Travel Guide of Dunedin in New Zealand by Influencers and Travelers

Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago region. Its name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Dunedin

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Sandfly Bay

Sandfly Bay is a sandy bay with large dunes 15 kilometres east of central Dunedin, New Zealand. Located on the southern side of Otago Peninsula, between Seal Point and the Gull Rocks on the western side of Sandymount, Sandfly Bay is a Department of Conservation wildlife reserve frequented by trampers.

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2 - Dunedin Railways

Dunedin Railways is an operator of a railway line and tourist trains based at Dunedin Railway Station in the South Island of New Zealand.

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3 - Shore Excursions in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

   14 km away

See the beautiful countryside surrounding Dunedin when your cruise ship is in port, on a small-group tour of the Otago Peninsula. This scenic tour takes you to lookouts for panoramic views over the countryside and coast, and reveals the relaxed seaside villages surrounding Dunedin. See sea lions basking in the sun on one of the regions most scenic beaches, and enjoy the personalized attention on this small-group shore excursion, with numbers limited to 19 people.

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4 - Mount Cargill

   8 km away

Mount Cargill, known in Māori as Kapukataumahaka, is a volcanic outcrop which dominates the skyline of northern Dunedin, New Zealand. The peak is named for Captain William Cargill, an early leader of the Province of Otago.

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5 - Otago Peninsula Motel

   6 km away

The settlement of Harington Point lies within the boundaries of the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. It is located at the Otago Heads, at the northeastern end of Otago Peninsula, close to the entrance of Otago Harbour.

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6 - Safaris in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

   14 km away

Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one hour Wildlife Cruise. You'll travel out through the Otago Harbour to the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea, flying past a historic lighthouse as they return to their hillside nests. The skipper will expertly maneuver the boat close to rocky outcrops for great views of the local fur seal population. A short way out to sea and you'll see other albatross and seabird species. Our cruises also frequently spot blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins! The crew will provide a full commentary during your cruise about the local history, scenery and wildlife spotted along the way. Don't be put off by cool & windy weather. These are often the best conditions for wildlife viewing. Especially when it comes to albatross, they love a brisk southerly wind. Binoculars and warm jackets are provided during your cruise.

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7 - Allans Beach Road

Allans Beach is a white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean coast of Otago Peninsula, in the South Island of New Zealand. It forms the seaward shore of a large spit at the entrance to Hoopers Inlet.

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8 - Dunedin Town Hall

The Dunedin Town Hall, also known as the Dunedin Centre, is a municipal building in the city of Dunedin in New Zealand. It is located in the heart of the city extending from The Octagon, the central plaza, to Moray Place through a whole city block.

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9 - Castle Tours in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

   14 km away

Visit New Zealand’s only Castle, situated on the dramatic Otago Peninsula and only a 20 minute drive from Dunedin. Learn about the colonial history and stories of William Larnach - entrepreneur and politician, plus ongoing restoration by the Barker family. Experience the finest Victorian craftsmanship, the excellent collection of New Zealand antiques and unparalleled views of the Otago Peninsula. Walk in the gardens rated a garden of International significance by NZGT. Take refreshment in the historic Ballroom café serving the best local food and drink. This is for ticket admission only. Transportation, food, drinks, and other accommodations are not included.

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10 - Tunnel Beach

   6 km away

Tunnel Beach is a locality 7.5 kilometres southwest of the city centre of Dunedin, New Zealand. Located just south of St Clair, Tunnel Beach has sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves.

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11 - Boulder Beach

   9 km away

Boulder Beach is a rocky beach which is located on the Pacific side of the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Boulder Beach can be accessed by a number of walking tracks.

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12 - Wildlife Watching in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

   14 km away

See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening. Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Maori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special "behind the scenes" look at the reserve and penguin habitat. We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography) Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022). Most tours are lead by conservation experts/biologist Other wildlife often seen (e.g. seals, sealions, albatross)

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13 - Sandymount

   13 km away

Sandymount is the name of a prominent hill on Otago Peninsula, in the southeastern South Island of New Zealand. It is 13 kilometres east of the city centre of Dunedin, close to the northeastern end of Sandfly Bay, and rises to a height of 312 metres.

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14 - Aramoana

   14 km away

Aramoana is a small coastal settlement 27 kilometres north of Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand. The settlement's permanent population in the 2001 Census was 261. Supplementing this are seasonal visitors from the city who occupy cribs. The name Aramoana is Māori for "pathway of the sea".

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15 - Bike Rentals in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

   14 km away

Locally owned and operated business, our bikes are easy step through bikes designed for the cycle tracks in our city.

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16 - Blueskin Bay

   17 km away

Blueskin Bay is an estuary in coastal Otago, about 25 km north of Dunedin, New Zealand. The name also unofficially describes the rural district which includes the northern slopes of Mount Cargill, the southern slopes of the Kilmog, and the townships of Doctors Point, Waitati, Evansdale, Warrington, and Seacliff.

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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Dunedin here

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Pictures and Stories of Dunedin from Influencers

14 pictures of Dunedin from Aleks Dahlberg, Josh Withers, Joshua Harris and other travelers

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Why should you visit Dunedin ?

Travel to Dunedin if you like:

  ⛰️ Cliff     🗼 Landmark     ⛰️ Hill station  

Learn More about Dunedin

Dunedin is a city in New Zealand located in the Otago region on the east coast of the South Island. It's the second largest city on the island with 118,683 inhabitants. Known for its mountains with rounded peaks and steep cliffs, it's a very vibrant city as it is teeming with students from the University of Otago, the oldest university in New Zealand and the second largest university in the South Island after Christchurch.

The gold rush of 1881 attracted immigrants from all over the world. A few months later, the population increased fivefold.
Now, the city centre has many shops and restaurants along George Street, the main thoroughfare.
It's an architectural jewel thanks to its Scottish origins from which the city benefits. Here you can see some amazing things, as Baldwin Steet, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It climbs 350 metres with a 35 degree gradient. It is the steepest street in the world.

If you like lively cities, Dunedin is made for you ! 

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Dunedin

What is Dunedin New Zealand known for ?

Dunedin is known to be the Albatross colony home. By the way, it exist in Dunedin a place for them : The "Royal Albatross Centre" .

Is Dunedin the oldest city in New Zealand ?

No, Christchurch is the oldest city in New Zealand. It's at 5 hours drive by car from Dunedin.

   Where to Stay in Dunedin

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Dunedin

  ⛰️ Cliff spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🏖️ Beach spots     🏖️ Headland spots     🗼 Landmark spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🏞️ Reservoir spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🏖️ Coast spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots  

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