Things to do in Waitati

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

An aerial view of a coastal landscape with a large bay, sandy beaches, and a small island with trees.

Waitati Attractions

There's something enchanting about smaller cities. Whether you're heading to Waitati for a weekend getaway or you're contemplating staying for longer, you'll easily fall in love with this destination. In fact, with so many thrilling things to do and extraordinary attractions to take in, you mightn't want to leave!

If you're ready to explore Waitati, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {54 fun activities in Waitati fun activities in Waitati} are also worth looking into.

Things to do

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

$98
per adult
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

$28
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour

Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour

$136
per adult
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

$167
per adult
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion
Mainland Peninsula Tour

Mainland Peninsula Tour

$181
per adult
Mainland Peninsula Tour
Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

$75
per adult
Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour
First Church, the third iteration of the first Presbyterian church

Dunedin True Crime Walking Tour Inner City

$38
per adult
Dunedin True Crime Walking Tour Inner City
See wild penguins just metres away !

Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

$32
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

$43
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
See all activities in Waitati

Waitati must see attractions

1. The Octagon

Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
Learn more
A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

2. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
Learn more
A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.

3. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
Learn more
A large building with a tower, a fountain in the middle of a circular lawn, and trees around.

4. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
Learn more
A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

5. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
Learn more
A pink bottlebrush flower amidst green foliage.

6. Baldwin Street

Put your legs to the test as you climb the almost impossibly steep road to the summit of Baldwin Street. Rest at the top and enjoy views across the city and parkland. Then make your way back to town for a well-earned drink.
Learn more
A residential street with houses, parked cars, and a steep hill.

7. Otago Museum

Study a display of indigenous artefacts that includes a 19th-century canoe and fine woodcarvings at the excellent Otago Museum. Stand beside the skeleton of a huge fin whale and stroll around a living rainforest complete with colourful birds and butterflies.
Learn more
The Otago Museum building with a sign for the Bugs exhibition.

Recommended things to do in Waitati

Number of things to do
54
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Port Chalmers: A Self-Guided Tour around Otago’s Historic Seaport: $9
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Waitati

Things to Do in Waitati with Kids

There are plenty of fascinating things to do in Waitati with the little ones. Keep everyone entertained with these family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Waitati? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Waitati

Two hikers on a gravel path surrounded by dense forest.

Mount Cargill

Frequently asked questions

Is Waitati worth visiting?
Waitati offers an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, nature or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Waitati?
Kick your day off with a visit to Penguin Place and Warrington Beach. Then, explore different parts of Waitati for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Waitati?
The top tourist attraction in Waitati is Penguin Place, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Waitati?
Three days in Waitati is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Warrington Beach, Purakaunui Inlet and Doctors Point are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Dunedin.
What are some activities to do in Waitati with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Waitati with kids.

What to do in Waitati for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Waitati. Whether you're into art, history, nature or just love finding new places to explore, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Waitati?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Waitati is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Warrington Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia