Dunedin will sate your needs if you’re looking for the unusual, fantastical, or just fascinating. Dunedin, located on New Zealand’s South Island’s southeast coast, is home to some amazing natural beauties. Huge basalt rock columns and unusual fauna roaming can be found here. Many inventive creators who are the brains behind some of Dunedin’s most unique activities call the city home, and Dunedin is proud of them.
1. Organ Pipes Track
The Otago Peninsula’s volcanic origins have left behind several amazing and peculiar natural structures, which give Dunedin a very distinctive look. The Organ Pipes are Dunedin’s very own striking basalt rock columns that form a sizable attraction that resembles the musical instrument.
Access to these pillars (also known as columnar jointing) is through The Organ Pipes Track. This course may be begun at the Mt. Cargill Road parking lot and takes about an hour to complete one way. The Organ Pipes and Butters Peak, which are immediately beyond, offer stunning vistas that make the trip worthwhile.
2. Baldwin Street
One of the more well-liked activities in Dunedin is this. To witness the steepest street in the world, go to Baldwin Street in the North East Valley suburb! The title of “the” steepest street in the world is subject to a great deal of technicality, including the measurement of the steepness from a location other than the road’s center line.
Baldwin Street’s perilous slope has a gradient of 34.8% at its steepest point. Although Baldwin Street contributes to putting Dunedin on the map, those who live at the top may no longer find it as exciting.
3. The Museum of Natural Mystery
Only in Dunedin will you find a private residence turned museum with a collection of skulls and bones. Explore the halls packed with odd cultural artifacts, skeletons, and other fascinatingly odd items.
Check out the owner Bruce Mahalski’s collection of interesting bone sculptures and artwork; he has contributed his skills to numerous street artworks dotted throughout the city. Experience Dunedin’s Museum of Natural Mystery for a truly unique and memorable time. Normally, it is open three days a week.
4. Escape Room at the Dunedin Prison
Enter the Dunedin Prison voluntarily and put your teamwork abilities to the test in this ultimate escape room adventure. Within 60 minutes, complete a series of challenges to find your way out of a locked area. If only the Dunedin Prison’s walls could speak.
The prison, which is now closed, is the ideal location for an escape room! This is a fun, unique activity in Dunedin for parties and couples since it encourages healthy competition and pure enjoyment. Additionally, Escape Dunedin’s profits support the upkeep of Dunedin Prison.
5. Hair Raiser Ghost Tours
Speaking of quirky, the Dunedin Hair Raiser Ghost Tours will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. These walking tours are fun, instructive, and a little bit creepy. Walk through old cemeteries in Dunedin, through basements, and down alleyways; each one has a terrifying tale of woe that frightens even skeptics. The best night out in Dunedin may be had by booking a tour or setting up a private tour with a group.
6. Visit the New New New Brewery
With its unique branding and daring flavors, New New New has left its mark on the Dunedin craft beer scene. Raspberries, coriander, coconut, bananas, and peaches are among the exotic ingredients utilized in their wide selection, which also includes classics like Hazy IPAs, but usually with a twist.
New New New redefines what a delicious session ale can be. With their selection of brews and attitude toward craft beer, they’re spreading joy. Visit their Crawford Street taproom. Because part of their brewing process is solar-powered, you can enjoy that extra beverage guilt-free because you’ll be saving the planet.
7. Tūhura Tropical Forest
In the Otago Museum’s Thura Tropical Forest, become one with the butterflies. Exotic butterflies live in this enchanted living gallery in a kaleidoscope of colors. As you move through this tropical jungle filled with colorful flying creatures, be careful not to trip.
A trip to Dunedin’s Thura Tropical Forest in the winter will take you to a tropical island getaway because the area is kept at a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity. Other inhabitants of the tropical rainforest include stick insects, tarantulas (luckily behind glass), and more.
8. Animal Attic
A really strange activity in Dunedin is to visit the Otago Museum’s Animal Attic. The longest shark teeth, a gigantic green turtle shell, and two enormous taxidermied lions (Sonia and Sultan) that escaped from the circus in 1978 can all be found here! There are also fossils, dried crabs, and even a whale’s eyeball present with these preserved animals.
Have you ever heard of a “rat king”? You’ll also find one here, so there. The location of Animal Attic, which is Victorian-inspired, is noteworthy even though these attractions are the main draws. It’s a location that is different from the Otago Museum’s other exhibits.
