and the fascinating Olveston Historic Home. The Dunedin Railway Station is often dubbed the “most photographed building in New Zealand” and is a grand Edwardian Baroque station.
The focal point of the city is the Octagon, a mix of old and new architectural styles. St Paul’s Cathedral, the Regent Theatre, and Dunedin Public Art Gallery are all situated on the edges of this eight-sided plaza, first laid out in 1846.
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum tells the story of Dunedin’s people, covering history from Māori settlement to Scottish pioneers and beyond. The Otago Museum has one of the largest collections in New Zealand, with more than 1.5 million items on display, from moa eggs and skeletons to Japanese armor.
See Attractions for more.
Walking tracks
Tunnel Beach offers sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves; you can look for fossils as you descend through the pioneers’ hand-carved tunnel. The track is at its best around low tide. Visit the Department of Conservation website to check if the beach is open before you go.
Grahams Bush Walkway provides foot access between Sawyers Bay and Mount Cargill Road, climbing through native bush with views of Otago Harbour and Otago Peninsula. The track is a steady climb the whole way and gains 366 m in elevation.
The Dunedin Skyline Walk comprises several established walking tracks winding from Sullivans Dam to Mt Cargill. The Cloud Forests Of Leith track is suitable for the average walker, while the Escarpment Track is for more experienced trampers.
Beaches and coastal walks
St Clair Beach is a beautiful and large sweeping beach home to the historic St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool – one of the only heated seawater pools in New Zealand.
Tunnel Beach is one of Dunedin’s most popular and photographed beaches. St Clair Beach is excellent for surfing, and Sandfly Bay offers gorgeous scenery and the chance to see fur seals.
Some of the most popular trails in Dunedin include the Coastal Trail to Lovers Leap, the Street Art Trail and the most southerly Writers Walk. Check with the Department of Conservation for track conditions before you go.
City attractions
Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden, home to themed plant collections, birdlife, and peaceful walking trails.
In Dunedin CBD, you can go on a brewery tour, climb Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world), and taste some excellent coffee.
Cadbury World is New Zealand’s biggest chocolate factory, just a five-minute walk from The Octagon.
See Food & Wine for dining options and Accommodation for places to stay.
Planning your visit
Most travellers spend 2–3 nights in Dunedin.
The Dunedin isite Visitor Centre is at 50 The Octagon, Dunedin. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4.30pm and Public Holidays 9am – 4.30pm. The isite is open 365 days of the year and provides extensive local and national information as well as a booking service.
Accommodation in Dunedin ranges from boutique hotels and apartments to motels and luxury accommodation. Staying downtown keeps you close to the nightlife and many excellent cafés and restaurants of the city centre. There are also excellent bed and breakfasts and boutique stays across the wider city.