Think back to the last travel guide you read. Flipped through. Browsed. What caught your eye? The photos? The bullet points? The endless paragraphs about the obscure torture museum tucked under the subway station in a dodgy part of town that requires the blood of a male virgin to enter? Ugh. My favourite parts about the travel guides are the quick and dirty details. Here’s what to do if you are stopping for lunch in X city. Here’s where to go if you have two hours. Here’s what to do if you drop your life and move to this city, oh by the way, don’t forget the male virgin blood. #youregonnaloveit
The quick and dirty details are the best – they give you an idea of where to go in the city without being overly detailed or obtuse. I love itineraries – duh, because that’s what I’m going to do with my life – and so I think a lot about travel. I think a lot about planning trips. I think a lot about my hair about places to go and things to see.
Big surprise – I was thinking, “what would I do, given one day in a different city around the world?” You might’ve read my destination series but that is aimed at a more relaxed exploration of a city. What about one day? What is the best of the best? Here is one day in… Dunedin.
We’ve had some seriously kick ass weather here in Dunners lately, you’d not really know it was winter (and now I’ve jinxed it and winter is coming). BUT how can you hate a city where winter is still 10• (C) and the sun shines brightly through your window every morning like a natural alarm clock (never mind the fact that I don’t generally get out of bed until well after the sun, but…). This city is thriving and vibrant and brilliant and I’m obsessed with it.
In Dunedin, you have plenty to choose from. And, luckily, its a small city so its easily accessible and walkable. From incredible coffee shops to brewery+chocolate tours to unique gardens to museums galore, there is enough to fill a week’s itinerary. But let’s forget about the week and focus on one day. No hotel recommendations here – but a bit of where in town to stay. Let’s take a trip.
*There are penguin and other wildlife tours taking place from the city to the peninsula. During the winter, if you opt for a wildlife tour, plan on skipping all afternoon activities. I also did not include any peninsular activities as I highly recommend a full day out there*
8:00am: Start your day early! Sunrise is peeking over Mt Cargill and town is still relatively quiet (winter). Bundle up and hit a local coffee shop for some fresh brew and breakfast before your explorations begin. Find my coffee recommendations here!
9:30am: Feel like walking? Explore the city centre. The main square is called the Octagon. There is a beautiful church on the northwest corner and if you have time and feel like walking up a hill, you can also go to St Joseph’s Cathedral at the corner of Rattray and Smith Streets (about five minutes up the hill)
10:00am: Head to the Toitu Settlers Museum, a museum dedicated to the founding and settlement of South Otago, Dunedin, Port Chalmers, Oamaru, and the Catlins. Plan on at least an hour here. Free admission.
11:00am: Enter the secluded enclave of the Chinese Gardens. Adjacent to the railway station and the Toitu Settlers Museum, this enchanting garden is exquisite. Explore the hidden corners and try your hand at the marble game or challenge your travel buddy to a game of Chinese Checkers. $9 Admission.
11:30am: Pop your head into the Dunedin Railway Station for a look at the elaborate interior before heading back into the town centre for lunch. You’ve got some serious options here – Velvet Burger, in the Octagon, does a 2-for-1 deal on Tuesdays and most cafes offer freshly prepared food as well. If you’re keen on a brewery tour, head to the Speight’s Brewery on Rattray Street or enjoy a tasting tray with your lunch at the Ale House next door. Tours start at $28/person; combination brewery and Cadbury Chocolate tours from $39.
1:30pm: Walk along George Street to the Otago Museum, an eclectic but well-informed and interactive museum. I have been here three times and still haven’t seen everything so don’t feel bad if you only enjoy one or two exhibits.
3:00pm: Check in for your tour at the Cadbury Factory and feel a little bit like Charlie for a few hours. Other options include a short hike up to the Organ Pipes off Mount Cargill Road – a one-hour round trip hike with stunning views to the north, a visit to Tunnel Beach – ten minutes from town, or spending more time at the Otago Museum or Dunedin Art Gallery.
5:30pm: Drive to the Signal Hill lookout point for a sunset view over the city and peninsula. From Signal Hill, you can see out past St. Kilda and St. Clair into the south Pacific ocean and along the coast toward Brighton.
7:00pm: Back in town, change for dinner and cab it up to Maori Hill to No. 7 Balmac for a delicious meal. Don’t miss the black doris and plum bombe Alaska for dessert. Other dinner options include Laneway (Bath Street), Salt (St. Clair), Starfish (St. Clair), or Ironic (near the train station).
9:00pm: On your way back to the hotel, stop into Pequeno, off Moray Place, for a late night drink in front of the roaring fireplace. With a good wine list and a nice selection of cocktails, all made fresh by the talented bar staff, you’ll not want to leave. Alternate bars, if you so choose, include Albar, on Lower Stuart St, and Scotia, on Stuart Street above the Octagon – both with an extensive whisky list.
Are you a Dunedin local? What would you recommend for one day in Dunedin?
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