Best Things to Do in Dunedin – Complete 3-day Guide
Plan a long weekend and head to Dunedin and experience a Scottish heritage. The city of Dunedin is located on the southeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s the island’s second-largest city and the biggest city of the Otago region, an area famed for its outstanding scenery. Lounging out of the city lies the Otago Peninsula, which is home to some of the country’s most unique landscapes and wildlife. Dunedin’s hilly harbourside terrain is also filled with street arts and towns that mirror places in Scotland.
Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, this charming city, steeped in history is worth visiting for a short city break. The main reason to visit Dunedin is because of its astounding street art and unique wildlife. You can even come across Baldwin Street, also known as the World’s Steepest Street. Get a taste of the top things to do in Dunedin, New Zealand, with our extensive 3-day itinerary. It also includes plenty of free things to do in the city that caters to all budgets. Book a car and drive yourself around during your stay as Dunedin is small and has little traffic.
Complete 3-day Dunedin, NZ Itinerary
Day 1 : Admire Dunedin’s striking architecture & vibrant street art scene
Dunedin is a beautiful city filled with churches and grand architecture. The city’s most decorated building is the Flemish Renaissance railway station, which has a mosaic floor of almost 750,000 Royal Doulton porcelain tiles. The 1km long platform is the longest in New Zealand and is used annually as a catwalk for the South Island’s main fashion show. There are many notable buildings in Dunedin city center worth checking out. The octagonal-shaped square, dating back to 1846, forms the civic heart of the city. The city square is lined up with dozens of bars and restaurants.
Dunedin street art trail consists of over 30 murals. Most of these creative, and colorful streets are painted by locals and the world’s most respected street artists such as Faith47, Phlegm, ROA, DalEast, and Pixel Pancho. Being a small city, the impact of seeing street art is an eye-catching sight.
Check out the Otago Museum
Located right next to the railway station is an Otago Settlers Museum. Being New Zealand’s oldest history museum, the exhibits uncover the fascinating history of the Otago region from the arrival of the first Māori settlers to the arrival of the digital era. The museum is free to visit, and one can easily spend 2-3 hours here. The best part about the Otago Museum is that it exhibits the history of the Pacific Islands and Maori culture.
Day 2 : Walk Around the Botanic Gardens
Dunedin Botanic Garden, established in 1863, is New Zealand’s first botanic garden. The area of the garden is over 30 hectares and is free to visit. Considering the size of the city, the Dunedin Botanic Garden is quite impressive. It is a wonderful place to walk around in lush surroundings. There’s a little cafe, fragrant rose garden, some beautiful greenhouses, and the longest of trails through forest and over streams.
Explore Larnach Castle
Only a 20-minute drive from Dunedin, Larnach Castle was built in 1871 and is the country’s only castle. This remote and isolated spot allows visitors to wander around this unique New Zealand landmark, that too free of cost. Highlights of this Castle include the breathtaking ballroom and the Larnach Castle Garden.
Besides exploring the historical building, you can also dine in style here or enjoy a delicious High Tea. You can even book your accommodation on the castle grounds and have a stay at the castle.
Day 3 : Relax at Beaches
Dunedin has a stunning coastline, and there are many beaches such as Tunnel Beach, Brighton Beach, Long Beach, and St Clair Beach worth checking out. All these beaches have mystical energy that draws you to the ocean. You can also visit Allens Beach, which is not only great for a swim or leisurely walk but also an amazing place to see wildlife from up close. You can catch a glimpse of many Penguins and sea lions here.
Aramoana is another beautiful beach for swimming. However, if you’re a competent surfer, Smails Beach is one of the best places to surf in Dunedin. You can even visit Tunnel Beach, which is perfect for watching the sunrise and also been named the most romantic spot in Dunedin. As the name suggests, you need to go through a tunnel to access this small beach. Isn’t it amazing?
Otago Peninsula
No trip to Dunedin is complete without spending a day on the Otago Peninsula watching little blue penguins, the sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and Royal Albatross. Otago Peninsula is famous for its stunning panoramic views, rugged landscapes, and unique wildlife. Located at Fort Taiaroa Head in the northern tip of the Otago Peninsula, you’ll find the Royal Albatross colony. It is the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the Northern Royal albatross, one of the two largest albatross species. Here you can visit The Royal Albatross Centre that has a historic relic hidden beneath the nature reserve.