Dunedin

Travel Guide

Larnach Castle featuring street scenes and chateau or palace
Dunedin featuring farmland and landscape views
Dunedin showing street scenes, a church or cathedral and mist or fog
Larnach Castle featuring a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Dunedin showing farmland

Dunedin Travel Guide Video

With heritage architecture, buzzing nightlife and a pristine coastline, New Zealand’s “Edinburgh of the South” is a seaside city for all seasons.

Dunedin is a historic city nestled between a dormant volcano and the wild coastline of the Otago Peninsula on New Zealand’s South Island. Explore the city’s Scottish lineage through its heritage buildings, such as St. Pauls Cathedral and the Dunedin Railway Station. Then, discover the city’s natural beauty during a walk through the Dunedin Botanic Garden or the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden.  

At the heart of Dunedin’s compact city center is The Octagon, a historic plaza that you can easily explore on foot. Enjoy the area’s lively pubs and bars, restaurants offering open-air dining, street performances and markets. Near to The Octagon you’ll find other iconic buildings, such as Speight's Brewery, Dunedin Town Hall, which is part of the Municipal Chambers, and the ornate First Church of Otago. Less than a mile (1.2 kilometers) away is the University of Otago. A five-minute walk from The Octagon will bring you to Cadbury World, New Zealand’s biggest chocolate factory. Enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive to Lanarch Castle, which was built in 1871 and offers high tea daily. 

Head to the city’s southern coast for white-sand beaches and spectacular surf. Sample New Zealand’s fresh seafood and famous wines on the esplanade at St. Clair Beach.  

Take a 45-minute drive along the scenic Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Center. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle of these giant birds gliding into land at the world’s only mainland breeding ground for this species.

Dunedin’s seaside climate tends towards warm summers, while the city’s southern location makes for unpredictable winter days. Pack appropriately for the colder months, from June to August, but also include your swimming costume as you may want to join the thousands of brave people, often in fancy dress, who take part in the annual Dunedin Polar Plunge, a chilly beach swim. 

Dunedin International Airport is located 18 miles (29 kilometers) southwest of the city and has regular flights between major cities in New Zealand and Australia. The city is easy to explore by public bus, bicycle or on foot, but watch out for the hills, especially at Baldwin Street it’s considered the world’s steepest residential street. 

Where to stay in Dunedin

Dunedin showing heritage elements, a garden and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like First Church of Otago and Grand Casino while you're in town.

Dunedin City Centre
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St. Clair

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to St. Clair. A stop by St. Clair Beach or St. Clair Golf Club might round out your trip.

St. Clair
Otago Museum featuring interior views

North Dunedin

Unique features of North Dunedin include the spas and gardens. Make a stop by Otago Museum or Dunedin Botanic Garden while you're exploring the area.

North Dunedin
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Saint Kilda

You might appreciate the beaches and bars in Saint Kilda, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, St. Clair Beach and Edgar Centre are just a few notable stops.

Saint Kilda
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Brighton

Travelers like the beaches in Brighton, and Brighton Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Brighton
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South Dunedin

Restaurants and waterfront are just a few things travelers like about South Dunedin. A stop by Edgar Centre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

South Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
The price is P4,700 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P4,700
P5,405 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Great place and spacious room. Clean and tidy"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
The price is P4,552 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P4,552
P5,235 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Liked the property fine but felt the lighting in the room very dim on an overcast day."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin
The price is P6,359 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P6,359
P7,312 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (755 reviews)
"Great all round"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments

315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments

3.5 out of 5
315 George Street, Dunedin
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (775 reviews)
"Was very close to the hospital"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments
755 Regal Court

755 Regal Court

3.5 out of 5
755 George St, Dunedin
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (184 reviews)
"Location and I could have ground entrance for my husband on crutches"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

755 Regal Court
Woodlands Motels and Apartments

Woodlands Motels and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
594 Great King St, Dunedin
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (484 reviews)
"The best place in Dunedin that I’ve stayed in."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Woodlands Motels and Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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