25 things to do in dunedin

You didn’t really think I could get away without posting a 25 things to do post about my newest hometown, did you? I’m so in love with this city. It’s less crowded than Auckland, on the water like Wellington (better weather than Welly too but we won’t tell them that,) full of remote beaches and wild animals, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. I totally love it here. But what exactly does one DO in Dunedin? It’s a student town, so that definitely means that there are a lot of bars, and ask any student what you should do, you’ll likely get “go to <insert cool bar name here> for drinks,” as an answer. Luckily for the adventurous traveller, there are plenty of other things to do in and around town. If you’re like me, grabbing a takeaway lunch or a bag of cheese and crackers plus some cider makes these outings all the more fun.

(Where is Dunedin, you might be asking?)

which is to say….

Dunedin being a southern town, there are a lot of outdoorsy things to do – but when the weather is bad, you want to be inside. That being said, this list is probably a bit outdoor-centric. After asking locals and expats alike, I sat down to write out a list of 25 things to do in Dunedin and ended up with more. So, here ya go: 27 things to do in (and around) Dunedin.

toitu settlers museum

{image from Toitu OSM}

There is a lot of history here in Otago, and its all compiled at the Toitu Settlers Museum. Explore the early history of Dunedin, from the time the Maori landed here to the first ships of Scottish immigrants. Learn about the Dunedin Study, a lifelong study that continues to follow children born in the 1970s to see how their lives were shaped through a variety of avenues. See old pictures of Dunedin, learn about the early settlers, and learn about Dunedin as a new creative hub. Free, and free wifi!

otago museum

{image from Otago Museum}

Definitely one of the more eclectic museums I have ever been to, it reminds me so much of the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow. Step into a world of Sir Edmund Hilary artifacts, Otago from the prehistoric era to now, the gold rush, maritime history in New Zealand, and the Animal Attic. Free, and free wifi.

tunnel beach

A winding track leads steeply downhill through sheep fields to a tiny excavated tunnel. This narrow, wet tunnel was built by the Cargill families (back in the 1800s) so that their children had a safe beach to access. Today, it’s a popular attraction for locals and tourists. Make sure you go at low tide, otherwise you’ll get wet, and don’t forget to walk out to the cliff edges and dangle your legs over the crashing rocks below.

fly down the dunes at sandfly bay

Where is the fun in putting “visit the peninsula” on this list? There isn’t. No, there is SO much to do on the peninsula that each item requires its own paragraph. Sandfly Bay is the first place I went on the peninsula and it remains my favourite to this day. A long hike down the sand dunes (good luck getting back up, by the way) leads to a long beach littered with sea lions. These sea lions are generally lazy creatures but can get angry when provoked, so definitely keep the 25 metre distance. I was taking photos of one one time and he came straight at me (not menacingly, but I still moved.) Going at the right times can also provide glimpses of the elusive yellow-eyed penguin – keep to the blind to avoid scaring them. {photo by my friend Kaylen}

the pyramids and okia flats wetlands

Another peninsula favourite. This one is a flat track out to two basalt column pyramids and then a gently rolling track out to Victory Beach. My friend Kaya and I took lunch one time and sat there in the sand eating greasy fish and chips before walking down the beach. Insider tip: you can do this at any beach in town!

enjoy the view from mount cargill

For spectacular views of town and the peninsula, head to Mount Cargill. A lot of people like to hike the Mount Cargill track, which starts at either Bethunes Gully or Cowan Road. You can also link in to the Graham’s Bush Reserve track, which leads to the Organ Pipes track, which then leads to the Mount Cargill track and saddle. Some people like to make the drive up to Mount Cargill, which is a steep dirt road not recommended for small cars.

art museum

{image from Dunedin Art Museum}

Dunedin’s public art gallery, located very centrally in the Octagon, is free and full of interesting art to ponder. In addition to an extensive New Zealand art collection, it also holds European art and Japanese prints. It is one of the most significant collections in NZ and also houses the only Monet in a New Zealand gallery. Free admission and free wifi.

indulge your sweet tooth

{image from Instagram/Ocho_NZ}

Sometimes, walking down the street, you might catch a whiff of cocoa. That’s the Cadbury factory, and yes, they do offer daily tours. Bookings recommended. Adults $20, children $14, family pass $50. Looking for a lesser known chocolate factory? Hit up Vogel Street for a yummy hot cocoa and handmade chocolates at Ocho NZ, a locally owned boutique chocolatiere.

beer me (on a brewery tour)

{image from Lucky Rentals}

With two breweries in town, you have options. Speight’s is the original Dunedin beer, brewed here from 1876, but Emerson’s is new and boasts a brand new facility near the stadium. Speight’s tours run daily, Emerson’s are on alternating Thursdays and Fridays (as of October 2016.) Details: Speight’s || Emerson’s.

ride the rails on the taieri gorge railway experience

Hop aboard the Dunedin Railways Taieri Gorge Railway for a trip into the former gold mining fields of Otago. Learn about the history of the area, the sheep stations, the building of the railroad, and the Otago gold rush, all from the comfort and warmth of a heritage train carriage. For details, click here.

get loud at a highlanders/otago game

The atmosphere at Forsyth Barr stadium rivals that of many soccer stadiums or American football stadiums. Snag a ticket to either a Highlanders game, the local Super Rugby team, or the Otago, the local Union team. The crowd goes wild for local favourites like Malakai Fekitoa and Matt Faddes. {photo from the All Blacks vs Wales game, the only rugby picture I have ;)}

stargaze at beverly begg observatory

{image from Insiders Dunedin}

On a cold, wintry Sunday night in Dunedin, you might find yourself wondering,” what should I do?” Local chef Jessa recommends the Beverly Begg Observatory, located in Robin Hood park, part of the town belt. Explore a world of nebulas, constellations, and planets and catch a glimpse of the Southern Cross. Adults $5, children $3. Winter only.

explore the esplanade at st. clair

{image from Stephen Murray/Flickr}

The beaches of Dunedin – the city beaches – are accessible from St. Clair and St. Kilda; St. Clair’s esplanade though, is a place to hang out and enjoy a sunny day – winter or summer. There are some up and coming restaurants, luxury hotels, and outdoor spaces to simply relax. In addition to being a lovely asset to the Dunedin seascape, the esplanade actually protects the land from the southern ocean Antarctic storms.

soak in a hot salt water pool

{image from David Wall Photo}

The hot salt water pool at St Clair is a great spot to hang out after a long day of exploring the city. It is also the only surviving salt water pool, of several built in Dunedin during the 1800s. It was renovated in 2000 and offers a year-round cafe. The pool itself opens on the 1st of October and closes on the 31st of March.

glowworms at ross creek

{image from Carl Jones/Flickr}

This made my list, but it also comes highly recommended by Jessa. There’s nothing cooler than walking out to a creekbed at midnight to spot little blue glowworms on the mossy hillside. Is there? Didn’t think so. Free, but muddy.

scramble about on the organ pipes track

Drive out of North Dunedin and up Mount Cargill Road. Find the tiny layby with a wooden sign and rickety steps – its the start of the Organ Pipes track. Ten minutes of grueling stairs leads to a gradual incline track through the bush and finally you end at a cascade of basalt columns. It looks unsafe, but its not: climb these to the bushline and scramble about to find a thin trail to the top of the columns. Its easy to see why they’re called the organ pipes; from below the rocks look just like the towering musical elements.

get high at baldwin street

{image from my flatmate, Mandy}

Did you know that Dunedin holds a Guinness record? Its for Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street. I bet you thought that was in San Francisco, didn’t you? Signs point you to Baldwin St, located in Opoho about a five-ten minute drive from town. Its recommended that you park at the bottom of the hill and walk up, there are steps cut into the sidewalk to make it easier, and a nice place to sit and enjoy the view from the top.

look out at signal hill

Wind your way up through Opoho to the Signal Hill Reserve. Locally known as the Buddhas for the not-Buddha statues on the monument, the lookout point is a great spot from which to see the city and the southern coast. Its an easy drive up and there are some walks through the bush too.

spread your wings at taiaroa head

At the farthest tip of the peninsula that you can go lies the world’s only mainland albatross breeding colony, The Royal Albatross Centre. You can explore the cliffside walks, take a little blue penguin tour, or meet Moana, one of the Royal Albatrosses.

browse the otago farmers market

{image from Dunedin NZ}

Every Saturday morning, the parking lot adjacent to the Railway Station plays host to a sprawling farmers market. Grab a coffee from the gals at RdC, a bagel from Beam Me Up, and wander around the stalls to pick up some lunch things… then take your lunch out to one of the many outdoor spaces in town.

hide away at a hidden bar

Hidden local bars are kind of my thing, so when I heard about Aika+Co, a tiny, narrow bar off George Street, I was hooked. There isn’t physically much more to it than this little seating area and some tall tables inside, but the wine list and the cocktails are phenomenal and owner Charlie is sweet as. There’s also Pequeno, down a dark parking alley, which boasts a nice fireplace and comfy leather couches for those long winter nights. Both bars are hot spots, so this is a must do if you’re in town.

drink local at the food and beer fest

{image from Instagram/DunedinBeerFest}

In November, Forsyth Barr Stadium transforms into a food and beer lover’s heaven for a day. The very best in home brewing, the very best in local chefs and local brewers, they all come together here for a very fun-filled day. In addition to food and beer, there’s local kiwi music, kids activities, and seminars. This year, the sponsors, OUSA, have introduced a food and beer week, promising networking opportunities, tap takeovers, and more. Buy tickets here. There is also another street fair, the Vogel Street Festival, which takes place October 8.

rave about long beach

If you’re a rock climber, you will want to head fifteen minutes out of town to Long Beach at Purakanui. Groups climb the steep rocks here, and some enterprising local also created a rave in the caves on the far end of the beach. It’s also totally acceptable to camp here in the network of caves and caverns so if you’re the adventurous type, definitely check it out.

go aurora hunting at a local beach

{image from Nicola Pye/Radio NZ}

Jessa recommends this: grab a blanket and a friend and head to a local beach to try and spot the elusive Aurora Australis. I haven’t seen them yet, but I can tell you that seeing the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Alaskan sky has to be one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Check the weather before you go – there are predictions as to when the lights will be most active, so pay attention to things like solar reports and such.

relax in the chinese gardens

I find this spot to be one of the more tranquil spots in town. It does cost money to get in, but once you’re in, it feels like you have left the city far behind. Enjoy a cup of green tea, play your mate in Chinese Marbles, or simply sit with your back against a sunny rock and read a book. Adults $9, children under 13 free, students $6, annual pass $20.

go for a run in the botanical gardens

{image from Dunedin NZ}

While I can’t vouch for the running part, I can agree with Jessa that the botanical gardens are something special. Go for a short wander or stroll leisurely through the gardens on a sunny day. Explore the popular Rhododendron Dell or Native Plants garden, and don’t miss the cheeky birds at the aviary.

waddle along on a penguin tour

Several companies run penguin tours in the evenings; I recommend the tour that begins at the Royal Albatross Centre, but you can take your pick. All tours guarantee a penguin sighting – whether they be little blues or the reclusive yellow-eyed penguins remains to be seen. Tours run from sunset, so set aside a good chunk of time.

Are you Dunedin local? What do you think? List your local favourites in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post to the rest of your stunning Dunner friends 😉

Like this post? Pin it!

Save