Located at the southern city of the country, Dunedin is popularly known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. From Rich heritage to scenic destinations, from welcoming people to the favorable climate, Dunedin has almost everything to assure that its visitors get an amazing and authentic trip to the city. Dunedin as a city hold its heritage with a sense of pride and provide large accommodation with a happening nightlife in bars and exotic restaurants with different delicacies.
There are so many places to visit in Dunedin including the rugged beaches, Royal Albatross center in Taiaroa etc. All these places will introduce you to the literature-loving warm and friendly population and bring you closer to the Scottish culture and heritage which is easily visible in all the places to visit in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Best Time To Visit Dunedin
Being a heritage rich cultural city with a favorable climate whole year, Dunedin can be visited at any time of the year depending upon your vacations and wish. If you want to have a subtle and warm vacation, then you would like to visit the city in the summers which usually ranges from November to April because the city is located in the southern hemisphere.
Whereas, if you are an adventure loving traveler and have the thrill to experience the chilling winters of the islands and various winter activities then June to September is the most suitable time for you to visit. Also, if you want to experience the hustle of a city like never before and the festive environment, then Christmas is the best time for you to visit as it sees the maximum footfall of the tourists in the Dunedin.
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9 Top Places to Visit In Dunedin
The unique wildlife, with rare penguins or the Royal Albatross and the beautiful beaches along with the exotic mountains, form an important part of Dunedin Sightseeing. Here are the best places to visit in Dunedin:
- Otago Peninsula
- Larnach Castle And Gardens
- Tunnel Beach
- Taiaroa Head
- Otago Museum
- Dunedin Botanic Garden
- Olveston
- Mount Cargill
- Otago Harbour
1. Otago Peninsula
It is situated on the eastern coast of the South Island. If you are fond of wildlife, watching different breeds of penguins, seals. The New Zealand Sea Lion etc, then this is one of the best places to visit in Dunedin. It has a 20 km long harbor running parallel in the mainland which and Otago Peninsula which has originally been eroded as a volcano along with its harbor is the home to plenty of exotic marine wildlife. It also offers you the view of the Larnach Castle and local arts and crafts to add charm to your visit.
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2. Larnach Castle And Gardens
New Zealand’s only castle built by William Larnach in 1871, this castle situated in Otago Peninsula, Dunedin is the best heritage site provided to the visitors. It took 200 workmen and 12 years to complete this piece of art. The Larnach family has kept the beautiful castle open for the visitors to visit and have a feel of heritage and culture of New Zealand. The castle offers mesmerizing tower views, beautiful, authentic gardens, and local attractions. The services provided range from the camp estate, stable stay, lodge rooms, and authentic dinner delicacies in a cultural way.
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3. Tunnel Beach
Located 7.5 km away from the southwest of the city, Tunnel Beach is one of the best places to visit near Dunedin. It is located at the south of the St. Clair and it has sea-carved cliffs, rocks structure and secretive caves as its attractions. The high cliffs and the headlands provide some of the most beautiful views, and the rocky coastline with the fenced track has all the possible beautiful scenic views. Not only the views but also the presence of different plants and fossils exists in the passage above the beach.
4. Taiaroa Head
Also known as Pukekura, this beautiful place located at the end of Otago Peninsula is the renowned mainland colony of Albatross in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the best place to view wildlife where few species are there for the whole year and few show their presence during a certain period. About 200 royal Albatross make their presence in the region for a month.
The peninsula has many tours for observing Albatross. Not only this, the little Penguins on the Pilot beach and other bird species more than 200 are the main source of Attraction. Hence, if you are a wildlife lover and prefer to observe birds, this is the place for you to visit after all who wants to miss the chance to watch cute Penguins and beautiful Albatross at least for once on their trip.
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5. Otago Museum
This 150 years old Museum shares the stories of the different genre of Otago including the culture and history. About 1.5 million years older objects are presented in their collection to facilitate those stories through exhibitions, talks, and galleries. The association of the Museum with different universities and curators have provided has provided it with valuable teaching collections. Hence it provides you the best way to get introduced with the culture and heritage of Dunedin, New Zealand.
Location: 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
Timing: 10am–5pm
Entry charge: Free
6. Dunedin Botanic Garden
Located in the North of the city, near the University of Otago this garden is New Zealand’s first botanic garden and holds the reputation of six star garden of International Significance. If you are a nature lover who loves exploring the trees and see the serenity of plantations then this place will provide you with about 6800 species of plants. It has Garden hill views, sunny lawns, and wild bellbirds, pigeons and tui. They have plants from temperate climates of Asia, North Americas and a wide range of botanical collections. It will provide a heartwarming view for plant lovers and nature enthusiast.
Location: 12 Opoho Rd, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
Timing: 10am–4pm
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7. Olveston
Build for a philanthropist David Theomin, this home is the perfect example of the beautiful architecture created for the wealthy merchant family depicting its life and culture in the 12th century. This beautiful piece of architecture was a family home of the wealthy merchant family for long years and now is available with different tour and group packages to visit in a duration of 1 hour. .
Location: 42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Timing: Six 1-hour public tours at 9.30 am, 10.45 am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm
8. Mount Cargill
For some of the most exotic views of city, the peak of Mount Cargill is one of the top places to visit in Dunedin. Located 676m above sea level, the view from its top includes the urban area of Dunedin and also the Otago’s Coastline. Not only the scenic beauty but also the historical story of Maori is also associated with it and its three peaks. The side tracks have rock formation from the previous volcanic eruption. This mountain has varied range of legends, scenic beauty and views you in its store.
9. Otago Harbour
The natural harbour of Dunedin, eroded from a volcano was considered safe to be added as a site of the city. It is a stretch of a navigable water which separates the Otago peninsula from the land. It has two ports and also varieties of species of flora and fauna. It is developed infrastructurally to facilitate the port services. So If you are a coast lover and love to move through ports then this is for you to visit.
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Above explained were the 10 most exotic places to visit in Dunedin. From the rich heritage to buzzing nightlife, it has everything in its store to provide you with the classic and remembering holidays. So waiting for what? Just plan your trip to Dunedin which is one of the most beautiful and exotic city of New Zealand and have a lifetime travelling experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Dunedin
What are the top attractions to visit in Dunedin?
Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle and Gardens, Tunnel Beach, Taiaroa Head, Otago Museum, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Olveston, Mount Cargill, Otago Harbour, etc. are the popular tourist attractions in Dunedin.
What are the most popular things to do in Dunedin with children?
You can plan to explore the following things with kids while holidaying in Dunedin - Penguin Place, Dunedin Railways, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Otago Museum, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, World's steepest streets, Royal Albatross Centre, and more.
Is it safe to visit Dunedin during Covid?
Make sure that you have completed both doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.
What can you do in Dunedin for free?
Here are some of the things you can do in Dunedin without spending big bucks:
1. Visit the Botanical Gardens
2. Visit the Otago Museum
3. Marvel at the massive Dunedin Railway Station
4. Walk around the Ross Creek Reservoir
5. Witness the Moeraki Boulders
What is Dunedin famous for?
Dunedin is a famous heritage city in New Zealand. During the gold rush of the 1800s, the city was built in stunning Victorian architecture that still is a sight to catch. The city also houses the oldest university in New Zealand and is called the centre of learning.
What is there to do in Dunedin in the winter?
Here are some of the exclusive winter experiences to have in Dunedin:
1. Take in the stunning views on a Gondola ride
2. Skiing in Mount Hunt
3. Visit the Minus 5o Icebar
Does Dunedin have snow?
There is no significant snowfall in Dunedin during winters. It usually snows mildly in the inland hill suburbs such as Halfway Bush and Wakari.
Is Dunedin safe to visit in December?
New Zealand is ranked the fourth most safe country in the world and like the rest of the country, Dunedin is also perfectly safe to visit in the month of October.
How cold does it get in Dunedin?
The weather in Dunedin is chilly and dry during winters. The average temperature remains between 4-13°C.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
