Plan Your Travel To Dunedin
Places To Visit In Dunedin
Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are a range of boulders stretching from Moeraki to Hampden. These boulders are located on Koekohe Beach, North Otago. Created by giants, according to the prevailing local legend, these boulders are not only one of the fascinating geological phenomenons in New Zealand but also on Earth.
Set up on the flat surface of Koekohe Beach, they are around 1-2 metres in diameter and weigh many tonnes. There are about 50 of them and what’s brilliant about them is their geometrical perfection: they are perfectly round. These boulders are said to have resulted from concretion, which is the precipitation of calcite in mudstone over millions of years and are a protected reserve on State Highway 1.However, the future for these boulders does not seem too fortunate. Due to erosion, they are gradually falling open and coming loose on the shore of the beaches. Nevertheless, capturing this natural site when driving through the Otago Coast is always good.
Read More
Mount Cargill
Mount Cargill, also known as Kapukataumahaka, can be seen looming over the northern part of the city of Dunedin, making for most of its skyline. It stands tall at a height of 676 meters, which is around 2,218 feet and lies 15 kilometres, which is nine miles, from the city centre.
The mountain is surrounded by smaller peaks, like Mount Zion, Mount Holmes and Buttar’s Peak, which are also frequented by the tourists who visit Mount Cargill. Visitors must carry warm clothing because of the region's primarily low temperatures and unpredictable weather.Apart from the Flagstaff peak, Mount Cargill is one of the highest peaks surrounding the city of Dunedin and offers one of the most stunning, panoramic views of the city at its foot, including both the urban centre and the countryside of the region. Visitors can also enjoy views of most of the Otago coastline, especially the Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula. Mount Cargill is also famous for being the youngest part of the now extinct Dunedin Volcano, formed around 16 to 10 million years ago.
Read More
Olveston Historic Home
The Olveston Historic Home is an authentic home that shows the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family in the early 1900s as the family occupied it from 1906 to 1966. It was opened to the public in 1967 and has been maintained in its original state ever since, barely changing anything about the house or the objects within it.
Sir Ernest George designed it for the family of David Theomin, a wealthy businessman in Dunedin and a collector and philanthropist. Unfortunately, the two children did not have any heirs, so when the last occupant, Dorothy Theomin, who was the daughter of David Theomin, died in 1966, the house and its contents were gifted to the City of Dunedin.
Read More
Otago Central Rail Trail
A 150km long trail made for walking, cycling, horse riding and biking, Otago Central Rail Trail is a pioneering tourist attraction in New Zealand for people comprehensive across. It runs from Middlemarch to Clyde, taking the former Otago Central railway route. It stays open all year, and it is distinctive for its separation from the mainland of any city, which promises your trip to be right under the blue sky and lush green and orange fields on both sides of the trail.
It has an athletic end for its visitors because of the number of outdoor sporting activities it offers, like cycling, strolling and biking. One can make the most out of the trip, which is fulfilling and memorable by the dramatic landscapes with the distinctive climate of New Zealand and some precautionary planning to avoid the coldest and hottest months.The trail also takes you to the remote areas of the Otago countryside, where you will come across the locals with their humble living style, mainly comprised of daily markets, farms and dairy. A good tour guide will inform you about Goldrush's legends from 1860 and other local anecdotes.
Read More
Otago Museum
Being one of the largest museum collections in the country, the Otago Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand. The venue is rich in natural science specimens and various artefacts from the humanities department that have been collected not only from Otago and all of New Zealand but also from different parts of the world, and they remain stored at the museum in the form of long term gallery displays.
Another reason tourists flock to the museum is the interactive science centre it houses, which has a vast tropical butterfly rainforest environment. In addition, it is widely popular amongst the locals for its educational programmes and the various school trips to the museum annually.The museum has guided tours for visitors that can be booked both online and at the museum's Information Desk. These are carried out at 11:00 a.m, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the cost of NZD 15 per head.
Read More
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is a wildlife wonderland reflective of the rich heritage and natural beauty of New Zealand. The sheltered bays, high hills, expansive vistas and lovely beaches make an excellent habitat for the wildlife thriving on the peninsula. Say hello to these wild creatures with wildlife tours that explain and exhibit the abundant life forms on the peninsula.
The Otago Peninsula is the only mainland breeding site of various albatross species worldwide. Apart from the albatross, the lush peninsula is home to penguins, fur seals and sea lions, thereby encouraging eco-tourism in the region. Owing to its beautiful surroundings and picturesque view, Otago Peninsula is revered as one of the most popular romantic destinations in the world, with trails that will surely blow your mind. It also has plenty of historical sites that lighten its background and evolution. Portobello is the only town on the peninsula. It is more of a rural area that attracts tourists for its pristine environment. The varied topography makes it possible for the tourists to undertake adrenalin-pumping thrills like climbing the hills, walking through the risky trails and water sports like diving. With so much to offer, the Otago Peninsula is a must-visit.
Read More
Penguin Place
Penguin Place is a conservation reserve in South Island, New Zealand. Financed entirely by guided tours and on-site lodges, it is one of the best places to visit to see wildlife, especially the endangered yellow-eyed penguins. Located only 30 minutes from Dunedin, the attraction is one of the few private reserves in New Zealand that has a conservation project and a rehabilitation centre.
Penguin Place started its conservation project 34 years ago, including a rehabilitation centre. What’s best about this place is the view when tiny penguins stumble on their feet while riding in the surf to avoid the waves or the idea of the covered trenches. Therefore, if you’re interested in conservation and wildlife, Penguin Place should be on your list.
Read More
Port Chalmers
A few kilometres from Dunedin is Otago’s main port, Port Chalmers. This suburb has a population of 3000 and is ten kilometres inside of Otago. The port is extensively visited by cruise ships every year and is one of the major ports in South Island, New Zealand. A short delight, this port is the place for those who want a weekend getaway from the busy life in Dunedin.
This harbourside suburb offers a range of heritage sites, cafes and galleries within walking distance. This port is busy for six months, October-April, when ships arrive early in the morning and depart early evening. Many famous musicians and artists have been locals of Port Chalmers, and this place is renowned for its cultural art, from potters and painters to sculptors, fashion designers and jewellers. So, if you’re in for a short trip to explore maritime heritage, eat good food and relax at a harbourside town, then Port Chalmers should be on your list.
Read More
Royal Albatross Centre
Nestled inside the Taiaroa Head, the Royal Albatross Centre is a wildlife observatory that offers a visual realm of Dunedin’s most natural flora and fauna, which is unique because of its diversity. The name obviously has an etymological derivation from the bird Albatross, which has a fascinating story that the guide will brief you through on your visit.
The geographical features of the Otago Peninsula and the Taiaroa Head are superbly distinct and compel you to seek out its natural beauty and richness. The center is a short walk from the observatory, where you can treat yourself to the very live visuals of seabirds flocking around. In addition, it has curated tours specific to the various species it is known for to make your experience and guide you through the richness of the fauna of Dunedin. You may also visit the McMillan Gallery and learn about the history and wildlife of the area. You can grab a bite from the Royal Albatross cafe and pick a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones from its gift shop.
Read More
Sandfly Bay
Situated at the farthest south end of Otago, Sandfly Bay is considered a spot of the densest fauna and wildlife in Dunedin and Otago Peninsula. One may find fur seals and sea lions in abundance across the bay. The beach is famous for its high dunes and for watching albatrosses in their natural habitat through the Royal Albatross center.
The gravel, uneven roads guides you to a separate wing called the Allans Beach, which is widely known for its housing the rare and endangered species of sea lions called the Hooker Sea Lions. The beach sands make it a good spot for a walk or an evening stroll, right between the sound of crashing waves and the chirping of the local birds. The scenic view calls for photography of its greenery and wildlife.
Read More
Dunedin Travel Packages
View All Travel Packages Dunedin
Nearby Places Dunedin
Browse Package Collections
Browse Hotel Collections