Sawyers Bay Travel Guide
Dunedin
Visit Sawyers Bay
Popular places to visit

University of Otago
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.

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

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

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

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

Dunedin Botanic Garden
Spot native birdlife, admire thousands of colourful plant species and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns at this pretty public garden.
Things to do

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour (Shore Excursion)

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
Top hotels in Sawyers Bay

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Everything was as expected. I enjoyed my stay and the staff amazing. Only downside was the roads works at night
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Friendly staff, excellent space in our room and very central area to stay
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Friendly staff and clean hotel
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Nice room, great food and drink
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Beach lodge motel
Clean rooms and friendly staff.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Very good room with a huge bathroom. All the staff were friendly and helpful Breakfast was excellent with a wide choice of food Restaurant food was good and reasonably priced
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Sawyers Bay

Port Chalmers
Visitors to Port Chalmers like its churches and waterfront, and Port Chalmers Museum is a sight worth a stop.

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

Macandrew Bay
Travellers like the monuments in Macandrew Bay, and Glenfalloch Gardens is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Ravensbourne
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ravensbourne and surrounding area, you can visit Signal Hill and Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Highcliff
When in Highcliff, you can plan a visit to Boulder Beach and Forsyth Barr Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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