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 showing a castle, a pond and heritage architecture

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 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

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

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. First Church of Otago

Stroll through the grounds of the First Church of Otago and admire the building’s turrets, ornate façade and towering spire. Step inside to see the spectacular wooden ceiling lit up by the glow from a large rose-shaped stained-glass window.
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First Church of Otago showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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 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
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
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
First Church of Otago showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

First Church of Otago

With its breathtaking design and stained-glass windows, Dunedin’s most prominent church is often referred to as New Zealand’s finest 19th-century building.

First Church of Otago
Dunedin Railways

Dunedin Railways

You can browse the exhibits at Dunedin Railways, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Dunedin. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its charming cafes.

Dunedin Railways
Otago Settlers Museum showing street scenes, modern architecture and night scenes

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

The extensive collection of interactive displays and intricate scale models bring the fascinating history of the Otago region to life.

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Areas of Dunedin

Dunedin featuring a park, heritage elements and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

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

Dunedin City Centre
These piers are all that is left of a sea wall which has long since disappeared. They are located at the western end of a long sandy beach, close to shops and cafes, and a salt water swimming pool

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 Dunedin Botanic Garden or Otago Museum 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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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
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Port Chalmers

You'll enjoy the churches and waterfront in Port Chalmers. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Chalmers Museum or Holy Trinity Church.

Port Chalmers