Things to Do in Dunedin
The property offers boutique lodge accommodation in its well-manicured garden and hosts events such as weddings, conferences, balls and other events in its 3000 sq. ft ballroom. Larnach Castle is still privately owned and maintained by the Barker family who purchased the property in 1967.
Location:145 Camp Road, Larnach Castle, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Timings: Everyday 8am- 9.30 pm
Entry fee: 25$ for adults, children of age group (5-14) years 9$, children up to 4 years are free and family pass 60$ (2 adults and up to 4 children)
Some of the places you can visit are the Taiaroa Head, Otago Marae and Otago Museum.
Location: Otago, New Zealand
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It is a great excursion which will provide you with full commentary, friendly staff, sightseeing and a licenced snacks bar. As the train negotiates through the narrow and stunning river gorge you can marvel at the fleeting vistas.
Location: Dunedin Railway Station, Anzac Square, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Timings: Every day between 8am- 8pm
The centre is the only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross in the world. Taking a guided tour inside the observatory you can get to learn into the private lives of these beautiful birds on the nature reserve.
Location: 1260, Harrington Point Road, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Timings: Everyday 10.15am- 9.15pm
Entry fee: (117-142) $ for family (2 adults and up to 3 children of school age), (52- 62) $ for adults and (15-20) $ for children (under 16 years). Free for children up to 5 years.
The way towards the road will need you to climb uphill using your vehicles or on foot, however, once you reach the top of the street, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the whole city.
Location: North Road to Buchanan Street
The rugged cliffs formed by layers of rock and fossils embedded on the rock walls create a natural graffiti like façade wherever you set your eyes on.
Location: Otago 9012, New Zealand
As you go through the galleries you will get to see suits of a Kiribati armour, gold currencies of different countries, a sky bridge and many other things that take you back to the bygone eras.
Location: 419 Great King Street North, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timings: Sunday- Saturday from 10am -5pm
Entry fee: adults 15$, children (3-18) years 10$, concession (student/seniors/ friends of Otago Museum/Tumhara annual pass holders) 12$, family ( 2adults and up to 4 children) 40$
Location: 31 Queens Garden, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timings: Open all round the year from 10am- 5pm except on 25th December.
An important aspect of this Botanic Garden is its conservation of rare and endangered species of plants that have been collected from North Asia, Southern Africa, the Himalayas and the Mediterranean.
Location: Cnr &, Great King Street North, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timings: Everyday between 6am- 7pm. Information Centre and shop timings are between 10am- 4pm, winter garden glass house timings are between 10am- 4pm, Alpine house timings are between 9am- 4pm and Croque-O- Dile cafe timings are between 9.30am- 4.30pm
In a nutshell Octagon is the best place to visit in Dunedin and have to touch down a number of places within a short time.
Location: Dunedin Central, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
You will get to see the Pilot’s Beach which lies to the south of the head. It is the largest habitat of New Zealand’s marine life. If you are lucky enough you may come across Hector’s Dolphins, Dusky Dolphins, Sea Lions and migratory large whales.
Time has little changed the original contents of the mansion as it was occupied as a family residence. You can enter into the premises of the house only by 1 hour guided tour which allows 15 people in a group.
Location: 42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timings: Sunday- Saturday from 9.30am- 5pm
Entry fee: Adults 24$, concessions 22$ (NZ seniors, YZA, Backpackers or Tertiary students), Dunedin Residents 19$, children 13$ (above 5 years), children below 5 have free entry. Entry to the gardens and gift shop is free.
Your guide will give you detailed commentary about the history and volcanic nature of the region as well as other important facts. End your day trip by refreshing yourself at a local cafe or restaurant on the opposite side of the harbour.
Location: 837 Portobello Road, Portbello, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
For lovers of art and culture Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of the best places in Dunedin which offers an array of events such as floor talks, film screening, workshops, lectures and workshops.
Location- 30 Octagon, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timings- Sunday-Saturday from 10am- 5pm
The beach is one of the best places in Dunedin for surfers who want to propel against the aggressive sea waves in a surfing board.
Location- Dunedin 9012 New Zealand
Timings- Monday to Friday 6am -7pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am -7pm
If you are a hardcore wildlife buff, take a 2 hours’ Forest explorer Tour and tread into the core forest area. You will get to see rare species of birds and plants in this trip to one of the best places in Dunedin.
Location: 600 Blueskin Road, Dunedin 9081, New Zealand
Timings: Sunday-Saturday from 9:30am- 4:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday are closed
Entry fee: Starts from 20$ for adults, 10$ for children (below 18 years) and for family (2 adults and 3 children) 48$.
In every season the Chinese Garden changes its vistas and hidden corners to surprise you with a different look every time you visit. You can enjoy a picnic, relax or simply soak up the undisturbed ambiance of the place. In every way it is one of the rewarding places to visit in Dunedin.
Location: 39 Queens Gardens, Dunedin Central, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timings: 10am – 4pm
Entry fee: adults 10$, children (under 13 years with an adult) free entry, student/beneficiary 7$, adult annual pass 22$, adult annual pass renewal 20$
It is the only wildlife refuge in the world which is funded by the visitors. Here not only endangered penguins are restored but injured, starving and sick ones are also rehabilitated.
Location: 45 Pakihau Road, Portobello, Harington Point 9077, New Zealand
Timings: Summer tour from October-March and winter tour from April-September from 10:15am- 6:15pm. Duration of each tour is approximately 90 mins.
Entry fee: for adults 55$, children (5-17) years 16$ and family pass (2 adults and max 3 children) 120$. Children under 5 years have free entry.
If you are looking for a rustic wildlife experience go for an 8 wheelers’ agro-tour or by a coach to the wildlife capital of New Zealand.
Location: 1265 Harington Point Road, Taiaroa Head, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Timings: Everyday between 10am- 6pm
The sight of sea lions and yellow eyed penguins basking in the sun is no less than a visual treat for the first-time visitors.
Location: Seal Point Road, Sandymount 9077, New Zealand
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Dunedin Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Dunedin?
1. Tour the Larnach Castle: The Larnach Castle holds the reputation for being the only castle in the entire country of New Zealand, making your visit one of the most enriching things to do in Dunedin. The castle’s name derives from its benefactor, William Larnach.
The construction starting from 1871, the castle stands as the epitome of Victorian architecture and lifestyle, its long hallways and arching rooftops echoing the pomp of an era long past. The castle has since been purchased by a family and provides accomodation in its grounds for guests.
Location: Camp Road, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: 35$
Timings: 9am to 5pm everyday
2. Take a trip to the Olveston Historic Home: If you are looking to delve into the history of the city and its foundations, the Olveston Historic Home must definitely be included in your list of things to do in Dunedin. The home was built for the locally famous businessman and philanthropist David Theomin.
The house is an architectural delight, and built by the hands of Sir Ernest George, it houses the best of modern amenities within its exterior such as an electric lift and central heating. The house stands out as being built as a country house meant for vacation within the confines of the city, and still holds on display the collected items of Theomin.
Location: 42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: 22$ (adult); 12$ (child)
Timings: 9:30am to 5:00pm everyday
3. Visit the Dunedin Chinese Garden: When it comes to the things to do in Dunedin, they hardly come in greater beauty than the Dunedin Chinese Garden. Built close to the town’s heart, the garden is a telling testament to the amicable relationship that Dunedin shares with Shanghai.
The architecture is a brilliant celebration of the city’s Chinese foundations, and leaves no stone unturned to transport you into a higher realm of unrestrained beauty. The garden is famous for looking different in each season, revealing newer shades of it to the visitors with every visit. Guests can help themselves to tea and Chinese board games when they are not soaking up the peaceful ambience of the garden in their walks.
Location: Rattray & Cumberland Streets, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: 20$
Timings: 10am to 5pm everyday
4. Trek at the Hare Hill Horse: If your soul yearns for adventure when visiting this New Zealand town, the Hare Hill Horse Treks might be one of the best things to do in Dunedin for you. Hare Hill is actually a sprawling farm situated very close to the Otago Harbour, and its sprawling spaces allow horse-riding for tourists.
The horses are extremely well-trained and cater to riders of varying experience, including even the beginners. The lush spaces also accommodate a golf riding space for a lazy afternoon spree and picnic and excursion parties. Expert guidance and assistance is provided to all riders, and even children are allowed on the rides.
Location: 207 Aramoana Rd, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: Ranging from 45$ to 330$
Timing: 9am to 5pm everyday
5. OCHO Chocolate Tasting: To the visitors with a sweet tooth and a liking for chocolates and related confectionary, the OCHO Chocolate Tasting facility is no short of heaven. Renowned for being the only chocolate tasting facility in the town, it is definitely one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences and things to do in Dunedin.
The experience ensures an authentic visit of the OCHO facility and factory, and visitors get a firsthand experience of the chocolate-making process. The visitors also get to taste the variations in the different varieties of cocoa outsourced into the factory, and get to see the processes that go into making a bar of chocolate.
Location: The Otago Chocolate Company, 10 Roberts Street, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: 10$
Timings: 10m to 4pm Thursday-Sunday
6. The Six Feet Down Under Grave Tour: Among the Dunedin things to do, The Six Feet Down Under Grave Tour is possibly the most eerie and notorious. Meant for only the bravest of hearts, it is a tour of one of the most famous haunted cemeteries in not just New Zealand, but the world itself.
The scare factor of the tour is maximized on foggy nights with full moon, and the tour gives a detailed insight into the history of the cemetery and the history of the graves that it holds. The gothic architecture makes the situation reminiscent of a Dracula-setting, and the visitors get a comprehensive account of grave-robberies and hauntings with the tour ending on a toast to the departed.
Location: 110 Moray Pl, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: 35$
Timings: 10am to 10pm everyday (business hours); tour begins from 8pm (April-September) and 9:30pm (October to March)
7. Dunedin Botanic Garden: Dunedin is a city of beautiful gardens, and the Dunedin Botanic Garden is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of them all. Lovers of nature and flora shall definitely find a visit to this garden as one of the unmissable things to do in Dunedin.
Known as the oldest garden in the city, it provides soil-beds according to the needs of each variety of plants, and even provides sloped lands for optimum exposure to sunlight. The garden also has aviaries which allow the visitors to indulge in birdwatching, and the tremendous range of the birds with their cacophony make the event truly joyous. The garden also houses a nimble café which serves snacks and beverages for your relaxation.
Location: Great King Street, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: Free access
Timings: Dawn till dusk everyday
8. Southern Skies Stargazing: Among the Dunedin things to do, stargazing is one of the most peaceful and serene activities that you can engage in. Southern Skies Stargazing tour beckons you with a comprehensive experience of the night sky with the perfect setting of the town’s rural outskirts.
Visitors shall find the surrounding wilderness and bird-calls a conducive environment for an open view of the skies. The tour is complete with ancient stories and myths about the sky handed down by the indigenous Maori civilisation. On clear nights, constellations and even the Southern Lights- Aurora Australis- can be viewed.
Location: 50 The Octagon, Dunedin Central, New Zealand
Pricing: 150$
Timings: 8pm onwards (October to March) and 6pm onwards (April to September)
What are the adventurous things to do in Dunedin?
1. Six Feet Down Under Grave Tour: This tour is definitely one of the most adventurous Dunedin things to do. The tour requires adult supervision for children, and takes place in one of the most infamously branded haunted cemeteries in the world.
2. Hare Hill Horse Treks: The Hare Hill Horse Treks is one of the lesser-known activities in the town, but is definitely a thrilling experience when in Dunedin. The circumstances are totally safe for all ages and difficulty groups, and the property also allows group-gatherings.
3. Mountain biking: Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling Dunedin things to do, and also one of the most relaxing. Even when not on the hills, the city’s structure of alternating slopes and varied terrain make it perfect to be explored on bicycles.
4. Stargazing: Stargazing might be amongst the most thrilling Dunedin things to do, and the town’s clear skies make it perfect for the activity. Gazing into the wonders of the night sky is complemented with the city’s pastoral outskirts.
5. Nature Quest: The Nature Quest organization provides the visitors with an adventure of a lifetime. The tours take the participant(s) into the wild for a firsthand experience of the flora and fauna.
6. Fly Fishing: Fly fishing despite being one of the most underrated activities in the town, is also one of the most enjoyable Dunedin things to do. The fly fishing tours include a comprehensive course on the activity, and also a road trip.
How to reach Dunedin?
- By Train: Dunedin is well connected to its surrounding cities by train. The railway station within the city is the Taieri Gorge Railway.
- By Air: Although Dunedin has an airport of its own, it caters mostly to domestic transfers between the city and places like Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. International tourists would have to take a flight to any of these connecting cities and then a second plane to Dunedin.
What is the best time to visit Dunedin?
Dunedin being a coastal town can be visited during any time of the year, as the weather stays fairly moderate. The weather conditions are also clear on most occasions, and it is very improbable to encounter rough winds on your stay.
The best time to visit the town is the window between October and March, with the temperature conditions being optimum for an enjoyable experience.
What is Dunedin known for?
Despite being a small town, Dunedin is known for a plethora of things. Its hilly surroundings make it a perfect place for a weekend outing, and its street art in contrast with its rich cultural heritage makes it a treat to any.
The city being one of the firsts in the country is reminiscent of late Victorian architecture of its erstwhile European colonists, and the city-planning remains starkly similar even to this day.
What to buy from Dunedin?
Dunedin is famous for its rich history, and the things you can buy from this quaint town are mostly artefacts. The souvenir shops are brimming with traditional artefacts belonging to the indigenous Maori culture, and are a great token of remembrance from Dunedin.
Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Dunedin despite being not amongst the biggest cities in New Zealand, is definitely worth visiting if you are looking for a comprehensive understanding of the country’s culture and heritage.
The essence of the visit lies mainly in the city’s history and the quiet serenity is provided in contrast to most famous destinations. If you are looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating country-experience, Dunedin is the place for you.
How many days in Dunedin is enough?
The town of Dunedin is not extremely large in expanse, and there aren’t many attractions that would require you to travel far beyond its outskirts. The town can be explored and traversed on foot and bicycle alone, and therein lies its beauty.
Most of the attractions are located within the city limits and are easily commutable from each other. Seeing thus, a week’s time is more than enough to make the most out of your stay in Dunedin.
What are the romantic things to do in Dunedin?
1. Explore Botanic Garden: The Dunedin Botanic garden is one of the most resplendent sites for a romantic time. Find yourself marvelling at the best of indigenous floral beauty and be sure to spend a quality outing.
2. Chocolate tasting: Dunedin has its own chocolate factory in the form of the OCHO facility, which treats the visitors with an exciting experience. The facility procures for its guests a chocolate tasting tour, which lasts about twenty-five minutes.
3. Dunedin Chinese Garden: The Dunedin Chinese Garden is one of the most romantic spots to hit in the city. The place is brimming with ethereal beauty, and transports you to a different plane of peace and tranquility.
4. Larnach Castle: Being the only castle in the entire country, the Larnach Castle is a famous place of attraction for couples. The traditional Victorian architecture provides a gothic setting and makes the ambience perfect for a romantic time.
5. Walking and biking: If you are looking for a romantic time, exploring the city on foot or bicycles despite being underrated, is one of the most enjoyable activities you can indulge in.
What are the things to do in Dunedin at night?
1. Go on the spooky grave tour: If you are looking for a spooky adventure at night, a grave tour must definitely be on your cards. The Six Feet Down Under Grave tour satiates your needs with a tour of one of the most infamous graveyards in the world.
2. Prison escape game: The prison escape simulation is a great way to spend a thrilling night in town. The organisers use an actual abandoned prison system for the game, allowing the visitors the complete thrill of the experience.
3. Spending the night at Larnach Castle: The Larnach Castle is the only standing castle in the country, and is now privately owned. Thus, it has been commercialized to permit accomodations in the property grounds, letting you spend a thrilling night in its traditional atmosphere.
4. Stargazing: Dunedin is known for its pleasant skies and clear atmosphere, and stargazing is one of the most romantic activities when in the town. On clear nights, you might also catch the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) and constellations abound.
5. Street Art exhibitions: Dunedin nights are a great time for street art exhibitions. While walking around the city, you may find yourself at such an exhibition where you might even witness artists in the visually representative process itself.