Discover Dunedin's Hidden Treasures
Dunedin is a city rich in history, with unique landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visit Dunedin to see impressive architecture and stunning ornamental gardens. Walk the worlds steepest street, explore sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves. Get up-close to the rare yellow-eyed penguin, and watch sea lions hang out on the rocks on the Otago Peninsula boasting spectacular coastal views. Visit the country’s only castle or take a walk through the city and admire the historic buildings. Stay a while and explore all that Dunedin has to offer.
Tunnel Beach - Located just south of St Clair, Tunnel Beach has sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves. Access to the beach is via the DOC Reserve, and is open year round. The track is a popular walking excursion. It descends from 150 metres (490 ft) above sea level at its start, winding for some 1200 metres to the top of the tunnel close to a natural sea arch. The tunnel descends 72 steps to the beach.
St Clair Beach – A great spot for surfing and chilling in the sun. There is nothing between this white sandy beach and the Antarctic. It has New Zealand’s most consistent surf break and a café lined promenade to watch all the action. Stay right on the beach and wake to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
Baldwin Street – Recognised by Guinness World Records as the steepest street in the world, Baldwin Street is a short straight street a little under 350 metres long. At its maximum, about 70 metres (230 ft) from the top, the slope of Baldwin Street is about 1:2.86 (19° or 35%). Allow about 10 minutes to reach the top for an iconic photograph.
The Octagon – The Octagon is the city centre of Dunedin. It is an eight-sided plaza with a circular one-way carriageway, divided by the city's main street, and is also the central terminus of two other main thoroughfares. The Octagon is predominantly a pedestrian reserve, with grass and paved features, and is surmounted by a statue of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Several of Dunedin's significant buildings and institutions adjoin the plaza, which is also a major hub for public transport in Dunedin.
Otago Peninsula - Visit the only mainland albatross colony in the Southern hemisphere or enjoy walks with spectacular coastal views and a chance to see wildlife. Visit Sandfly Bay Recreation Reserve – remarkable for its native fauna and flora and its spectacular views of the Otago Peninsula coastline and cliff tops. It has a significant colony of yellow-eyed penguins and seabirds such as spotted shags, sooty shearwaters and variable oystercatchers. New Zealand fur seals and New Zealand sea lions hang out on the rocks and beach and wallow in the sand.
Gardens of Dunedin - If you're a big fan of ornamental and beautiful gardens, then Dunedin is a little piece of paradise with a huge selection of gardens to explore. The main 4 gardens to visit are: Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Larnach Castle Garden, Dunedin Chinese Garden and the Glenfalloch Gardens.
Dunedin's Architecture
Dunedin's history is on display in stunning architecture with several historical buildings that you should explore when visiting the area.
Larnach Castle – Constructed in 1871, the undeniable beauty of the site high above the harbour is complemented by the fascinating stories of the Victorian castle’s skilled creators, those who lived there and its rediscovery and restoration. The castle’s 14-hectare garden and grounds are recognised as a Garden of International Significance.
Otago Museum - With well over 100 years’ history on the current site, the Museum building is classified by the Historic Places Trust as a Category 1 historic place
Speights Brewery - "Pride of the South since 1876, the Speight’s Brewery and the Beer produced are an icon of Dunedin. Take a brewery tour where you will touch, smell and taste your way through this heritage site.
Dunedin Railway Station – Dating back to 1906, the railway station is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. This magnificent Flemish Renaissance-style structure features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock, giving it a dramatic air and its characteristic ‘Gingerbread House’ appearance.
Downtown Dunedin Architecture - Take an easy walk around downtown Dunedin exploring the stunning heritage buildings and Edwardian architecture from the early Scottish settlers.
Plan your trip to Dunedin
BOOK DIRECT for the best deals.
