What to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a tower, surrounded by trees and a green bus.
A winding road curving through a hilly landscape with a lake and a distant town.
A street with a tall church spire, shops, and cars.
A gazebo overlooking a lake with mountains in the background.
A grassy field with a fence, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Things to do

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

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

Rp1.775.489
per adult
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour

Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour

Rp2.468.875
per adult
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Rp504.281
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

Rp2.784.051
per adult
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
First Church, the third iteration of the first Presbyterian church

Dunedin True Crime Walking Tour Inner City

Rp682.880
per adult
Dunedin True Crime Walking Tour Inner City
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Rp3.041.234
per adult
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion
See wild penguins just metres away !

Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

Rp577.822
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
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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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A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

2. 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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A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.

3. 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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A large building with a tower, a fountain in the middle of a circular lawn, and trees around.

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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A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

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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A pink bottlebrush flower amidst green foliage.

6. First Church of Otago

Stroll through the grounds of the First Church of Otago and admire the building’s turrets, ornate façade and towering spire. Step inside to see the spectacular wooden ceiling lit up by the glow from a large rose-shaped stained-glass window.
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An ornate church interior with wooden beams, a balcony, and stained glass windows.

7. Otago Museum

Study a display of indigenous artefacts that includes a 19th-century canoe and fine woodcarvings at the excellent Otago Museum. Stand beside the skeleton of a huge fin whale and stroll around a living rainforest complete with colourful birds and butterflies.
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The Otago Museum building with a sign for the Bugs exhibition.

8. Baldwin Street

Put your legs to the test as you climb the almost impossibly steep road to the summit of Baldwin Street. Rest at the top and enjoy views across the city and parkland. Then make your way back to town for a well-earned drink.
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A residential street with houses, parked cars, and a steep hill.

What to do in Dunedin

Stay near popular Dunedin attractions

A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

The Octagon

8.6/10 (1,626 reviews)
This historic plaza features a unique octagonal design surrounded by Dunedin's most significant landmarks. Enjoy the vibrant café scene, browse local shops, and soak up the cultural atmosphere at this city centre hub.
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Where to stay in Dunedin

Find the best Dunedin areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

Dunedin City Centre

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 Grand Casino or The Octagon.

A series of weathered wooden posts in the ocean.

St. Clair

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.

A large, ornate building with a clock tower, surrounded by well-manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Kathleen Anne
Open Photo by Kathleen Anne

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.

South Dunedin

Travellers enjoy South Dunedin for its restaurants and waterfront. Consider checking out Edgar Centre while you're in the area.

A coastal landscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a hillside with buildings.

Saint Kilda

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.

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 kilometers from the city centre of Dunedin is North Dunedin and Roslyn is 2 kilometers 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.