Awesome 26 Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dunedin, New Zealand

November 15, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 3333 Views

Dunedin is a city on the South Island of New Zealand. It city is part of the Otago region and sits at the edge of the region’s Harbour. People visit Dunedin for its rich history, culture, and beaches. Owing to its location, the city is close to amazing coastal landscapes. So the top things to do in Dunedin, New Zealand also involve hiking, wildlife stopping, cruises, and other adventure activities.

History and Nature are two sides of Dunedin travel. And even these have two sides of their own. But, together they create a memorable Dunedin sightseeing experience.

On the history side, you get to explore the traditional Maori as well as the Colonial European cultures. The majority of the places to visit in Dunedin city pertain to the latter. You will see castles, estate houses, government buildings, ports, and public spaces. These historical things to see in Dunedin were built between the 18th and 20th centuries by the Colonial government and European merchants.

The Otago region experienced a Gold Rush during the 1800s. This attracted many merchants from Scotland and China. You will see the influence of these cultures on many of the historical Dunedin tourist attractions. The other historical aspect involves the indigenous Maori culture. There are many places to go in Dunedin to learn about the history, traditions, and lifestyle of the Maori tribes. This includes museums, historical sites, and cultural centres.

Coming to nature, the city is surrounded by heavenly coastal beauty. Dunedin tourist spots include some of the most beautiful beaches on the South Island. These beaches sit alongside coastal cliffs and sea caves.

Many of the beaches also have unique rock formations of wonderful shapes. These are the most beautiful places to see in Dunedin. The coastline of Otago is also home to a variety of wildlife. There are numerous tourist places in Dunedin where you can see albatrosses, sea lions, dolphins, seals, kiwis, and other wildlife. You can also take a boat cruise to venture to explore distant wildlife colonies and small islands.

So these are the four sides of Dunedin and all of them are amazing to experience.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Top 26 Tourist Places to Visit in Dunedin, New Zealand

1. Larnach Castle

Dating back to 1871, this castle was built upon a love story. William Larnach established it for his wife Eliza. The castle is also said to have been built on the exact spot where William and his son stood to admire the Otago Peninsula.

For admirers of history, the castle is among the top things to do in Dunedin, New Zealand. The castle was built in Victorian style and retains its original grandeur. You will be transported back to the glorious era and experience the life of the elite class of the time.

The interiors are decorated with period antiques, furniture, artworks, sculptures, frescoes, and so on. It is home to some of the most opulent things to see in Dunedin. The castle is also home to several museums and galleries that focus on the history, lifestyle, and art of the 19th century.

Alongside the tour, you can also enjoy some interesting indoor activities to do in Dunedin at this castle. People can book a stay at the castle and also enjoy dinners, lunches, high teas, picnics, and a walking tour of the castle gardens. There is so much to explore that you will need at least 3 to 4 hours to tour Larnach Castle when you visit Dunedin.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket of Larnach Castle and Garden in advance.

2. Royal Albatross Centre

This is the only mainland Albatross colony in the world. Albatross are huge birds with a 3-meter wingspan. Thousands of these magnificent birds nest here for breeding. The centre has an observation centre from where you can observe the birds. It is one of the best things to do around Dunedin for wildlife lovers.

The colony is also one of the best places to visit in Dunedin to see Blue Penguins, Southern Fur Seals, Otago Shags, Royal Spoonbills, Red-Billed Guls, and more. Alongside the observation deck, you can also take hiking and boat tours to see the wildlife. The boat tours will also show you old shipwrecks, small islands, and quarantine centres. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Dunedin travel for this exploratory journey.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Royal Albatross Centre in advance.

3. Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

This museum tells you the entire story of the Otago Peninsula. It goes back to the settlement of early Maori tribes as well the the Europeans. The museum has 14 galleries exploring different periods and aspects of civilizations. It is also one of the most popular Dunedin tourist attractions for its experiential and interactive exhibits. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Dunedin City and it also covers a visit to the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.

4. Orokonui Ecosanctuary

This sanctuary is the only cloud forest in the country. It is home to many native birds of New Zealand and works for their conservation. You will see Kiwis, Kakas, Tuataras, Bellbirds, and Takahas.

The sanctuary has 9 walking trails that take you through different parts of the forest. Each path is populated with different wildlife. It is one of the most fun things to do near Dunedin for families.

The sanctuary also has educational programs for children where they get to interact with some of the birds. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to Orokonui Ecosanctuary in advance.

5. Best Beaches in Dunedin

Among all the Dunedin beaches, three are the most popular: St. Clair, Tunnel, and Long Beach. These beaches are unique and became Dunedin attractions for different reasons.

St. Clair Beach is among the best places to go in Dunedin for surfing. You can rent equipment from the beach and even take surfing lessons. People may also encounter dolphins and fur seals at St. Clair. The beach is also known for fun things to do in Dunedin at night. It is lined with several restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife spots along the shore.

The Tunnel Beach is a natural marvel. The coastal rock cliff has been shaped like a tunnel and is one of the most photographed tourist places in Dunedin. The sandy beach has many coastal cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls, and boulders. This beach is also popular for outdoor activities in Dunedin, New Zealand. You can follow the hiking trails to reach wonders of nature or vantage points. You can also explore caves and climb coastal cliffs at Tunnel Beach.

The Long Beach has many similar attractions as the Tunnel Beach. People come here to see the cliffs, sea caves, and sandy shorelines. You can enjoy similar adventure activities here as well. However, Long Beach is unique for its wildlife. It is one of the best Dunedin tourist spots to see blue penguins, fur seals, spoonbills, ducks, herons, and several other animals and birds.

You can easily spend a couple of hours from Dunedin sightseeing at any of these beaches.

I suggest you should go for a Tour of Dunedin Shore Excursion.

6. Wildlife Cruise

While there are many places to see in Dunedin for wildlife, the best experiences await in the ocean. You can take a variety of boat cruises to see dolphins, seals, sea lions, bird colonies, and more.

These cruises give you a tour along the shorelines exploring bays and islands to see the animals in their natural habitat. It is one of the best things to do in Dunedin if you are looking for an adventure.

Some of the cruises also include historical Dunedin sightseeing. This includes ports, old quarantine stations, lighthouses, and so on. The duration of these cruises varies between an hour to 4 hours.

I suggest you should book your Wildlife Cruise Tour in advance.

7. Local Brewery

Alongside rich history and beautiful nature, you should not miss out on the uniquely delicious craft beers when you visit Dunedin. There are 6 popular breweries in the city. You can take a day tour of each of these in a day or try one out each day. The most popular among these are Emerson’s and Speight’s.

You can visit their outlets to taste their variants. You can also take a tour of their breweries to witness their unique techniques and traditions. These breweries also host many events, festivals, and shows with live music, performances, games, and indoor activities in Dunedin. All of these are centered around the theme of beer. You will need about an hour for any of these brewery tours.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Speight’s Brewery in advance.

8. Port Chalmers

This is one of the major ports of the South Islands. The port is a heritage site and is home to some of the best places to visit near Dunedin. You can explore the Maritime Museum, Iona Church, Cary’s Bay, Holy Trinity Church, Hotere Sculpture Garden, Orokonui Eco Sanctuary, and more.

The port is also known for fun things to do around Dunedin including shopping, dining, adventure activities, wildlife spotting, cruises, hiking, camping, and more. You will need 3 to 4 hours to tour Port Chalmers and its surroundings.

9. Doctor’s Point Reserve

Sitting in the Blueskin Bay, this nature reserve is known for its scenic natural beauty. The reserve has beaches, coastal cliffs, sea caves, and more. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Dunedin.

It is the perfect place for leisurely stroll by the beaches. It is barely populated and you can enjoy majestic views without people popping up in your pictures. The reserve is also home to some of the best beaches near Dunedin including Long Beach and Purakaunui Beach.

You will also see some of the most amazing sea caves in this reserve. These are some of the picturesque places to see in Dunedin. Some of these caves are half on the beach and half in the sea. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the Doctors Point Reserve.

10. Sandfly Bay

This bay is one of the best sites to spot Fur Seals, Yellow-Eyed Penguins, and Hooker Sea Lions. If you want to spot wildlife, this Dunedin tourist attraction will not disappoint you. While you will find on several coastal spots, the Sandfly Bay is most densely populated with wildlife.

Alongside wildlife, the Bay is also home to other popular tourist places in Dunedin including Harrington Point, Victory Beach, Ocean Pyramids, Sea Caves, Sandymount LimeKilns, and Love Leap. You will need 4 to 5 hours from Dunedin travel to explore Sandfly Bay and its various attractions.

11. Otago Central Rail Trail

This 150 km long trail runs along an abandoned railway route. You can explore it on foot, bicycle or horseback. This is one of the most popular outdoor activities to do in Dunedin. The route is marked by stations and you will go through train tunnels and explore wonderful landscapes.

You will also come across several historical and cultural Dunedin attractions along the route. The duration depends on the trail you pick. The shortest one is 6 km, so you will need at least 30 to 45 minutes. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to tour the entire route.

I suggest you should try a Cycle Tour of the Otago Central Rail Trail.

12. Olveston Historic Home

Built during the 1900s, this house was built by David Theomin and designed by Sir Ernest George. The house is a well-preserved historical tourist spot in Dunedin. The house retains many of the original exterior features and interior elements.

The house museum gives you an insight into the life of a wealthy businessman in the 20th century. The house tour shows you the history of the Theomin family, interior features, collected artworks, the lifestyle of the time, gardens, and the family’s car. You will need about an hour and a half to tour this house.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Olveston Historic Home.

13. Baldwin Street – The Steepest Street in the World

With 34.8% inclination, this is the steepest street in the world. The steepest point of the street is 70 meters above the sea level. The street hosts several running and cycling races and it is a good time to visit Dunedin. The street is one of the most photographed attractions in the city. You can spend a few minutes climbing the steep streets.

14. Moeraki Boulders

These 50-something spherical boulders look like cracked eggs sitting in the ocean. They are among the most popular things to see in Dunedin. The boulders sit on Koekohe Beach and are a unique geological feature. You should try to get here close to sunset as the light gives an orangish hue to the environment.

The beach itself is a popular place to go in Dunedin for coastal hikes and photography. You can spend an hour or so at Koekohe Beach and admire nature’s handiwork in Moeraki Boulders.

15. Taieri Gorge Train Ride

The Taieri Gorge is one of the most beautiful landscapes on the South Island. The train journey takes you through forests, plains, farmlands, hills, coastlines, and so on. It is one of the top things to do near Dunedin. The train ride also includes a nice dining experience with a variety of traditional cuisine. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this tour.

16. Dunedin Street Art Tour

The street art is an integral part of the city’s local culture. The streets and structures have been painted by regional and international street artists. There are more than 26 art pieces to find in the city.

Some of the most popular ones are “Chasing the Thin White Cloud”, “Toothfish”, and “Ed Shereen”. You can go on a sightseeing tour to explore all of these artworks. It takes about 2 hours to complete the tour.

17. Nugget Point Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque things to see in Dunedin. It sits on the edge of the cliff with cascading greens on either side. Behind the lighthouse is the great ocean hindered by rock formations. You will need 30 minutes to get to this lighthouse and another hour or so to admire the scenery.

18. Dunedin Chinese Garden

This garden was built as part of the fraternal relationship with sister city Shanghai. The entire garden is designed to be themed after the Chinese culture and also houses several plants and trees native to China.

One of the biggest attraction of the garden is the ornate Tea House where you can enjoy traditional Chinese tea and dishes. It is a nice place to go in Dunedin if you are looking for some relaxation. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes here.

19. Otago Farmers Market

This market is held every Saturday morning near the Dunedin train station. The locals gather to sell a variety of goods including fresh produce, fruits, food products, handicraft items, craft beverages, dairy products, bakery items, and so on. It is also one of the best places to visit in Dunedin for street food, desserts, and local dishes. You can spend an hour or so exploring this market to pick out some unique souvenirs.

20. The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery

This is one of the quirkiest Dunedin tourist attractions. The entire collection focuses on mysterious and unusual things. It includes odd historical artifacts, stories of mysterious events, objects from peculiar cultures, skeletons of unique animals, artifacts from wars, and so on. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

21. Nichols Creek Waterfall & Glowworm Colony

The glowworm colony tour is one of the most magical things to do around Dunedin. The track will first take you to a beautiful cascading waterfall within the jungle. It is a wonderful sight by itself. However, as you venture further on the path you will come across a cave.

Inside the cave is a colony of glowworms that illuminate the dark interiors. They create a beautiful pattern on the walls of the caves as if you are seeing the night sky. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this experience.

22. Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve & Fort Taiaroa

This region is among the most popular tourist places near Dunedin for its rich wildlife and historical attractions. It is home to the Royal Albatross Centre and the Kiwi Guardian. You will encounter a variety of birds and animals in the nature reserve including Albatross, Penguins, Shags, Spoonbills, Terns, Sea Lions, Seals, and more.

Alongside wildlife, the reserve is also home to historical Dunedin attractions. The biggest among these is the Taiaroa Fort. It is more than a hundred years old and was built to fend off an invasion from Russia.

There are also several abandoned military outposts and a lighthouse to explore here. You will need about 2 hours from Dunedin travel to enjoy the various attractions and activities at Taiaroa Head.

23. Otago Museum / Tūhura Science Centre

This museum is dedicated to the various facets of Otago. The museum covers history, culture, ethnography, art, zoology, geology, wildlife, and more. The museum covers maritime history, Maori culture, regional art, local bird & animal species, geological features, and so on.

It also has a science centre with a planetarium for fun things to do in Dunedin for families. This place is full of interactive exhibits focusing on physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, cosmology, and so on. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

24. Ross Creek Waterfall

You will find this waterfall with only a short hike into the jungle. It is a beautiful waterfall that forms a twisting and turning slope. However, this attraction near Dunedin is better known for the pool beneath. It is a popular spot for swimming and camping for hikers.

25. Mount Cargill Scenic Reserve & Organ Pipes

Also known as Kapukataumahaka, this mountain is one of the popular spots for outdoor things to do near Dunedin. You can explore many hiking and mountain climbing trails leading to different natural attractions and a few historical sites.

The most well-known among these are the Organ Pipes. These columns were formed when the volcano was cooling. They are a series of vertical rock formations that look like pipes of a church organ. It is one of the most fascinating places to see in Dunedin. You will need at least half a day to explore this mountain and its attractions.

26. Purakaunui Inlet

This inlet is formed at the Purakaunui Beach creating a beautiful blue-green pool. It creates a beach of its own and the clear blue water is perfect for swimming. The pool is also surrounded by beaches, waterfalls, walkboards, and picnic spots to just sit and admire the view. You can also take a hiking trail or road trip around this inlet. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy the pool.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Dunedin, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of attractions and activities that you can enjoy in the city and around it.

Things to do in Dunedin, New Zealand

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Dunedin, New Zealand

Larnach Castle
Otago Museum
Olveston Historic Home
Otago Settlers Museum
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Otago Art Society
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery
Hockens Collections
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Port Chalmers Maritime Museum
Dunedin Gasworks Museum
Fletcher House
Bellamys Gallery
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
Southern Cemetery

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Dunedin, New Zealand

Signal Hill
Doctors Point Reserve
Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve
Orokonui EcoSanctuary
Bethune’s Gully
Otago Peninsula
Nichols Falls
Dunedin Glowworm Colony
Lawyers Head Peninsula
Kaikorai Valley
Ross Creek Reservoir
Mount Cargill
The Organ Pipes
Leith Saddle
Saddle Hill
Sandfly Bay
Flagstaff Peak
Dunedin Volcano
Otago Harbour
Blue Penguins Pukekura Wildlife Refuge
Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance
Okia Reserve
Taiaroa Head
Sandymount Peak
Silver Stream River
Taieri River
Silverpeaks
Cape Saunders
Sinclair Wetlands

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dunedin, New Zealand

Emerson’s Brewery
Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Dunedin Railways
Speight’s Brewery
Woodnaugh Gardens
Grand Casino
Chingford Park
Queens Garden
Glenfollach Woodland Garden

Shopping in Dunedin, New Zealand

Otago Farmers Market
George Street
The Octagon
Lower Stuart Street
Warehouse Precinct
Wall Street Mall
Meridian Mall
Roslyn Village Shopping Centre

Beaches & Islands in Dunedin, New Zealand

Tunnel Beach
Long Beach
St. Clair Beach
Boulder Beach
Second Beach
Smaill’s Beach
Tomahawk Beach
Brighton Beach
Ocean Beach
Allans Beach
Quarantine Island
Blackhead Surfing Beach
Goat Island
Victory Beach
Aramoana Beach
Pilots Beach
Whareakeake Beach
Te Rauone Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Dunedin, New Zealand

Wildlife Cruise
Hiking
Swimming
Boat Cruise
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Fishing
Pineapple Track
Karetai Track
Harbour Cone Track
Taieri River Track

Sightseeing in Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin Railway Station
The Octagon
Baldwin Street
Port Chalmers
Flagstaff Lookout Point
Marlow Park
Dunedin Street Art Trail
Ocean Beach Railway
Robert Burns Statue
Harbour Cone

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dunedin, New Zealand

Toitu Cafe
No 7 Balmac
Plato
Luna Bar & Restaurant
Jizo
Emerson’s Brewery
ADJO
Bacchus Wine Bar
Starfish Cafe & Bar
The Press Club
Vogel St. Kitchen
Prohibition Smokehouse
Etrusco
Speights Ale House
Bracken
Two Chefs Bistro
1908 Restaurant
Moiety
Vault 21

Where to Stay in Dunedin?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Dunedin. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Dunedin.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Dunedin

How to Reach Dunedin, New Zealand?

By Air

You can get direct flights to the Dunedin airport from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The airport sits about 30 km from the city. You can get buses and cabs to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

While there is a station in Dunedin, you only get a few passenger trains. They only connect to a few towns around the city. However, you can get buses to visit Dunedin from several towns and cities on the South Island. This includes major destinations like Queenstown and Christchurch.

If you are planning to reach Dunedin by road, you should head for State Highway 1 or 87. The city sits adjacent to the intersection of these two routes.

By Water

You can get a boat ride to get to Dunedin from Port Chalmers in the Otago Harbour. Many cruise ships touring the South Island also dock in the Otago Harbour. They too give you an opportunity to visit Dunedin.

Image Reference

Larnach Castle – Christoph Strässler / Flickr
Royal Albatross Centre – Orion Kahza / Flickr
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Bettina Arrigoni / Flickr
Best Beaches in Dunedin – Jens Hilligsøe / Flickr
Wildlife Cruise – Tomas Sobek / Flickr
Local Brewery – Mattinbgn / Wikimedia Commons
Port Chalmers – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Doctor’s Point Reserve –
Sandfly Bay – Enrique Fernández / Flickr
Otago Central Rail Trail – Cat Burston / Flickr
Olveston Historic Home – Dunedin NZ / Flickr
Baldwin Street – The Steepest Street in the World – Tristan Schmurr / Flickr
Moeraki Boulders – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Taieri Gorge Train Ride – denisbin / Flickr
Dunedin Street Art Tour – Andréa / Pixabay
Nugget Point Lighthouse – Ben / Flickr
Dunedin Chinese Garden – Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons
Otago Farmers Market – ed / Flickr
The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery – BMahalski / Wikimedia Commons
Nichols Creek Waterfall & Glowworm Colony –
Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve & Fort Taiaroa – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Otago Museum / Tūhura Science Centre – David Bakker / Flickr
Ross Creek Waterfall – Schwede66 / Wikimedia Commons
Mount Cargill Scenic Reserve & Organ Pipes – Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons
Purakaunui Inlet – Alistair Paterson / Flickr