It’s fair to say that Dunedin is one of the South Island’s more distinctive cities, combining big ancient architecture as well as wilderness experiences. So, we’ve created this list of things to do in Dunedin, NZ, to focus on the options.
1. What is Dunedin in NZ famous for?
Dunedin is renowned for its extraordinary landscape as well as its stirring past. Also, its strong Scottish heritage has earned it the moniker “the Edinburgh of New Zealand”. This is also where you’ll find Larnach Castle, the only real castle in New Zealand.
2. Is a trip to Dunedin worthwhile?
It’s one of New Zealand’s major cities with a distinctive atmosphere, and it’s situated on the South Island. In and around Dunedin, there are several amazing opportunities to experience wildlife. It’s a terrific area to get up close and personal with unusual species because it’s tucked away among hills and by a picturesque bay. Besides, rare penguins that are virtually unattainable everywhere in the globe can be found here. Additionally, fur seals and sea lions thrive and relax on the beach.
3. Best things to do in Dunedin, NZ
Investigate the Otago Peninsula
One of the greatest sites in New Zealand to watch the Southern Lights is on the Otago Peninsula, which is also a haven for wildlife and offers breathtaking views. The Otago Peninsula’s coves and inlets are worth exploring by car or on a rented bike. The Otago Peninsula offers so many attractions, from wildlife encounters to castle excursions, that it will appear on this list of things to do in Dunedin quite a few times.
Visit Tunnel Beach
One of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural coastal features is easily accessible from the center of Dunedin by short driving or public bus ride. At low tide, a man-made tunnel through the rocks at Tunnel Beach allows access to the beach, where you can see arches carved out by the waves. Additionally, there are lots of waterfall photo chances!
Engage the mountain biking trails
There are bike paths in Dunedin to suit all skill levels, from gentle rides on the Otago Peninsula or in the nearby hills to dedicated downhill mountain riding courses. Additionally, starting the 151 km (94 mi) long, multi-day Otago Central Rail Trail from Dunedin to Middlemarch by train is a great activity to experience the region.
View incredible wildlife
The Otago Peninsula is not only a worthwhile road trip due to its breathtaking landscape and the Southern Lights, as mentioned in point #1, but it is also home to wading birds, New Zealand sea lions, fur seals, royal albatrosses, small blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, and yellow-eyed penguins. Diverse tour companies transport tourists to the peninsula from Dunedin while showing the wildlife that lives along the coastlines in each company’s distinctive approach.
Check out the Otago Museum
The Otago Museum, in particular, is one of the museums in Dunedin that is highly recommended. Through eye-catching exhibits and artifacts, learn about the natural and social history of New Zealand, the Otago area, Dunedin, and the rest of the world. Also, a tropical butterfly garden and a planetarium have even been crammed in!
Visit the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
The Toitu Otago Settlers Museum is yet another outstanding attraction in Dunedin. In this museum packed with incredibly fascinating exhibitions, go through Dunedin’s history from the earliest human settlers to the present-day population. This interactive museum allows visitors to step into historic Maori settlements, emigrant ships, and even former public buses from Dunedin.
Explore the gardens and visit Larnach Castle
Here in Dunedin on the Otago Peninsula is where you may find New Zealand’s lone castle. Larnach Castle offers a variety of ways to experience its magnificent medieval structure as well as gardens, including self-guided tours and high tea in the Ballroom.
Travel on the Inlander Train
Your voyage on The Inlander train, originally known as the Taieri Gorge Railway. It begins at the Dunedin Railway Station. Also, it is one of Dunedin’s most recognizable structures. Enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing river gorge as you travel through tunnel after tunnel and bridge after viaduct on this historic tour.
Investigate the Dunedin Botanic Garden
The Dunedin Botanic Gardens offer plenty of opportunities for exercise, fresh air, as well as sightseeing. This city’s free attraction offers a variety of things to do, such as climbing up an extinct volcano, admiring the birds in the aviary, hunting down all the hidden statues and sculptures, viewing exotic plants in the glasshouse, and simply getting some exercise on the walking trails. Furthermore, if you’re traveling with children, it’s the ideal place to bring the little ones.
Walk up the “Steepest Street in the World”
Baldwin Street holds the title of having the steepest residential street in the world, making it one of Dunedin’s more absurd attractions. While not detracting too much time from your schedule, getting to the summit offers some humorous photo possibilities.
4. How to go around Dunedin
If you arrive in the city without a car, there are many dependable buses and taxis, and the central city is small and easy to walk. The city is also quite easy to navigate; in fact, we have earned the nickname “the 15 minute city” for this precise reason. Additionally, public transportation choices include taxis, rental cars, buses, bicycles, and e-scooters.
5. How long will you need to spend in Dunedin?
Some people visit Dunedin for a day, but I advise spending three days there. This enables you to discover the distinctive wildlife and breathtaking environment outside the city center as well as the main things to do in Dunedin.
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