Things to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

Larnach Castle which includes château or palace and street scenes
Larnach Castle which includes château or palace and street scenes
Dunedin showing farmland and landscape views
Dunedin which includes a church or cathedral, mist or fog and street scenes
Larnach Castle
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Top places to visit

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 showing interior views

7. St. Paul's Cathedral

Gazing up from Dunedin’s Octagon, you can’t miss the ornate façade and towering spires of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Step inside and discover beautiful stone carvings, artwork and more, all illuminated by the colored light of stunning stained-glass windows.
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St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects

What to do in Dunedin

Popular places to visit

Our wee #Hogwarts here in #Dunedin. All we need are wands and school robes, then magic is for real.

University of Otago

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Otago during your trip to Dunedin. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its charming cafes.

University of Otago
The Octagon which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

The Octagon

4/5(13 reviews)

Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.

The Octagon
Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle

4/5(6 reviews)

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.

Larnach Castle
St. Clair Beach

St. Clair Beach

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Soak in the outdoor pool or take on the Pacific Ocean waves at one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches.

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

Dunedin Town Hall

3.5/5(4 reviews)

Watch rock concerts and classical music recitals at this auditorium, which is one of several facilities located in the Dunedin Centre.

Dunedin Town Hall
Dunedin Botanic Garden which includes a lake or waterhole and a park

Dunedin Botanic Garden

5/5(8 reviews)

Spot native birdlife, admire thousands of colourful plant species and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns at this pretty public garden.

Dunedin Botanic Garden
Speight\'s Brewery showing interior views

Speight's Brewery

4/5(2 reviews)

Learn the secrets of one of New Zealand’s most successful beer companies with a visit to this historic brewery.

Speight's Brewery
St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects

St. Paul's Cathedral

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Dramatic architecture, exquisite sculptures, superb stained-glass windows and one of the country’s largest pipe organs are all on show at Dunedin’s Anglican cathedral.

St. Paul's Cathedral
Otago Museum

Otago Museum

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Find prehistoric fossils and ancient statues. Learn all about the enthralling cultural and physical history of New Zealand.

Otago Museum

Areas of Dunedin

Dunedin featuring heritage elements, a pond and a garden

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Regent Theatre or Grand Casino.

Dunedin City Centre
These piers are all that is left of a sea wall which has long since disappeared. They are located at the western end of a long sandy beach, close to shops and cafes, and a salt water swimming pool

St. Clair

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to St. Clair. A stop by St. Clair Beach or St. Clair Golf Club might round out your trip.

St. Clair
When the weather permits you to enjoy a world-class beauty

North Dunedin

Unique features of North Dunedin include the spas and gardens. Make a stop by Otago Museum or Dunedin Botanic Garden while you're exploring the area.

North Dunedin
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Portobello

While visiting Portobello, you might make a stop by sights like Silver Peaks Reserve and Lighthouse.

Portobello
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Bradford

When in Bradford, you can plan a visit to Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bradford
Saint Claire, Saint Kilda and Lawyers Head Beaches in Dunedin, New Zealand

Saint Kilda

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Beaches and bars are some things travellers note about Saint Kilda. Check out St. Clair Beach or Edgar Centre while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Saint Kilda

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Dunedin offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Dunedin?
Start your day with a visit to Tunnel Beach and Dunedin Railways. Then, explore different parts of Dunedin for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dunedin?
Tunnel Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dunedin and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dunedin?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Tunnel Beach, Dunedin Railways and Pineapple Track with a three-day trip to Dunedin. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to St. Clair.
Is Dunedin a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Dunedin, including Dunedin Railways and Orokonui Ecosanctuary, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Dunedin is North Dunedin and Roslyn is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dunedin with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dunedin with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Dunedin for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Dunedin for adults including Seriously Twisted.
Are there free things to do in Dunedin?
In Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Dunedin.

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