Best things to do in Dunedin
Find out more about those top places in Dunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand: Where Tartan Meets Techno (Think Indie Music, Victorian Vibes, and Wildlife Encounters That Might Involve Penguins!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This South Island Secret!
Kia Ora from Dunedin, the South Island of New Zealand's second-largest city and, let's be honest, the reigning champion of all things wonderfully weird and alternative! Forget your sheep-shearing stereotypes (though you might see a few!), Dunedin marches to the beat of its own delightfully quirky drum. Famed the world over as the legendary home of Flying Nun Records (still spinning those indie gold tunes!), this city is a true hidden gem, bursting with a creative energy that's more potent than a flat white with an extra shot.
With over 25,000 students calling Dunedin home, it's hardly a shocker that the city is absolutely buzzing with grungy dive bars where the music's loud and the vibes are strong, and hip art centers showcasing the cutting-edge of New Zealand’s incredibly vibrant creative industries. Forget mainstream – Dunedin is where the cool kids (and cool adults!) come to play. Exploring these alternative hubs is definitely one of the top things to do for those seeking a taste of Dunedin's unique spirit.
But wait, there's more to this South Island star than just its painfully cool image! Dunedin has a deep and proud connection to Scotland, and it shows in its dazzling array of Victorian and Georgian architecture. Prepare to be transported across the globe as you wander past grand buildings that wouldn't look out of place in Edinburgh – think turrets, spires, and a general air of sophisticated historical charm. This architectural sightseeing alone makes Dunedin a fascinating place to visit.
And as if all that wasn't enough, Dunedin also happens to be the ideal base for exploring the spectacular Otago Peninsula, a finger of land jutting out into the Pacific Ocean that is, quite simply, unrivaled in its breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna. We're talking dramatic coastlines, rolling green hills, and an abundance of wildlife that might just include penguins waddling up the beach, seals basking in the sun, and albatrosses soaring overhead. Seriously, the things to do on the Otago Peninsula are a nature lover's dream come true and a major attraction in themselves!
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this South Island secret. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring the vibrant alternative scene and admiring stunning Victorian architecture to encountering incredible wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Dunedin a truly special and hilariously unique destination. Just be prepared to embrace your inner alternative and maybe even pick up a Flying Nun record – you won't regret it!
Top Attractions: Indie Vibes, Scottish Charm, and Wildlife Wonders!
Dunedin offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty:
Flying Nun Records Legacy: Indie Music Mecca
Explore the legendary history and ongoing influence of Flying Nun Records, a cornerstone of New Zealand's alternative music scene. A must-see (or rather, must-hear!) attraction for music lovers.
Victorian and Georgian Architecture: Scottish Heritage
Wander through Dunedin's streets and admire the dazzling array of Victorian and Georgian architecture, a testament to its Scottish roots. A key element of your Dunedin sightseeing.
Otago Peninsula: Wildlife Paradise
Embark on a journey to the spectacular Otago Peninsula, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and albatrosses. A top place to visit for nature enthusiasts and wildlife sightseeing.
Larnach Castle: New Zealand's Only Castle
Visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, offering stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history. A key place to visit for a unique historical experience.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery: Creative Showcase
Discover the cutting-edge of New Zealand's creative industries at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. A noteworthy place to visit for art lovers.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this South Island secret!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Dunedin vibe:
- Explore the Street Art Scene: Discover the vibrant murals and street art that adorn the city's walls.
- Visit the Otago Museum: Delve into the region's natural and cultural history.
- Hike or Bike the Scenic Trails: Enjoy the beautiful landscapes surrounding the city.
- Sample Local Craft Beers: Dunedin has a thriving craft beer scene.
- Take a Scenic Train Ride: Explore the stunning Taieri Gorge.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in New Zealand that offer a unique blend of alternative culture, stunning architecture, incredible wildlife encounters, and a touch of Scottish charm, Dunedin is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to embrace your inner cool kid and maybe even learn a few Scottish phrases! Cheerio and happy travels!
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Olveston
For a glimpse inside the lives led by New Zealand’s rich and famous during the roaring twenties, take a guided tour of Dunedin’s gilded Olveston mansion house. Until 1966 the wealthy Theomin family owned the mansion and many of their original period furnishings, including a treasure trove of Japanese art, have been maintained. Surrounding this jaw-dropping house are a series of small botanical gardens that can be freely explored.
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Nature Wonder’s Naturally
Directly east of Dunedin is the spectacular Otago Peninsula, which is peppered with unrivaled beaches, jaw-dropping wildlife and gently rolling hills. To best experience this pastoral landscape, head to Nature Wonder’s Naturally, a vast sheep farm that has left the landscape completely undeveloped. The estate is best explored through guided 4×4 tours that take you to penguin and fur seal colonies, remote beaches and natural swimming pools.
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Royal Albatross Center
Located at the rugged tip of the Otago Peninsula is the Royal Albatross Center, which is the only mainland colony of these gigantic seabirds anywhere in the world. Access to the reserve is by fascinating guided tours that take you from the abandoned Fort Taiaroa to the viewing platforms where you can get up close to albatrosses and the charming penguin colony at Pilot Beach.
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Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
A must visit attraction for anyone interested in the colonization of New Zealand, the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum details the history of human civilization on the island from the first Maori tribes to the mass-migration of the Victorian era.
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University of Otago
Undoubtedly New Zealand’s most famous higher education institute, the University of Otago is also what gives the South Island city much of its alternative character. To soak up the student atmosphere, take a guided campus tour that will lead you from the university’s historic core, located around Leith Street, to its magnificent riverside bluestone main building.
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Taieri Gorge
Starting out at Dunedin’s spectacular neo-Gothic train station (which claims to be New Zealand’s most photographed building), tours of the Taieri Gorge take place in specially designed observation trains. The gorge itself is one of the country’s most spectacular with plunging ravines formed through thousands of years of erosion.
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Larnach Castle
Overlooking the Otago Peninsula is Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand’s most iconic buildings. Constructed in the Scottish Baronial style in the late-19th century, the castle is filled with exquisite period furnishings that transport you to the rugged Scottish Highlands. After exploring the picture-perfect interiors, head to the immaculate gardens.
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Emerson’s Brewery
The new state-of-the-art Emerson’s Brewery building opened in 2016 and offers insightful behind the scenes tours of the process that makes New Zealand’s favorite beer. Of course, the tour ends with a refreshing tasting where you can sample different brews.
