Dunedin

Travel Guide

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

Dunedin Travel Guide Video

With heritage architecture, buzzing nightlife and a pristine coastline, New Zealand’s “Edinburgh of the South” is a seaside city for all seasons.

Dunedin is a historic city nestled between a dormant volcano and the wild coastline of the Otago Peninsula on New Zealand’s South Island. Explore the city’s Scottish lineage through its heritage buildings, such as St. Pauls Cathedral and the Dunedin Railway Station. Then, discover the city’s natural beauty during a walk through the Dunedin Botanic Garden or the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden.  

At the heart of Dunedin’s compact city center is The Octagon, a historic plaza that you can easily explore on foot. Enjoy the area’s lively pubs and bars, restaurants offering open-air dining, street performances and markets. Near to The Octagon you’ll find other iconic buildings, such as Speight's Brewery, Dunedin Town Hall, which is part of the Municipal Chambers, and the ornate First Church of Otago. Less than a mile (1.2 kilometers) away is the University of Otago. A five-minute walk from The Octagon will bring you to Cadbury World, New Zealand’s biggest chocolate factory. Enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive to Lanarch Castle, which was built in 1871 and offers high tea daily. 

Head to the city’s southern coast for white-sand beaches and spectacular surf. Sample New Zealand’s fresh seafood and famous wines on the esplanade at St. Clair Beach.  

Take a 45-minute drive along the scenic Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Center. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle of these giant birds gliding into land at the world’s only mainland breeding ground for this species.

Dunedin’s seaside climate tends towards warm summers, while the city’s southern location makes for unpredictable winter days. Pack appropriately for the colder months, from June to August, but also include your swimming costume as you may want to join the thousands of brave people, often in fancy dress, who take part in the annual Dunedin Polar Plunge, a chilly beach swim. 

Dunedin International Airport is located 18 miles (29 kilometers) southwest of the city and has regular flights between major cities in New Zealand and Australia. The city is easy to explore by public bus, bicycle or on foot, but watch out for the hills, especially at Baldwin Street it’s considered the world’s steepest residential street. 

Where to stay in Dunedin

Dunedin featuring a park, heritage elements and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(89 area reviews)

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and First Church of Otago while you're in town.

Dunedin City Centre
Otago Museum featuring 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
These piers are all that is left of a sea wall which has long since disappeared.

They are located at the western end of a long sandy beach, close to shops and cafes, and a salt water swimming pool

St. Clair

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample 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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Saint Kilda

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

You might appreciate the beaches and bars in Saint Kilda, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, St. Clair Beach and Edgar Centre are just a few notable stops.

Saint Kilda
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Kenmure

While Kenmure might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino.

Kenmure
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South Dunedin

4/5(2 area reviews)

Restaurants and waterfront are just a few things travelers like about South Dunedin. A stop by Edgar Centre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

South Dunedin

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