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: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour
Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour (Shore Excursion)
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Top hotels in Sawyers Bay
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Very run down hotel. Room and bathroom don’t appear to have been updated since the 1970’s.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
The room itself was nice, two comfy big beds and a small bar fridge so just what we needed really. The bathroom though was pretty outdated, a few ratty old fixtures that could do with replacing like the broken toilet seat and towel holders etc. Everything still useable and wasn’t a major concern ...
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Good breakfast. Right in town and closed to many restaurants, groceries stores and train station, churches.
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Beach lodge motel
A good place for the night. The double bed was pretty hard but we were so tired it was ok. There was space in the bathroom to put your clothes on when getting ready in the morning. A shelf in the closet could have been helpful. The room was clean and the ac/heating unit worked really well.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels
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Reviewed on 8 Apr 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 Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin Botanic Garden.
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.
