Dunedin

New Zealand, Oceania

Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage and stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture, is often referred to as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand." Notable attractions include the iconic Otago Peninsula, where you can spot unique wildlife like albatross and seals, as well as the ornate Dunedin Railway Station and the captivating Larnach Castle. The city’s vibrant arts scene and proximity to breathtaking landscapes make it a distinctive and appealing destination for travelers seeking culture and nature.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Dunedin

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Dunedin

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Otago Peninsula

Explore stunning coastal views and wildlife encounters.

No booking required
2

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Larnach Castle

Discover New Zealand’s only castle with rich history.

Booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through the Dunedin Botanic Garden

Relax in beautiful gardens and lush landscapes.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Learn about Dunedin’s fascinating pioneer history.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a tour of Speight's Brewery

Sample local beers at this iconic brewery.

Booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

See the Royal Albatross Colony

Witness the majestic albatross in its natural habitat.

No booking required
7

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover the Dunedin Railway Station

Admire the stunning architecture of this historic site.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Baldwin Street

Walk up the world’s steepest residential street.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Otago Museum

Engage with interactive exhibits and natural history.

No booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Walk along St. Clair Beach

Enjoy sun, surf, and stunning sunsets at the beach.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kiwi Pie

Savory pie with meat and vegetables. (National dish)

Hāngi

Traditional Māori dish cooked in earth oven.

Pavlova

V

Meringue dessert topped with fruit and cream.

Fish and Chips

Battered fish served with fries.

Lamingtons

V

Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)