Things to Do in Dunedin The Otago Peninsula

Choose from 15 Fun Things to Do in Dunedin The Otago Peninsula

St Paul's Anglican Cathedral

Set smack in the middle of Dunedin’s Octagon—and thereby the center of town—St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral is unlike any other in New Zealand. First constructed in 1862, the cathedral endured an entire century of half-completed jobs, often because the building party eventually ran out of funds. Though the stone structure is still impressive, the multi-period styles of architecture created a noticeably curious look. The architectural oddities aside, the cathedral today isn’t known for looks, but rather, for its sound. Numerous professional musicians and singers have gotten their start in this choir, and the enormous organ with its 3,500 pipes is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest. On occasion, the cathedral will open around 1pm for a 20-minute concert, and the general public is welcome to attend and experience the holy acoustics. When the light is right, it falls through the stained glass of the large Dunedin Window, and Maori, Christian, and historical themes can be found in the colorful panes.

Practical Info

Services at the church are held on Sundays at 8 am, 10 am and 12:10 pm. For weekday concerts (most often on Tuesdays), there is a suggested donation of $5, but all visitors are free to enjoy without an official charge.

The Octagon, Dunedin, New Zealand

Services are held on Sundays at 8 am, 10 am and 12:10 pm.

From $ 20

Otago Museum

From cuneiform tablets to Moa eggs and a tropical indoor rainforest, the Otago Museum holds thousands of treasures for Dunedin visitors to explore. As Dunedin’s most popular and visited sight, the Otago Museum has enough displays to fascinate travelers for hours, from exhibits on South Pacific cultures to New Zealand’s ancient wildlife. See the cup Sir Edmund Hillary used when he summited Everest, or a 50 ft. Maori war canoe that was completely carved by hand. The nature exhibit is one of the best in the entire Southern Hemisphere, where displays range from a whale skeleton that dominates an entire room, to the skeleton of a giant Haast Eagle that’s been extinct for 500 years. There are also displays of Maori arts such as carvings from bone and jade, and a dizzying journey through a Planetarium that highlights the stars, heavens, and cosmos that shine on Dunedin each night.

Practical Info

This four-story building is one of Dunedin’s best visitor attractions, and the perfect place for travelers on a budget, given the free admission. It’s located just north of the city center by the University of Otago, and there’s a small café that’s located on site for refueling between exhibits. Discovery World Tropical Forest is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and Perpetual Garden Planetarium is $10 for adults and $7 for children.

419 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Open daily 10am-5pm

From $ 20

Taieri Gorge Railway

Taieri Gorge Railway isn't just a way of getting from Dunedin to Pukerangi. It’s an experience in itself. The train travels through the Central Otago landscape of hills and gorges, pastureland and forests. It follows part of the route of the historic Otago Central Railway, constructed in the late 19th century during Otago’s Gold Rush.

The Basics

The Taieri Gorge Railway is a scenic way to travel to Pukerangi and Middlemarch in Central Otago, or return to Dunedin on the same day for a relaxing and interesting day out. Along the way, hear live commentary narrating the history of the area, including exciting stories from the Otago Gold Rush. The observation carriage allows for the best views—just keep your arms in as you pass through tunnels that were built by hand more than 100 years ago.

Visitors can enjoy a ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway on its own or as part of a day of sightseeing in and around Dunedin. Combined day trips often include a tour of Dunedin city or a trip to spot wildlife out on the Otago Peninsula.

Things to Know Before You Go

The railway travels 72 miles (116 kilometers).
Trains have a dining cart on board, and you can even order a packed picnic box (or bring your own).
The railway links up with the Otago Rail Trail cycle route through Central Otago, and it’s possible to take your bike on the train for a small fee.
A mixture of modern and “heritage” carriages are available on board. State your preference when booking.

How to Get There

The Taieri Gorge Railway leaves from the Dunedin Railway Station, in central Dunedin. It’s a short walk from the Octagon.

When to Get There

In the summer (October to April), there are two trains daily, at 9:30am and 2:30pm from Dunedin. They run every day of the year, except Christmas Day. In the winter (May to October), there is just one train per day, leaving Dunedin at 12:30pm from Monday to Saturday, and 9:30am on Sundays. In both seasons, trains terminate at Pukerangi from Monday to Saturday and continue to Middlemarch on Sundays.

Travel New Zealand by Train

The Taieri Gorge Railway is one scenic train journey in New Zealand, but it’s far from the only one. You can travel quite extensively around New Zealand by train. The Coastal Pacific train travels from Picton to Christchurch, the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, and the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland.

22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

From $ 32

Dunedin Railway Station

Made of bluestone with marble floors and stained glass windows, the Dunedin Railway Station is one of Dunedin’s most impressive buildings and purportedly the most photographed in New Zealand. Far more than a railway station, here you can also grab something to eat, visit a sports museum, or photograph the attractive building.

The Basics

Opened in 1906, the once-busy Dunedin Railway Station still services the Taieri Gorge Railway, a scenic journey that extends into the Central Otago countryside. Today the golden age of rail is long over, and now there’s a restaurant on the ground floor, while the upper floor houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society. The striking venue is also used for special events.

Many sightseeing tours of Dunedin include a stop at the station, and it’s also an easy place to visit independently. Railway lovers can take the return day trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, which offers spectacular views and marvelous feats of engineering.

Things to Know Before You Go

A local farmers market is held in front of the station every Saturday morning. It’s a great place to go if you’re self-catering in Dunedin.
To learn more about the history of Dunedin and the gold rush that led to the building of the station, visit the nearby Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.
Sports fans shouldn’t skip a visit to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, housed in the station building.

How to Get There

The Railway Station is easy to find in central Dunedin, just southeast of the Octagon. Many hotels are located within walking distance of the station. Several bus routes pass through the Octagon, and taxis all know where to go.

When to Get There

The station can be visited year-round, as the building is attractive in all weather, and Taieri Gorge Railway trips run throughout the year. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2:30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Visit Larnach Castle

Lovers of colonial architecture—or just travelers interested in history and New Zealand culture—should also pay a visit to Larnach Castle, located on the Otago Peninsula, a short drive from the Dunedin Railway Station and central city. The beautiful 19th-century house and gardens can be toured, and there’s an upmarket lodge on the premises.

Dunedin, New Zealand

From $ 20

McLean Falls

The Catlins landscape south of Dunedin is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Waves carve at a forested coastline and waterfalls spill through the trees"”the most spectacular of which is McLean Falls, a two-tiered, bridal-veiled beauty. As part of the Catlins Conservation Park, McLean Falls is hidden down a scenic, tree-lined trail, and broken up into two sets of falls that tower over 70 feet (21 meters) while crashing on moss-covered rocks. This part of New Zealand is sparsely populated, and you truly feel a connection to nature when hiking the trail to the falls, where ferns and trees in every shade of green form a colorful canopy around you. Since the area is so remote, however, one of the best ways to experience the falls is on a private tour of the Catlins, where a local guide helps plan an exceptional day trip from Dunedin.

Insider's Tip: McLean Falls is the second waterfall you encounter along the trail, so don't turn around at the first waterfall and walk away underwhelmed.

Practical Info

McLean Falls is a round trip hike that takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. The access road to the parking lot is unpaved and bumpy, though still accessible by 2WD cars. The nearest town is Papatowai, approximately nine miles (14.5 kilometers) east, or about a 20 minute drive. Dunedin is about a two-hour drive from the falls and Invercargill is about a 75-minute drive.

Rewcastle Road, Catlins Forest Park, Otago 9586, New Zealand

From $ 136

Penguin Place

On the New Zealand’s South Island, a short drive from Dunedin, Penguin Place is a conservation reserve for the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin. It’s entirely funded through guided tours, so your visit will directly contribute to the birds’ preservation. In addition to bird sightings, the reserve offers beautiful views of Otago Harbour.

The Basics

Started in 1985, Penguin Place was the first place in the world to fund conservation entirely through tourism. It aims to protect and grow the population of Yellow-Eyed Penguins, and numbers of these birds varies from year to year. Trees and plants are planted every year throughout the reserve to provide shelter for the penguins. The center also scientifically studies the penguins, so provides valuable research that can be used to protect them further.

Most people visit Penguin Place from nearby Dunedin, either on its own or as part of a wildlife-themed day tour of the Otago Peninsula, the rugged, nature-rich outcrop of land that spreads out from the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

You are allowed to take photos at Penguin Place, but don’t use a flash as it can scare the birds.
The reserve tour is only suitable for travelers with good mobility, as it covers more than 0.5 miles (1 kilometer) and includes quite a lot of steps.
The wildlife seen on guided tours can vary day to day, so you could be in for a surprise!
Penguin Place has its own lodge with budget accommodation (closed from May to August.)

How to Get There

To reach Penguin Place by car, drive half an hour on the single road from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula. Bus 18 makes the trip from central Dunedin in over an hour. Tours begin on Harrington Point Road (the main road along the peninsula), from which participants are transported to the preserve.

When to Get There

Ninety-minute tours operate regularly in the summer months (October to March), once in the morning and once in the early evening; in the winter they run in the mid-afternoon. Summer is a more comfortable time to visit, as the Otago Peninsula can get very windy and cold in winter. What you see on the tour depends on the behavior of the birds and the weather conditions on the day, so every day can be different.

Visit the Royal Albatross Colony

The Otago Peninsula is rich in wildlife. Bird lovers can combine a visit to Penguin Place and the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, farther along the peninsula. It’s the only place in the world where the enormous birds breed and nest on a mainland, and renowned conservationists consider it one of the finest examples of ecotourism.

Harrington Point Road, RD2, Dun, New Zealand

Free but reservation required

From $ 124

Larnach Castle

Built in the late-19th century by William Larnach, Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle. It’s been beautifully refurbished and the grounds are carefully tended. The views across the hills and water of the Otago Peninsula are some of the best in the area. A trip to Larnach Castle is a great way to spend a day while visiting Dunedin.

The Basics

Larnach Castle is actually a mock castle, as it was a home rather than a fortified battlement. No expense was spared during its construction and the Barker family who have owned it since the 1960s have restored it beautifully, adding antiques and period furniture. Enjoy touring the interior, have tea or lunch in the beautiful Ballroom Cafe, visit the plant nursery, and stroll the 35-acre grounds. You can even stay overnight on the grounds.

Tour independently with prebooked admission tickets or take part in a small-group guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula that also visits the castle. Additionally, some tours combine a visit to Larnach Castle with a wildlife excursion or a visit to Speight’s brewery.

Things to Know Before You Go

High tea is served daily in the Ballroom Cafe; bookings should be made in advance.
The castle gardens have been rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, so don’t fail to check them out.
The castle itself is a private residence, but visitors can stay at accommodations on the grounds, from 4-star Larnach Lodge to more budget options at the Stable Stay.

How to Get There

Larnach Castle is located about 20 minutes from Dunedin city by car, on the Otago Peninsula. It’s not very convenient to get there by bus, so it’s better to go on a private or group tour from Dunedin or Port Chalmers (for cruise ship passengers).

When to Get There

While you can join a Larnach Castle tour year-round (it's open daily 365 days a year), Dunedin and its surrounding areas are best visited in the summer (December–February). The temperatures are pleasant, the daylight hours are long, and the greenery and flowers add to the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula and the castle grounds.

Events at Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, suited to a range of interests. These include winter evening dinners, ghost story nights, an annual winter ball, and a teddy bears’ picnic during school holidays. Check their calendar before planning a visit.

145 Camp Road, Company Bay, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand

Varies

From $ 24

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Recently refurbished, the Toitu Otago Settlers Musuem is a fascinating look at the life and times of Dunedin’s early settlers. Because of its sheltered, deep water port and fertile coastal plain, Dunedin was one of the South Island’s earliest places where Europeans settled. Arriving by boat in 1848, European settlers—predominantly Scottish—slowly began to build a community in the coastal Otago frontier, which exploded into hyper-growth when gold was found in the hills. From the time of the gold rush in 1861, Dunedin continued to serve as the center of life in Otago and the Southland, all of which is on display in this massive downtown museum. Aside from exhibits on European settlers, visitors will also find info relating to native South Island Maori, as well as a look at how Dunedin was New Zealand’s “First Great City.” At the Smith Gallery, look in the eyes of early settlers through the stunning collections of portraits, all of which feature early settlers from pre-1864. You’ll also find newer, more modern exhibits on Dunedin in the digital age, and this one of the city’s best activities on a cold or rainy day.

Practical Info

The Toitu Otago Settlers Museum is the oldest historical museum of its kind located anywhere in New Zealand. Founded in 1898, the museum is a must for any traveler with an interest in New Zealand history.

31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Open daily 10am-5pm

From $ 20

Royal Albatross Centre

The Royal Albatross Centre, within Dunedin city limits on the Otago Peninsula, is an ideal spot for nature viewing. The center is home to the only mainland breeding colony of these large birds in the world. Add a tour of the center to a day trip out to the peninsula—a must-do activity while in Dunedin.

The Basics

The center began in 1938 with just one albatross chick. Now, there are around 140 birds. Albatrosses have an enormous wingspan of around 10 feet (3 meters). The center holds a wealth of information about the birds, so visitors can learn while having fun. Inside the observatory, you may be able to see albatross chicks and, if it’s a windy day, you might even see the adult birds flying. Renowned ecologists have called this the finest example of ecotourism in the world, which is high praise and motivation to visit.

Visitors tend to visit the Royal Albatross Centre on day trips of the Otago Peninsula from Dunedin. These include a number of other wildlife-oriented activities, such as sea lion and penguin watching, as the area is a haven for sea birds and animals.

Things to Know Before You Go

It can get very cold and windy on the Otago Peninsula at any time of year, so take warm clothes with you.
Albatrosses are wild animals and their behavior or location cannot be guaranteed on any given day.
Guided tours of varying durations are available to suit your needs.
There are also around 20 other bird species on the Otago Peninsula, so stay alert to spot them.

How to Get There

Many people visit the center on a guided tour from Dunedin. If traveling independently from Dunedin, follow the road along the Otago Peninsula to Taiaroa Head, at the end.

When to Get There

The Royal Albatross Centre is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10:15am till dusk, with tours from 11am in summer and 10:30am in winter. The center is a good place to visit year-round. The Otago Peninsula experiences cool but sunny summers and cold winters.

Fort Taiaroa

Amid the scenic beauty of the Otago Peninsula is an old military fort. Fort Taiaroa was built in the 1880s because of fear of a Russian invasion. Visitors can see the Armstrong Disappearing Gun, which is the only one of its kind in the world in working order. A trip here can be added to a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre.

Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

From $ 84

Cadbury World

Eating a creamy Cadbury egg is a decadent chocolate experience, and everything is amplified when doing so inside Cadbury World in Dunedin. Set in the heart of the city’s downtown, Cadbury World takes visitors inside the art of crafting their chocolates, and offers the chance to see each step, from cacao through the finished product. On a self-guided tour of the visitor center, read the placards that detail the history of the famous Cadbury chocolate company, and see some of the quirky ads that have been displayed through the years. To really get a feel for the chocolate, however, as well as a succulent taste, join in the hour long, guided tour that includes a trip through the sensory lab to experience each step in the process. There’s even the chance to create your own chocolate and have a hand in the experience, as well as a gift shop and Cadbury Café that can tackle the toughest sweet tooth.

Practical Info

On weekends and public holidays there can be shortened tours that don’t visit the factory. Inquire ahead for the current schedule and offering of different tours. Tours are $22 for adults, $16 for 15 and younger, and $6 for preschool aged children. Family passes are $55 for 2 adults and 2 children younger than 15. Self-guided tours are $5 or $2 for preschool aged children.

280 Cumberland Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

8am–4:30pm daily

Guided tours: $20; Self-guided tours: $5

From $ 46

The Octagon

Few city centers are as unique as Dunedin’s. Known by the locals as the Octagon, this eight-sided plaza is a hub for residents—particularly when it comes to public transit. Travelers exploring Dunedin by bus or taxi will likely stop in the Octagon, since nearly all routes pass through this central location. The Octagon is also ripe for wandering, with the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, muliplex cinema and the Regent Theatre all within walking distance. Most of the bars and restaurants in the northeast quadrant of the Octagon offer outdoor dining, too, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer after a warm summer walk or grab a bite to eat before heading to a show.

Practical Info

The Octagon is located in the central business district of Dunedin. George Street is to the northeast of it and Princes Street to the southwest.

George & Princes Street, Dunedin, New Zealand

From $ 20

Dunedin Cruise Port

Dunedin Cruise Port

Known as the architectural heritage capital of New Zealand, Dunedin was once the largest and wealthiest city in the country. Sitting on the Otago Peninsula on New Zealand’s South Island, this lively university town with Scottish roots is increasingly popular among tourists.

How to Get to Dunedin

Cruise ships dock at Port Chalmers, a suburb of Dunedin located about 8 miles from the city. Shuttle buses are available to take you into the center of town, typically dropping you off at the Octagon in the heart of Dunedin. Public buses also run between Port Chalmers and Dunedin, picking passengers up from the corner of Harrington, Fox and Meridian Streets. Taxis are also available to make the 15 minute drive to Dunedin.

One Day in Dunedin

Whether you take a shuttle or a public bus, you will likely arrive in Dunedin at the Octagon – an eight-sided plaza in the center of town full of bars and cafes. Start with a visit to the Otago Museum to learn more about the region’s cultural and natural history. If you’re interested in contemporary art, stop at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery on the southwestern corner of the Octagon as well. Spend some time checking out the charming Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the city, including Otago University and the Railway Station. Then, head over to bustling George Street, just off of the Octagon, to peruse some of Dunedin’s best shops before taking a break for lunch at one of the many restaurants lining the street.
After lunch, it’s time for dessert! Make your way to Cadbury World on Cumberland Street, where you can sample Cadbury chocolate or even take a guided tour of the factory. Beer-lovers may want to follow that up with a tour of Speight’s Brewery, home of the South Island’s most popular beer. Or, pay a visit to the Royal Albatross Center at Taiaroa Head, home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross.

Time permitting, you might also head out to New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle. Sitting on a hilltop a few miles outside of the city, the castle is another example of Victorian architecture and offers spectacular views of Dunedin Bay. Or, save some time to explore the galleries, boutiques and antique shops of Port Chalmers before returning to your ship.

Those wishing to see more of the region surrounding Dunedin might consider an excursion on the Taieri Gorge Railway, a four hour trip with morning and afternoon departures. The train typically departs from the Dunedin Railway Station, but if you book a tour, you will likely depart from, and return to, the port instead.

Port Information

The official language is English and the local currency is the New Zealand dollar. ATMs are readily available and credit cards are widely accepted. Temporary visitor information booths are set up at the port when cruise ships are in port.

New Zealand

From $ 57

Olveston

Olveston House, an unmissable Dunedin attraction, was constructed in the early 1900s and is still decorated as when it was built. The original owner collected unique items worldwide, making this not just a house but a museum. Visitors can view the interior and the large, beautiful gardens.

The Basics

An Olveston House tour is like touring the world through the eyes of the original owner, businessman and philanthropist David Theomin. He collected items from across the globe, which are now on display. Theomin family members lived in the house until 1966, after which the house was gifted to the city of Dunedin. It’s been a historic house museum ever since.

A guided tour of the house and gardens is a good way to learn about the history and culture of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most important cities. Travelers often visit as part of a full-day tour around Dunedin. Such tours usually include a few city attractions, followed by an excursion to see wildlife on the Otago Peninsula.

Things to Know Before You Go

A guided tour is necessary to see the interior of the house, but the gardens are free.
Dunedin is a very hilly city and Olveston House is located on a hill, so walking there may not be suited to travelers with mobility issues.
Not all of Olveston’s guided tours are the same. You can join a tour with morning tea, an art collector’s tour, and other themed options. Check the website for timings.
Tours operate in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, German, and Japanese.

How to Get There

Olveston House is in Royal Terrace in North Dunedin, a suburb quite close to central Dunedin. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Octagon, the Otago Museum, or the University of Otago. Guided bus tours take you directly to Olveston.

When to Get There

Olveston House is open 9am to 5pm daily year-round, except Christmas Day. Guided tours run six times per day. As this is mostly an indoor activity, and Dunedin sees a lot of rainy days, a visit to Olveston House is an ideal activity when the weather is bad.

Edwardian Games at Olveston

Olveston, built from 1904 to 1906, is an Edwardian-era house. For a fun morning or afternoon with friends or family or to celebrate an event, such as a birthday, book the “Edwardian Games” tour at Olveston. You’ll get the regular guided tour, followed by croquet in the manicured gardens, with a cup of tea or coffee. Bookings should be made a week in advance.

42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin , Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

From $ 16

Signal Hill

On a sunny day, you'll find the best view in all of Dunedin is from the top of Signal Hill. This 1,289-foot forested promontory rises high above Dunedin Harbor, and offers sweeping views of the blue Pacific and green of the surrounding hills. On clear summer days you can find locals and visitors enjoying the uphill stroll to the summit, and mountain bikers whirring down the numerous trails that weave their way through the woods.

While walking maximizes the hill's beauty, there's also a road that winds its way up to the scenic reward at the top. Not far from the Signal Hill summit, a large memorial commemorates New Zealand's 100th anniversary that took place in 1940, and two bronze statues on the side of the memorial are an ode to the original Scottish settlers who founded the waterfront town.

Practical Info

Signal Hill is approximately 1.5 miles outside of the Dunedin City Center. There is no admission to the summit or walking trails, and even on fine, sunny days, the top can still have a brisk wind that warrants bringing jacket.

Signal Hill, Dunedin, New Zealand

From $ 46

Baldwin Street

When walking up Dunedin’s Baldwin Street, don’t be ashamed if you need to stop and catch your breath for a while. After all, this short, steep, concrete street is famously known as the steepest street in the world, and thousands of visitors annually make the leg-straining climb to the top. With grades that reach up to 35 percent, the street astoundingly climbs 232 vertical feet over the course of only 0.2 miles. In fact, the street is so remarkably steep, that when it was first constructed in the mid-19th century, concrete was used in lieu of asphalt so that the tar wouldn’t melt and roll towards the bottom on the hottest days of summer.

Thanks to its superlative steepness and fame, Baldwin Street hosts a number of events that take place throughout the year. Each July, thousands of revelers gather at the bottom during the popular Cadbury Chocolate Festival, and thousands of chocolate candies are rolled down the entire length of the hill. In summer, committed runners sprint up the street during the torturous “Baldwin Street Gutbuster,” where endurance is required to run up the street, and balance for running back down.

Practical Info

Baldwin Street is located in the North East Valley suburb about 2.2 miles from the city center. There is much needed drinking fountain at the top of the street, and once back at the bottom, a shop where you can buy a certificate of completion for conquering the famous street.

Baldwin Street, Dunedin, New Zealand

From $ 32