Tourism

About Dunedin

Dunedin is the oldest city in New Zealand, founded mainly by Scottish settlers about 150 years ago. For this reason, it is also known as the Edinburgh of the South.

The University of Otago, a key part of Dunedin, is New Zealand's oldest and top-ranked research university. The student life has made it the student capital of New Zealand; the rich mix of cultures makes Dunedin a diverse and vibrant international city of friendly people.

There are ample opportunities to experience the ddlife, including the royal albatross, rare yellow-eyed penguins, seals and dolphins. Dunedin is New Zealand's southern most major city, situated a few hours drive to some of New Zealand's most scenic treasures, including Fiordland and Queenstown, where Lord of the Rings was partially filmed.

With a wealth of culture, history, wildlife, climate and attractions, you'll get it all in Dunedin!

Dunedin’s growing reputation as a tourist destination is evidenced by an increasing number of cruise ship visits each year (nearly 90 cruise ships visited during the spring/summer of 2015-2016, with a massive increase to 182 expected this year). Local attractions include Dunedin’s Victorian-era architecture, the most photographed being the Dunedin Railway Station, the grand historic houses Larnach Castle and Olveston, the wildlife attractions of the Otago Peninsula (the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve, fur seals and sea lions — all within the city limits), an “authentic” (prefabricated in Shanghai) late Ming/early Ching dynasty Chinese scholar’s garden, the historic 77km Taieri Gorge scenic railway, the Otago eeum with its tropical forest, butterfly house and new planetarium, a boutique casino, surf beaches, and chocolate factory and brewery tours.

Dunedin is close to the scenic Catlins Coast, and only 3½ hours drive from the popular lake and mountain resorts of Queenstown and Wanaka.

Below are some short videos about University of Otago and Dunedin

 

 

Outdoor Sports and Activities

Golf

Biking and Cycling

Beaches

Walks

 

Misc

Baldwin Street

Otago Farmers Market

 

TAKE A FEW EXTRA DAYS…

Why not take an extra few days and explore, there’s so much to see and do!

Central Otago
www.centralotagonz.com
Central Otago is 2.5 hours drive from Dunedin.  Central Otago is New Zealand’s most inland regional it is also its hottest, coldest and driest.

A fragmented-schist plateau in a semi-desert environment, Central Otago is a living museum, scattered with historic features preserved by its dry climate.  Central Otago offers a fit of everything and to name but a few:  bike the rail trail, taste award winning wines, play a round of golf (there are 11 golf courses to choose from), 4WD and kayaking.

Queenstown
www.queenstownnz.co.nz
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand.  Set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps and just a 3.5 hour scenic drive from Dunedin.

Wanaka & Mount Aspiring National Park
www.lakewanaka.co.nz
Lake Wanaka, right at the heart of the southern lakes, is the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park which is internationally renowned for its glaciers and magnificent tramping and climbing.

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
www.mtcooknz.com
At 3754 metres, new Zealand’s highest

mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is dazzling, yet there are 27 other mountains in this alpine backbone which peak at more than 3050 metres and hundreds of others not far short of that – all making up the famous Southern Alps.

Lake Tekapo
www.tekapotourism.co.nz
Lake Tekapo, the amazing turquoise blue coloured lake is the country’s highest large lake (710m about sea level).  It is home to the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie country.  The church offers awe inspiring views of the lake.

Fiordland
www.fiordland.org.nz
Fiordland is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand.  Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site and includes Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.

Te Anau is perched on the edge of New Zealand’s second largest lake, the township of Te Anau is the main visitor base for Fiordland National Park.

Southern Scenic Route
www.southernscenicroute.co.nz
The famous Southern Scenic Route runs from Dunedin in the north through to Invercargill in the south (passing through the Catlins) and up to Te Anau.

The Catlins
www.catlins-nz.com


This corner of New Zealand is largely untainted by the modern world – a place where time has stood still.  Visitors can enjoy wild life and spectacular natural places.

Oamaru and the Waitaki District
www.visitoamaru.co.nz
Oamaru is the main township of the Waitaki region and is a gorgeous harbour town.  Visitors can explore museums, shops and galleries within some of New Zealand’s best 19th century architecture. Oamaru also has one of the country’s oldest public gardens, two penguin colonies, four golf courses and many walking and cycling trails there are plenty of opportunities to experience nature at its best.

The Waitaki Valley is an unspoilt, untouched paradise with some of the best scenery in New Zealand including hydro-electricity power stations and the alps to ocean cycleway.

http://www.beautiful-waitaki.co.nz/

railstation