The variety of things to do in Dunedin New Zealand is only surpassed by the city’s varying reputations. The city’s name will conjure up different images depending on who you are. Horticulturists think of the city’s many gardens.
University students either know it for exceptional educational opportunities or as the country’s party capital. People of Scottish descent think of Dunedin as a faraway bit of home. The wildlife fascinates zoologists, while ornithologists know it as a home to many rare and endangered birds. Photographers appreciate the city’s overall beauty.
Dunedin’s Scottish roots influence education, religion, and local colour, but its natural beauty is what makes this city so special. An ever-changing landscape filled with rare and endangered wildlife kept us enchanted while we soaked in some of the history and feasted on the culinary excellence.
Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest street, the rarest penguin, and a plethora of claims to fame. A former gold rush destination, Dunedin was once New Zealand’s largest city by population.
Today, it stands at number 5, with Auckland as the largest. Dunedin is worth a visit.
Before we reveal the top things to do in Dunedin …
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Things to do in Dunedin out in nature
From amazing gardens to stunning train rides, Dunedin is an outdoor playground.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Beautiful and seemingly endless, the Dunedin Botanic Garden is free to explore and is one of New Zealand’s best gardens. Covering 30 hectares, it offers a variety of flora and fauna in a tranquil and relaxed setting. It is a garden of international significance. Established in 1863, it has been in its current location since 1867.
Claim to Fame: New Zealand’s first Botanic Garden.
Dunedin Chinese Gardens
Built entirely in Shanghai, China, it was carefully deconstructed, transported, and reconstructed in New Zealand. Attention is paid to every detail. It’s a true place of tranquillity as well as being one of the city’s youngest gardens, opening in 2008. It is the only authentic scholar’s garden in the southern hemisphere. We wrote more about the Dunedin Chinese Gardens here.
Claim to Fame: First authentic Chinese Garden in the Southern Hemisphere and the only one in New Zealand.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a self-sustaining ecosystem supporting many rare and endangered native plants and animals. It’s a wildlife reserve comprising over 300 hectares of coastal Otago native forest surrounded by a predator-proof fence. Self-guided walking trails allow visitors to explore at their own fitness level. The signposted trail options range from wheelchair-friendly to a steep, uneven loop that takes 3 hours to complete.
We took a guided tour and found it the ideal way to learn more about the flora and fauna, and, more importantly, to spot things we would have otherwise missed. Orokonui Ecosanctuary is home to many native species. As nature is unpredictable, each visit will be different.
We saw several endangered and protected residents, including the Otago skink, the tuatara, and the South Island Robin. We didn’t see (but know they are there) the Takahe, kea, or kiwi bird. One wouldn’t expect nocturnal kiwi birds to be out during the daytime.
Several species endemic to New Zealand seemed to be flourishing as we enjoyed watching Bellbirds, Tui, Fantails, blackbirds, and even a Rifleman.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary has succeeded in its vision to create a place where “people can enjoy a peaceful encounter with nature, and from which they may take recreation, refreshment, new knowledge, new skills, and a new commitment to conservation.” The ecosanctuary is about 25 minutes north of Dunedin. It reminds me of three North Island locations: Zealandia in Wellington, TiriTiri Matangi Island outside of Auckland, and Shakespear Regional Park in Whangaparaoa.
Claim to Fame: Has New Zealand’s largest tree, an 81m tall Eucalyptus regnans (an Australian native).
Taieri Gorge
Spectacular scenery surrounded us as we enjoyed a train trip through the 45 kilometres-long Taieri Gorge. Round trip from Dunedin, we travelled on tracks laid between 1871-1891. The ever-changing scenery held my interest for the entire four-hour adventure, much of which I spent on the outdoor platform with my camera. We passed through 12 tunnels and over countless bridges, including the Wingatui Viaduct, the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand.
Note that it’s quite different now from the last time that we visited. Today the train runs a much shorter distance and on a very limited schedule.
Claim to Fame: One of the world’s great train trips.
History-based things to do in Dunedin
If it’s history you are after, there are several fascinating museums in this city, several included on our list of New Zealand’s best museums.
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
This free-to-enter museum takes you through the social history of the Otago region, from the first settlers (Kai Tahu) and their ancestors to the European settlement and then to the present day. The exhibits highlight the changes in the region’s character, culture, technology, art, fashion, and transport.
Claim to Fame: New Zealand’s most modern and innovative museum of social history.
Otago Museum
Our quick run through the Otago Museum was not nearly long enough to appreciate all it offers. It is clearly one of the better museums in the country. It covers a broad base of collections from Victorian taxidermy animals to geological history. The top floor is original and intact to tell the story from the beginning. There are several “cabinets of curiosity” filled with a grab bag of things to observe. Allocate at least half a day.
Claim to Fame: One of the largest museum collections in New Zealand.
Perpetual Guardian Planetarium
The planetarium offers six shows daily, including a live show similar to the one at Stardome in Auckland. Unfortunately, we ran out of time before we had a chance to visit here.
Claim to Fame: World’s southernmost planetarium.
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I don’t follow many sports (only America’s Cup). Therefore, we didn’t visit this commemoration of New Zealand’s greatest sporting triumphs. But if you are a sports fan, it should be high on your list. It is located inside the Dunedin Railway Station.
Claim to Fame: New Zealand’s only sports Hall of Fame.
Things to do in Dunedin: discover wildlife
Fur seals, New Zealand sea lions, Little Penguins, Yellow-eyed penguins, and Royal Albatross are some of the key wildlife you will see on the peninsula.
Royal Albatross Centre
Even if you are not a bird lover, you will be mesmerized watching the Royal Albatross glide through the sky on their three-metre wingspan. Or, visit at dusk and watch a breeding colony of penguins return home for the evening, now run independently at the same location. We opted to do both, and seeing one of the world’s largest flying birds and the world’s smallest penguin within a few hours of each other was magical. Conservation and preservation is the number one goal here, and the tours protect the wildlife while being informative and delightful. Located on Taiaroa Head at the end of the Otago Peninsula, it is accessible via car or as one of many stops within this tour (check for discounts).
Photo Credit: Chris McCormack. Used with permission.
The Royal Albatross Centre sits at Taiaroa Head, the farthest end of the Otago Peninsula. Here we stood mesmerized as we watched a breeding colony of the Northern Royal Albatross glide through the sky on their three-metre wingspan. Conservation and preservation are the number one goals here, and the tours protect the wildlife while being informative and delightful. Reserve your Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, and a guided tour of the Royal Albatross Centre here.
See Little Blue Penguins
Also, at Taiaroa Head, closer to dusk, we learned about and watched a breeding colony of penguins return home for the evening. This event is now run independently by Blue Penguins Pukekura at the same location and includes an opportunity to learn about the significance of the reserve to the Māori people. In 2022, it was voted among the top 10 best experiences in New Zealand on Trip Advisor. Reserve your Blue Penguins Pukekura tour here.
Claim to Fame: Taiaroa Head is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the Northern Royal Albatross.
Penguin Place
We can’t do it all on a single trip, and we visited Penguin Place ten years ago. It is a private conservation reserve built with a series of covered trenches that allow visitors to remain hidden while observing the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, many in nesting boxes built in their natural habitat. The money collected from tickets helps the penguins.
Claim to Fame: World’s first entirely tourism-funded conservation programme.
Take a wildlife cruise
We did this years ago, and it was great. The expert crew pointed out wildlife long before we spotted them. In addition to watching playful fur seals and New Zealand sea lions, we stood mesmerised as the Royal Albatross soared overhead. Best of all, you can often enjoy the Monarch cruise at a discount here.
Claim to fame: over 35 years of award-winning wildlife cruises
Things to do in Dunedin: architecture
Take a look at these images, and you will know why we dedicated a section here to the city’s impressive architecture.
Dunedin Railway Station
Built in the Renaissance Revival style and nicknamed the Gingerbread House, the Dunedin Railway Station is aesthetically pleasing from both the inside and the exterior. It is the city’s fourth railway station and was designed by George Troup, earning him the nickname “Gingerbread George”.
Claim to Fame: Most photographed building in New Zealand.
Otago Boys High School
An in-session boy’s secondary school, a visit here is just to admire the Gothic revival architectural style of the building. It cost £14.800 to build and opened in 1885.
Claim to Fame: One of New Zealand’s oldest boys’ secondary schools.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Standing tall and overlooking the Octagon (centre of town), St Paul’s Cathedral looks more like a European cathedral than one I would expect to find in New Zealand. Entering, the stained glass and wooden details confirm my deja vu. Construction on this cathedral began in 1919, and it replaced the first parish church of St Paul built in 1862-63.
Things to do in Dunedin: estate homes and gardens
Larnach Castle
This masterpiece on the Otago Peninsula is privately owned by the Barker family, who generously share it with New Zealand’s citizens and visitors. It is a mock castle (an estate house built after the 16th century) built by William Larnach beginning in 1870.
Over 200 workers spent three years building the shell, while the detail took 12 additional years. It was once destined to become the finest home in Australasia. Through a series of events, it was left abandoned.
Now restored to its original glory, Larnach Castle Dunedin is open for self-guided tours. Be sure to climb the steps to the tower to enjoy expansive views. We, unfortunately, had a foggy day.
I think it is the fabulous gardens that are the real draw here. Once overgrown and hidden, it took extensive work to restore them. Now, they are a treasure, a peaceful walking destination with secret surprises around every corner.
Segmented into ten garden areas, they range from flowers to rainforest, from open and playful to a shaded elegance. Man’s creativity compliments nature’s beauty. If you need transportation or prefer a guided tour: Check for discounts on Larnach Castle entry here
Claim to Fame: New Zealand’s only castle.
Olveston historic home
The Olveston home is a look at the lifestyle of the wealthy in the early 1900s. An original and virtually unchanged home filled with fine art, is often called an “aesthetic delight”. The gardens cover 4 hectares. The heirs of David Theomin (the original owner) gifted the house to the City of Dunedin in 1966.
Visits are by guided tour only. Unfortunately, we ran out of time before we had a chance to visit here. You can often get a discount on the guided tour here.
Things to do in Dunedin: art
Dunedin street art
I am a huge fan of street art as it helps to define a city and its personality. The city’s commissioned art portrays its playful, larger-than-life atmosphere. An interactive street art map is available here, or get a copy from your hotel. The street art in Dunedin was huge, colourful, and eclectic.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Another destination we didn’t have time to visit, the gallery holds the main public art collection of Dunedin, including old, modern, and contemporary works by New Zealand and overseas artists.
Claim to Fame: New Zealand’s first public Art Gallery and the most extensive collection of old master paintings in New Zealand.
Things to do in Dunedin: brewery tour
Speights Brewery
Speights is one of New Zealand’s most award-winning beers. It is the “Pride of the South”. As a non-beer drinker, the highlight for me was the full range of product tastings at the end. However, this Dunedin brewery tour was fascinating to Jeff, a former homebrewer. Therefore, he describes the tour here:
The Speights brewery was built in 1876 using the technology of the time. That is gravity. Ingredients started at the top and flowed downward until beer exited at the bottom (and shipped in tankers). The brewery changed many times since being founded by James Speight, Charles Greenslade, and William Dawson, and is now automated with state-of-the-art German brewery technology (most recently, $43 million refurbishments).
The engaging tour takes you through the history of the founding of the brewery, the history of the brands, the brewing process, and some of the old feature areas of the brewery, such as the milling room and brew tank room.
Technology and products have changed, including the development of hop pellets, brew kits, malt products (maltexo), and a “healthier” line of soft drinks. The brewery no longer ships beer in tankers but can produce 1000 kegs of beer per day.
The finale of the tour includes a ½ hour visit to the tasting room for unlimited refreshments. The tour has a selection of all their current beers on tap, as well as ciders, the Hopt range of soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages. Reserve your Speight’s Brewery guided your with tasting here
Claim to Fame: Gold medal winner at the 1877 Brewery awards (winning stars still on their logo today).
More things to do in Dunedin
- Baldwin Street
It may not look that steep in the photo, but try walking up the 35% grade, and you will know.
Claim to Fame: the steepest residential street in the world. - Otago Farmers Market
It is an iconic Saturday morning place to be, featuring up to 65 local vendors. Colourful and fun, you will find fresh veggies, fruit, eggs, and meats, as well as cheese, baked goods, artisan products and more.
Claim to fame: An authentic farmers market - Moana Pools
While we didn’t make it here this time, it was a highlight of our last visit. A family-friendly swimming area with six pools, two water slides, waves, a rapid river, and interactive massaging water features.
Claim to Fame: The largest swimming pool in the southern half of New Zealand’s South Island. - Port Chalmers
Thanks to the Otago gold rush, by the mid-1800s, Port Chalmers was the third-largest port in Australasia. Today, it is a charming artisan community filled with interesting galleries.
Claim to Fame: It was the last port visited by Robert Falcon Scott before heading south on his final expedition to Antarctica.
Dunedin city tours
Our recent visit was our first one in over ten years. The wide variety of engaging things to do in Dunedin caught me by surprise. We allocated only three nights. The visit exhausted us.
If you don’t have a lot of time or prefer to be guided, you might want to consider a tour. We had a detailed look at these and their reviews and personal recommendations we have been given, and feel good about them:
- Dunedin City and Otago Peninsula small-group tour
A 7-hour tour hits the highlights and is perfect for those short on time or cruise ship passengers. You will explore the Larnach Castle and Gardens, plus stops at Taiaroa Head, the Royal Albatross Centre, the Dunedin Railway Station, the University of Otago, and Baldwin Street. Reserve your small group tour here - Heritage highlights walk – private tour
A very walkable city, there is so much to learn from your private guide on this one-hour city tour. If you are short on time, this is a great way to see the city highlights, including the Octagon, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Dunedin Railway Station. Reserve your private City Walks tour here - ‘Tales from the Darkest Dunedin‘
If you are looking for something off the beaten track, check out this guided walking tour through Andersons Bay Cemetery. Your guide will take you from grave to grave, revealing interesting, awe-inspiring, and touching secrets. Reserve your Andersons Bay Cemetery guided walking tour here - Southern skies stargazing
The stargazing here is impressive, and if the conditions are right you may even see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). A secondary highlight is the Māori stories about the celestial bodies shared by your guide. If you are unsure about this one, simply read the reviews, and they will convince you. Reserve your southern stargazing tour here
Where to stay in Dunedin
We like a central location and prefer to spend our city time on foot. The beautifully refurbished Distinction Dunedin hotel met all our needs with 4.5-star luxury. Thrilled with our choice, we had one of the best night’s sleep I have had in hotels. Don’t miss my review of the Distinction. There are a few other options we also recommend:
| HOTEL | FEATURES |
| Distinction Dunedin Hotel | The Distinction made us feel special Luxuriously comfortable beds Beautiful views A huge gym on the third floor |
| Larnach Lodge and Stable | Stay and enjoy dinner at NZ’s only castle Clean and comfortable rooms Regal gardens |
| The Victoria Hotel | Traditional-style hotel rooms Great location |
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Read next: South Island Road Trip: Dunedin to Christchurch in New Zealand
What are your favourite things to do in Dunedin?
More from the South Island you might also like … or check out 18 Extraordinary Things to Do in the South Island.
Disclaimer: We worked with Enterprise Dunedin, the local tourism board. Also, we were provided with many complimentary entrances, tours, sample items, or media rates to assist in the writing of this review. The opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Lyn
David and I stayed at Lanarch Castle a few years ago. The accommodation was disappointing but dinner at the castle was lots of fun. We made the mistake of staying two nights but only having a castle dinner on one of the nights. If we were to do it again we would only stay one night. Because you don’t get to stay in the castle itself the only point of staying is to experience the dinner.
Alissa A Apel
I love the photos at Dunedin Chinese Gardens so much! The idea of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a self-sustaining ecosystem is amazing!
Kit
Wow! So many places I’d love to see in an area I’ve never heard of before! Those gardens, the penguins, and even a castle — amazing. If I ever make it to NZ (hopefully, some day), I definitely want to go to some of these places.
Thank you for sharing this valuable info. 🙂
Indah Nuria Savitri
So many beautiful places and things to do there, Rhonda! I really hope I can visit this charming city sometimes in the future. Love to check out those architectures!
Anna
I’m glad I bumped into your post. I am in Nz currently and would be useful when I make my way to Dunedin, Thanks a lot!
James
25 is indeed a long list but NZ is such a beautiful country I am sure you could have came up with a much longer list!
Carol
I would love to visit this city – it sounds perfect for me. The photos as usual are beautiful and your decriptive narrative took me on a trip.
Bill
That looks like quite a place to visit with lots of interesting places to go. The museum reminds me of the University Museum in Oxford and the Pitt Rivers, full of interesting things to see.
Marie Moody aka Xmasdolly
The scenery is beyond beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Paige
I’ve never even heard of Dunedin, but holy cow! There are a lot of things to do there. I’m heading to NZ for the first time, for two weeks in January, so I’ll have to see if Dunedin fits into our mapped route! I would love to visit the Cadbury World Cafe and have a cup of that hot chocolate! The Penguin Place looks darling too!
Rhonda Albom
Two weeks is not a lot of time in our spectacular country. Dunedin is one of many amazing places to see. Where ever you choose to visit will be a good choice.
Francesca Murray
Wow, I learned so much from this post! I had never even heard of Dunedin before, let alone it’s Scottish roots. I have New Zealand on my “someday” list and I’d be more than happy to check out these sights you listed!
Judee@gluten free A-Z Blog
What an incredible post . Thanks for sharing all the things to do and the great photos! Love the architecture and gardens.
[email protected]
These are some really beautiful photos; looks like an amazing place to visit.
Lydia C. Lee
tHOSE GARDENS WITH A VIEW AREbeautiful. And love the street art – best of both worlds!
Sandy N Vyjay
I know that New Zealand is a land of rich natural beauty, but did not know much about Dunedin. Dunedin is indeed a revelation, there is so much to see and experience, it would be a busy schedule. For me, I would love to visit the Chinese Gardens, the Ecosanctuary and the Museums. The street art looks really amazing too.
Mimi & Mitch
The dream to go to New Zealand! It is so far for us so it is quite out of reach for now. Have never heard of Dunedin, seems like a place we should not miss when we go. The botanic garden looks amazing!
vikash
wow ! wonderful photos. Thanks for the lovely article.
budget jan
That’s a huge line-up. Who would have thought there were so many interesting things to do and see in Dunedin. We didn’t get to the Taieri Gorge and it looks gorgeous. Great photos of the boys college and train station.
Mark
Wow so many places to visit. The sports museum for me would be interesting. The train ride looks amazing and the moch castle intriqeing. Dunedin is now on my Bucketlist
Samantha Sparrow
Wow. I would just love love love to visit if I ever make it to NZ. It’s so faraway, but Dunedin looks so beautiful and I love it’s natural feel too. I was most struck by Orokonui Ecosanctuary because I love seeing natural habitats, wildlife and plants and I feel like this is an amazing example of all that NZ has to offer. As a Brit, I also love this place has a Scottish influence too!
Chloe
Dunedin is such a beautiful place. I’ve never been to NZ before and it’s really on my wish list. I love places that have a lot of nature and animals. The penguins are so adorable, reminding me of the ones I saw back in Australia Tasmania!
Teresa
You always make me want to travel. Wish I could afford it. Your pictures are awesome. What type camera do you use? Gorgeous photos!
Jim, Sydney, Australia
Great photos.
Nancy
Wow, wow, and wow!
Wonderful post, and wonderful photos.
stevebethere
Beautiful photos as usual Rhonda and so clear what a lovely place with tons to do love the themed cafe heheh!
Have a tourtastic week 🙂
Stuart Forster
Those gardens look gorgeous. This is a really useful guidecfor people visiting Dunedin.
Clare
That train ride looks absolutely stunning, Rhonda. I’d definitely have to do that. You’ve really sold Dunedin to me with this post and your fabulous post about the gardens last week. No wonder you were exhausted though – you certainly fit a lot into your trip.
Vlad
Beautiful photos, the Taieri Gorge looks absolutely breathtaking! You had me at Penguin Place though, I’ve already added Dunedin on my list. It seems like it’s impossible to get bored there, with so many things to do. That hot chocolate looks to die for, I’m a huge fan of Cadbury, haha.
Megan Jerrard
We are both nature enthusiasts and photographers, so Dunedin sounds like the perfect spot! The botanic and Chinese gardens would be a definite must visit, and Taieri Gorge looks absolutely stunning. Such a beautiful photo from the Penguin Place, and it looks like there’s some fabulous architecture around town too. So much to see and do!
Ryan Biddulph
How jaw-droppingly gorgeous Dunedin is Rhonda. Those gardens are insane. I marvel at the beauty in NZ. We should have hopped over for a bit when in Fiji a while back but we will visit one day. We have to; Hobbiton is on my travel list, and the country is too pristine and clean to pass up. The people are fabulous too. I met so many kind, friendly Kiwis on the road.
Ryan
Monika
My friends say New Zealand is one of the most fascinating places on Earth – I haven’t been there yet, unfortunately. I’d love to go on a photography tour there – it seems so various and beautiful!
And the murals seem great! Good there’s a map tour to follow 🙂
Rhonda Albom
It is. If you can plan a long visit here, you won’t regret it.
Kiyoko
Wow! This place looks fantastic! So many places that sounds amazing! The Chinese garden, Taieri Gorge, the Royal Albatross Centre, the Penguin Place, Otago Boys High School, St. Paul’s Cathedral. As a lover of gardens, animals, and medieval/gothic architecture, this place sounds like the perfect destination for me!
Kavita Favelle
I am reading a lot of content about NZ at the moment, really making me want to visit. Your post on Dunedin is no exception, it looks like a great city to visit. I love botanical gardens, so knowing that it has a reputation as the garden city is a big bonus.
Hannah
I’m a kiwi who has never visited Dunedin! But I live in Edinburgh, on which Dunedin’s name and layout is based, so I feel akin to it already! Dunedin is on our list for when we visit NZ again in a couple of years, and will get a chance to visit more of the south island. I love your photos of the Taieri Gorge, and a trip on this amazing railway is definitely a must-do for me when we visit. I’m sad about the Cadbury factory closing – it was always a bit of an institution, and we used to beg my dad to visit when we were as far down as Christchurch! This has made me quite homesick – thank you! 😉
Anda
Wow, quite a lot to see and do in Dunedin. Just the wildlife alone would be enough to keep me busy for a while, to say nothing of the museums, street art and the historic homes.
Rhonda Albom
Anda, that’s what I thought too. Honestly, I was headed to Dunedin to see the albatross and other wildlife. The rest was a wonderful eye opener.
Jill
I like reading travel blogs because I’m always learning something new about the world. I knew nothing about Dunedin – about it’s rare penguins, street art or history. Looks like a very cool place to visit.
Deborah
I’ve not been to Dunedin either time I’ve been to NZ but it looks lovely. That picture of the gorge is stunning and feels quite unlike our terrain here in Australia.
I also love the museum pic. What is that creature? A dinosaur? It’s huge and very impressive.
All gorgeous!
Anonymous
It’s a blue whale from memory.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, that is correct. It’s a whale and has been hanging here since the museum opened.
Kathy Marris
In all the trips we’ve done across the ditch, we’ve never been as far south as Dunedin. I think we will definitely have to put it on our agenda for our next visit. It looks like a stunning place. Thanks for the great overview.
Rhonda Albom
Next time Kathy. From here we drove up the east coast to Christchurch. It’s and easy drive filled with some wonderful stops. It all gets overshadowed by the excitement of Queenstown. I will be blogging all of it over the next few weeks.
Obligatory Traveler
OMG. This place has so many things I love, gardens, architecture, penguins and hot chocolate. I think I HAVE to go here when I visit New Zealand
Amy
I’ve never been there, maybe I should, the coffees are to do for by the look of it.
Jenn and Ed Coleman
Dunedin looks remarkably like San Diego. I always imagined New Zealand being consistently colder and wetter. I would love to visit the penguins and it’s super cool that their is an entirely tourism funded conservatory. I hope more people take notice of the positive power of eco tourism.
Rhonda Albom
Dunedin is colder than San Diego in all seasons. Dunedin is much less of hang out the beach town, and more hiking and nature orientated in my opinion.
Tanvi
I’m honestly so mesmerized after looking at the pictures of those gardens.. It made me feel like I just saw some other planet.. and you are right in such times it’s always better to take a guided tour to understand more about the flora and fauna.. Also love how the city is a mixture of architecture and nature & is also a student city it seems.. Different cultures at the same place.. will definitely keep that in mind if i ever plan for new zealand
Rhonda Albom
That describes New Zealand well. We are lucky to still have so much open space and protected areas for plants and wildlife to flourish.
Hilary
Your photos are stunning, and if I didn’t already have a desire to visit New Zealand these would have made up my mind! We’re BIG hot chocolate fans in our house, so that would have been a welcome treat too bad the factory is closing… do you know why?
Rhonda Albom
I can guarantee you, Cadbury World Cafe will raise the bar for hot chocolate expectations. As for the factory, it was a decision by the parent company. It’s very sad for Dunedin as it employs 350 people.
Corinne
We loved our quick stay in Dunedin a few years ago, but I must admit we missed a few things. When we went, we were most interested in the wildlife and that’s where we spent our time, but I would love to go back and do the gardens and the museum. How fun!
Rhonda Albom
Remember, this is our second visit. (Plus two trips there for hospital visits from when we lived in Wanaka – 3.5 hours away and at the time it was the closest major hospital.) So, much of former visits were focused on our children, who were young then.
Julia
Cool, this looks really very inviting all! You got me at the Albatross and the Chocolate Cafe 🙂 I guess, I will have to go back for Dunedin then one day!
Rhonda Albom
Too many people skip Dunedin, opting for West coast – also a great choice by the way. The South Island really requires a lot of time to see it all
JJ Johnson
New Zealand seems to be quite an extraordinary destination. I would not leave the gardens and once I am finally asked to leave I’ll trips onto the museums.
Truly beautiful photos.
Rhonda Albom
The gardens will usually stay open until sunset, while the museums will close much earlier. So, perhaps you should go in the other order
Marcus and Mel
Looks a really pretty area, shame it’s so far away. Hopefully, we will get to NZ within the next couple of years. Taieri Gorge looks a beautiful trip, not to mention Cadbury World (shame it is closing!)
Rhonda Albom
At least Cadbury Cafe isn’t closing, it will be around for a long time.
Melanie Klien
Rhonda, I’m impressed that you get to manage to see THAT many things within such a short amount of time. My favorite probably would have been the gardens and the street art. I would love to support the penguins as well and I love the architecture in this place. New Zealand must be such a beautiful place.
Rhonda Albom
We had a pretty tight schedule and were on the go nearly all the time, and, we didn’t see it all – several of the places mentioned above say that we missed them.
Esther
Wow, this looks like an amazing place to go to. It’s so incredibly versatile. Right up my ally. Thank you for the guide!
Rhonda Albom
Versatile is a great word to describe Dunedin.
California Globetrotter
I never realized that NZ had such beautiful European style architecture before! I’ve only ever mostly seen the beautiful landscape! You have me intrigued now!
Rhonda Albom
There are only a few architectural masterpieces like this scattered about the country. I think that’s why they are so special.
Expert Traveller
Wow! A very extensive list. We’ve been to NZ a number of times but we’ve never been to Dunedin. It’s sure on the list now though. Thanks for the awesome detail of what to see and do whilst there.
Rhonda Albom
A lot of people skip Dunedin, but it is worth a visit. The trouble with the South Island is that there are so many wonderful places to visit.
RR
Dunedin is definitely on my list of places to visit.
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, it took us by surprise.
Cindy Collins
Albatross, penguins and endangered birds, this place sounds like a place I would love! Add the best hot chocolate in the world and award winning beers to the equation and you’ve 100% sold it to me. I will add to our list of places to visit in New Zealand. Now I just need to get back there asap!
Rhonda Albom
There are also geckos, skinks, and sea lions on the Otago Peninsula. It’s a paradise beyond words, as is the hot chocolate.
Ruth
This is quite the list! I would love to visit the gardens and the gorge. I am attracted to the natural place but have to admit the city has very beautiful architecture. And, that castle looks beautiful. I would need to visit since it is the only one in the country.
Rhonda Albom
I am not sure which gardens are calling to you, but you cant go wrong, especially in springtime. The train through the gorge is amazing, as is the train station. As for castles, remember, Europeans didn’t discover New Zealand until long after the medieval days.
Elaine
My great great grandfather left Bristol in 1838, came to Dunedin when it was just bush, and mud and if he could see it now he would amazed.
Rose
I have long wanted to visit New Zealand, and learning about Dunedin is just making the desire stronger! The “garden city” name is well-deserved.
Rhonda Albom
Very true, about the name, there are several more gardens that didn’t make my list.
Sandee
Lots of fun places to visit. It’s a beautiful area and your photography does it up very well.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
It is a city loaded with fun places to visit, and stunning sites to see.