Dunedin

Dunedin - The Architectural Capital Of New Zealand

Situated 400 kilometres south of , the South Island’s second largest city is regarded as New Zealand architectural heritage capital.  It was Dunedin’s landscape that originally attracted Maori settlers here many centuries ago.  

More recently, gold miners, whalers and migrants from as far as Scotland and China arrived in search of prosperity.  The beautiful architecture has made Dunedin one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The gothic church spires, victorian styled mansions, vast native forests and charming sea views entice visitors to the city. Amazing wildlife is always close to hand with locals and tourists happy to marvel at rare penguins, playful sea lions and wondrous albatross colonies.

Dunedin Arts & Culture

The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and, together with Otago Polytechnic and the Dunedin College of Education, contributes to a vibrant student culture.

Dunedin Public Art Gallery has outstanding holdings of both classic and contemporary works. Otago Museum is one of New Zealand's finest, with a wonderful collection of magnificent items from around the world. The Otago Settlers Museum is a must for those wanting an insight into Otago’s early beginnings. Speight's Brewery is a Dunedin icon dating back to 1876. With tours on offer, this piece of living, working heritage warrants a visit.

Dunedin Restaurants

A quiet and relaxed atmosphere is easily found in the club and bar scene.  Student pubs and bars are a little livelier than most other watering holes. Good food is always easy to find in Dunedin's restauants and bars, which offer everything from traditional hearty meals to contemporary al fresco dining. The Octagon, situated in the city centre, with its many bars and cafés and statue of the Scottish bard, Robbie Burns, is the place to be seen and to relax after shopping or a day spent exploring the city.

Dunedin Shopping

Not only is Dunedin the host to stunning wildlife and nature but it’s also home to a wide range of boutique, designer and chain stores.  George and Princes Streets are the hub of Dunedin’s shopping life.  There are renowned local designers and international brand stores and outlets scattering the pavements.

Moeraki Boulders

Maori legend tells us that the Moeraki boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyage of the canoe Araiteuru over 1000 years ago.  The great Moeraki boulders occupy a beach less than one hour from Oamaru.
 
Lanarch Castle
 
Drive along Otago Peninsula to discover New Zealand’s only castle and a choice of wildlife encounters with penguin, albatross and seal colonies.  Construction began in 1871 and saw 200 workmen labouring for five years before the family moved in. Over the next eleven years gifted craftsmen worked hard on the interior embellishments, using only the finest materials from around the world. Daily viewings are available.
 
Otago Peninsula
 
Home of the Hoiho (or yellow-eyed penguin), the Otago Peninsula houses some of the rarest and most beautiful wildlife you’ll see.  As well as having the only mainland albatross colony in the world it’s also home to fur seals and sea lions.

Getting There

Dunedin is located on State Highway 1, approximately 400kms south of , 350kms east of Queenstown and 250kms north of Invercargill.

Dunedin airport is just a short 30 minute drive from Dunedin City centre.  Daily flights arrive and depart from various cities in Australia.  Dunedin airport is served well within the domestic network with either direct or connecting flights available to all other New Zealand major airports.

Several bus and coach services arrive and depart Dunedin daily, including Atomic Shuttles, Magic, Bottom Bus and the popular Intercity and Kiwi Experience.