Things to do in Dunedin
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Most popular activities in Dunedin
Tours & day trips
See all 38 activities
Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience
History & culture
See all 15 activities
Dunedin Castle to Cruise Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 3 activities
Brews and Views: A Private Tour of Dunedin’s Craft Beer Scene
Recommended things to do in Dunedin
Number of things to do | 42 |
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Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | Hidden Tūhura Otago Museum Experience: $9 |
Top 5 things to do | |
Under $25 | |
With kids |
What to do in Dunedin
Free Things to Do in Dunedin
There's no need to run your credit card hot in Dunedin. The following won't cost a cent.
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum - Talk to the friendly staff and learn more about the special collections housed here.
The Octagon - Mingle with some locals and discover the real personality and spirit of this special place.
Hocken Library - If you'd like to explore a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a good place to start.
St. Paul's Cathedral - Inject some spirituality into your travels with a stop at this religious attraction.
St. Clair Beach - Bounce rocks across the water, watch the sun rise or just relish the views from the foreshore.
Bush Creek Trail - Appreciate the stark difference between city life and nature's beauty at this beautiful place.
Glenfalloch Woodland Garden - Grab your rug, pack some nibbles and find a shady spot to relish nature.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Dunedin
The Octagon - The Octagon is an 8-sided plaza that serves as Dunedin's city center and is marked by a statue of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The plaza is lined with al fresco eateries and charming cafes and is a major transportation hub, connecting to the main thoroughfares of Upper and Lower Stuart Street. From here it's just a few steps to the historic Dunedin Town Hall and Saint Paul's Cathedral, both registered on the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
Otago Harbour - Otago Harbour is a natural harbor that separates Dunedin from the Otago Peninsula. The harbor was formed from a drowned shield volcano and is home to an incredible range of seabirds and marine mammals, including New Zealand sea lions, fur seals, and yellow-eyed penguins. Visit Taiaora Head to see Pilots Beach, an important breeding ground for blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins, and a colony of northern royal albatrosses.
Otago Peninsula - Marked by steep hills and towering peaks, the Otago Peninsula flanks the southern side of the Otago Harbour. The natural attractions of Harbour Cone, Sandymount, Sandfly Bay, and an abundance of wildlife make the area a popular spot for ecotours and hiking. The Larnach Castle and the unique Pyramid rock formations on Victory Beach draw visitors out along the coast as well.
What to See in Dunedin
The rich architecture and nearby natural beauty of Dunedin make the city picturesque as can be. The gorgeous gardens of Larnach Castle, which features a Gothic Revival façade, are designated as a Garden of International Significance and offer a different look at the Otago Peninsula. Take a ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway, or Dunedin Railways, for amazing vistas of lush green landscapes and the rolling hills of the Dunedin hinterlands. The city of Dunedin itself is rife with impressive Victorian and Edwardian structures, including the historic Dunedin Railway Station and the First Church of Dunedin, which was designed by architect Robert Lawson.
Sightseeing in Dunedin
Dunedin offers endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. Take advantage of the incredible nature that surrounds the city by going cycling or hiking on the many trails throughout the region. Spots like Signal Hill, which offers an exhilarating downhill track, and the Otago Central Rail Trail, a beautiful off-road cycling path, are popular places to ride with friends and family. The flat and compact layout of Dunedin City itself makes it easy to explore by foot Segway as well. Attractions within the city limits include the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, New Zealand's oldest museum that delves into the history of the entire Otago Province, and Cadbury World, where you can learn all about how decadent chocolates are made. Tour the Olveston Historic Home and learn of the influential Theomin family, whose original antique furnishings and artworks are still on display.
The natural heritage of Dunedin is one of its greatest draws, and you can immerse yourself in the fascinating wildlife and scenery of the area by visiting the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary or venturing into the Otago Peninsula. Be sure to catch sight of birds like enormous royal albatrosses, curious yellow-eyed penguins, and adorable blue penguins, as well as marine mammals like fur seals, sea lions, and dusky dolphins during your stay.
Things to Do in Dunedin with Kids
There are lots of sensational experiences in Dunedin that the entire gang will enjoy. These are some of the best family friendly experiences around.
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- The Octagon
- Dunedin Town Hall
- Regent Theatre
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- First Church of Otago
- Temple Gallery
- Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
- Speight's Brewery
- Grand Casino
- Dunedin Chinese Garden
- Visit Dunedin City Centre
- Dunedin City Centre Vacations
- Olveston
- Hocken Library
- Visit North Dunedin
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- Visit Maori Hill
- Visit Wakari
- Dunedin Botanic Garden
- Visit South Dunedin
- Visit Tainui
- Visit St. Clair
- Visit Ravensbourne
- Signal Hill
- Visit Abbotsford
- Visit Green Island
- Visit North Taieri
- Larnach Castle
- Port Chalmers Vacations
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