Things To Do In Dunedin

1. Olveston Historic Home

Olveston was designed as a family home with exquisite art, furniture, and antiquities from all around the world. Because there were no heirs, the house and its contents were donated to the City of Dunedin. Olveston is a time capsule, with minimal change inside since it was occupied as a home between 1906 and 1966.

2. Signal Hill Walk

When it comes to free Dunedin attractions, Signal Hill is a terrific choice. The beginning of the Signal Hill trek is conveniently located in town. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views of Dunedin at the summit.

3. Visit Larnach Castle

A trip to Larnach Castle is a must-do for anybody visiting Dunedin.

The lone castle in New Zealand is a prominent and well-loved part of Dunedin's heritage. Larnach Castle, which was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant and politician of Scottish ancestry, has been lovingly restored to its original Victorian splendor, and it's lovely chambers and gardens are open to the public 365 days a year. The castle has a 3,000-square-foot ballroom that holds high tea every day at 3 p.m., as well as a tower with panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula.

4. Visit Port Chalmers

Historic Port Chalmers is a short drive from Dunedin and is truly charming. The village has a unique combination of historical sites, cafés, and galleries. This small town's creative community has resulted in a plethora of lively art and culture, ranging from potters and sculptors to painters, musicians, and jewelers.

Port Chalmers is a popular weekend destination for Dunedin residents and one of their favorite activities.

5. Explore Dunedin’s beaches

Only a few minutes' drive from the city center, you can relax on one of Dunedin's beautiful beaches.

St Clair is a popular surf spot, however other beaches such as Aramoana, Murdering Bay, and Karitane all have good waves. If you merely want to swim, Brighton Beach, about 20 minutes from Dunedin, is a lovely option.

Long Beach contains large caves to explore and is suitable for rock climbing, while Tunnel Beach has a beautiful sandstone sea arch that is best seen at low tide.

6. Otago Museum

For 150 years, the Otago Museum has shared world-class treasures. The museum conveys stories about nature, culture, and science with nearly 1.5 million pieces. There is a three-story slide, a bike-riding skeleton, and, most of all, an indoor Tropical Forest where you can walk amongst a thousand rainforest butterflies, making it New Zealand's largest and only bicultural science facility.

7. Cycling and mountain biking

Dunedin's compact city structure and flat roads make it ideal for cycling tours, while the surrounding countryside features five mountain biking trail networks. Signal Hill has the best downhill track in the country, and it's only 40 minutes from the city center.

Middlemarch is around an hour's drive from Dunedin and serves as the start of the well-known Otago Central Rail Trail. Historic gold mining sites, country pubs, and tranquil, golden-hued scenery are all part of this 150-kilometer trail.

8. Pineapple Track Walk

Here's another trekking destination to add to your list of Dunedin attractions. There are numerous ways to enjoy Dunedin, and this is one of them. This walk can be done on the road or, if your feet are feeling up to it, via the Skyline walkway, which begins in Glenleith.

9. Botanic Gardens

The vast Botanic Gardens are probably the most well-known of all Dunedin attractions. There are several paths through the tranquil and well-kept gardens to choose from. While you're there, make an effort to converse with the parrots at the aviary. Opoho Road is where you'll find the Botanic Garden.

10. Tunnel Beach

This coastal landscape is dominated by natural sandstone cliffs, archways, and pillars. Tunnel Beach is located in South Dunedin, just off Blackhead Road. Drive to Corstorphine or take a local bus route 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the corner of Middleton Road and Stenhope Crescent to the start of the track.