10 Must Do Attractions in Dunedin and Otago
16 February 18
Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin is recognised for its landscapes, wildlife and cultural history. Surrounded by dramatic mountain regions and a picturesque harbour, it is one of the most well preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The Otago Peninsular is also visually stunning and well known for its incredible wildlife including the world’s rarest penguin colonies. See our list of must-do attractions while in Dunedin and Otago.
1. Larnach Castle
Built in 1871, the castle is privately owned by the Barker family who over decades have restored the building and collected period furniture and antiques. Hear the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour and enjoy spectacular views while wandering around the Garden of International Significance.
2. Dunedin Railway Station
With Renaissance-style architecture featuring Oamaru Limestone and black Basalt rock, the Dunedin Railway Station has been nicknamed ‘Grand Gingerbread House’. Opened in 1906, the station is fully restored to original condition and features a restaurant, art gallery and sports museum.
3. Speight’s Brewery
Enjoy a tour through Speight’s historic working brewery and home to one of NZ’s most popular beers. Travel through the old brewery which has been left in place for visitors to see before visiting the new brewhouse. Learn about the history and sample a range of Speight’s products.
4. Dunedin Botanical Gardens
Explore the beauty of nature with quiet paths amid plants and flowers. Smell the frangipanis, picnic by the plants and appreciate the Rhododendron Dell, one of New Zealand’s native plants. While exploring the 30 hectares, don’t miss spotting the wild birds, appreciating the statues and a quick visit to the Winter Garden Glasshouse, an Edwardian building home to tropical plants is a must.
5. Olveston Historic Home
Furnished with fine art, furniture and artefacts purchased from around the world, the Ovelston Historic Home is a time capsule depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the 20th century.
6. Taieri Gorge Railway
The Taieri Gorge scenic journey will travel through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and iconic scenery. The train will make its way through ten tunnels and over countless bridges and viaducts. The natural wonders combined with the challenge of man-made engineering will leave you amazed. Your journey includes sightseeing stops, commentary and a licenced café.
7. Literature and Art Trails
Dunedin is a UNESCO City of Literature. Visit the Writer’s Walk, Reed and de Beer Galleries, head to Dutybound Book Bindery or the University Book Shop. Follow the Street Art trail and see 25 large and whimsical artworks from international and local artists.
8. Wildlife Spotting
Commonly known as the Wildlife capital of New Zealand, the 20km long harbour is the home of albatross and multiple species of penguins and seals. Visit the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary or join a wildlife tour with Awesome Tours NZ.
9. Visit the Octagon
Stand in the centre of Dunedin and appreciate the 8-sided plaza, which makes up some of Dunedin’s most important history. Historical buildings such as the Public Library and St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral are featured in the north, Dunedin’s Public Art Gallery and Regent Theatre in the south and various cafes, bars and alfresco dining make the Octagon popular.
10. Visit the World’s Steepest Street
Baldwin street is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s steepest residential street. The street is 350 metres long, rising from 30m to 100m above sea level. Each year, the Baldwin Street Gutbuster sees runners race each other to the top and back, with the record of 1 minute and 56 seconds.
Categories
All (105)
Special Offers (3)
Discover New Zealand (23)
General (10)
Tour Highlights (9)
In the Press (23)
Industry (2)
Ultimate Small Group Tours (3)
Cruise & Luxury Coach Tours (4)
Solo Travel (5)
Warbirds Over Wanaka Aviation Event (21)
Most Popular Articles
Travel Talk
Number of news items returned: 1 to 15 records of 105
Hobbiton Movie Set
03 September 2018
(14248 views)
Discover the Real Middle Earth The idyllic village of Hobbiton™ is Middle-earth at its best. Located within the rolling green farmland ...
Take an Ultimate Small Group Tour to New Zealand
31 March 2015
(12152 views)
New Zealand has an endless array of world class experiences, sights, sounds and tastes for travellers to enjoy. The country ...
Discover New Zealand by Sea and Land
01 December 2016
(7252 views)
Experience a holiday like never before with Grand Pacific Tours. Cruise on one of the most luxurious Superliners, the Celebrity ...
New Zealand is world's 'greenest' destination
24 November 2014
(6271 views)
New Zealand has been named as the overall winner of this year's Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism awards. By Charles Starmer-Smith (telegraph.co.uk) New ...
FREE upgrade to EMIRATES Business Class valued up to $2580 per couple**
04 June 2019
(6266 views)
Everyone deserves a bit of luxury! Stretch out and relax with a free Business Class upgrade on Emirates flights when you ...
New Zealand is magical by coach
27 October 2015
(5297 views)
Whether you are marvelling at the spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords or simply relaxing in a thermal pool, New Zealand is ...
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
14 August 2019
(4989 views)
The journey of a lifetime Climb aboard one of the world’s most famous train journeys and travel between Christchurch and Arthur’s ...
Ultimate Small Group Tours
05 April 2019
(4556 views)
Experience business class on wheels The beauty of travelling aboard the Ultimate Coach in a small group is that every aspect of ...
Experience the best of New Zealand
03 November 2014
(4475 views)
There’s a reason the sun shines on New Zealand before anywhere else – every new day in Aotearoa is something ...
An Introduction to Modern Luxury
02 January 2019
(4002 views)
The Celebrity Solstice® offers you more than you ever imagined. Enjoy casual outdoor activities on a freshly manicured lawn on the ...
Southern Land
05 January 2015
(3950 views)
Nuclear-free New Zealand takes the lead when it comes to conservation. Touring through the South Island, Casey-Ann Seaniger falls in ...
Explore New Zealand in Ultimate Luxury
12 January 2018
(3891 views)
There comes a time in our lives where we begin to prefer quality over quantity and crave more comfort and ...
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
31 July 2018
(3669 views)
Relax on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise while you view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re ...
Queenstown secures its place on global Monopoly Board
27 March 2015
(3546 views)
New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown has yet another grand accolade to add to its already extensive collection. Source: www.newzealand.com The South Island ...
TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ
08 September 2015
(3387 views)
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship the TSS Earnslaw, undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Queenstown’s famed ...