Things to do in Waitati

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Perspectives from above
Perspectives from above

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 {71 fun activities in Waitati fun activities in Waitati} are also worth looking into.

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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.
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The Octagon showing a statue or sculpture, a church or cathedral and an administrative buidling

2. 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.
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Larnach Castle

3. 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.
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St. Clair Beach

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.
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Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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.
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Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring flowers

6. Speight's Brewery

Find out how Speight’s creates one of New Zealand’s favorite beers when you visit this iconic brewery in central Dunedin. Learn how to make wooden beer casks and check out the sampling area to try a selection of local tipples.
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Speight\'s Brewery which includes interior views

7. 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.
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Baldwin Street showing street scenes

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Recommended things to do in Waitati

Number of things to do
71
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

This is what it looks like - beautiful regenerated forest, easy-walk trails, and lots of opportunities to see wildlife - takahe, kiwi, geckos, tuatara and much more! Your money (it's a very reasonable entry free) goes directly to the running costs, and you have the choice of a self-guided walk or being shown through by one of their knowledgeable guides :)

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.

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