Things to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

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
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Top places to visit

1. The Octagon

Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
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The Octagon showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

2. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
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Larnach Castle featuring interior views, heritage elements and a castle

3. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
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St. Clair Beach showing a coastal town, a sunset and a beach

4. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
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Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

5. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
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Dunedin Botanic Garden showing a garden and a lake or waterhole

6. Speight's Brewery

Find out how Speight’s creates one of New Zealand’s favorite beers when you visit this iconic brewery in central Dunedin. Learn how to make wooden beer casks and check out the sampling area to try a selection of local tipples.
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Speight\'s Brewery which includes interior views

7. Otago Museum

Study a display of indigenous artefacts that includes a 19th-century canoe and fine woodcarvings at the excellent Otago Museum. Stand beside the skeleton of a huge fin whale and stroll around a living rainforest complete with colourful birds and butterflies.
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Otago Museum

8. Olveston

Admire paintings by Charles Goldie and Frances Hodgkins, explore rooms decorated with statues and pretty motifs and stroll around the bright, fragrant gardens at the beautiful Olveston Manor. Designed by English architect Sir Ernest George, Olveston was built in 1906. It was home to the wealthy Theomin family for years before being opened to the public in 1967.
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Olveston showing heritage elements

What to do in Dunedin

Popular places to visit

The Octagon showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

The Octagon

Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.

The Octagon
Larnach Castle showing a castle, a pond and heritage architecture

Larnach Castle

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.

Larnach Castle
St. Clair Beach showing a coastal town, a sunset and a beach

St. Clair Beach

Soak in the outdoor pool or take on the Pacific Ocean waves at one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches.

St. Clair Beach
Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall

Watch rock concerts and classical music recitals at this auditorium, which is one of several facilities located in the Dunedin Centre.

Dunedin Town Hall
Dunedin Botanic Garden showing a garden and a lake or waterhole

Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spot native birdlife, admire thousands of colourful plant species and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns at this pretty public garden.

Dunedin Botanic Garden
Speight\'s Brewery which includes interior views

Speight's Brewery

Learn the secrets of one of New Zealand’s most successful beer companies with a visit to this historic brewery.

Speight's Brewery
Olveston showing heritage elements

Olveston

Enjoy stunning artwork and beautiful 20th-century design features at one of the Otago region’s finest manor houses.

Olveston
Otago Museum

Otago Museum

Find prehistoric fossils and ancient statues. Learn all about the enthralling cultural and physical history of New Zealand.

Otago Museum
St. Paul\'s Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements

St. Paul's Cathedral

Dramatic architecture, exquisite sculptures, superb stained-glass windows and one of the country’s largest pipe organs are all on show at Dunedin’s Anglican cathedral.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Areas of 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 Grand Casino and The Octagon 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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Bradford

While there might not be top attractions in Bradford, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino.

Bradford
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Portobello

If you're spending some time in Portobello, Silver Peaks Reserve and Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.

Portobello
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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

Frequently asked questions

Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Dunedin offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Dunedin?
Start your day with a visit to Tunnel Beach and Dunedin Railways. Then, explore different parts of Dunedin for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dunedin?
Tunnel Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dunedin and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dunedin?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Tunnel Beach, Dunedin Railways and Pineapple Track with a three-day trip to Dunedin. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to St. Clair.
Is Dunedin a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Dunedin, including Dunedin Railways and Orokonui Ecosanctuary, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from the city center of Dunedin is North Dunedin and Roslyn is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Dunedin with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dunedin with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Dunedin for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Dunedin for adults including Seriously Twisted.
Are there free things to do in Dunedin?
In Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Dunedin.