New Zealand’s “Edinburgh of the South” has beautiful old buildings, a lively nightlife and the country’s largest chocolate factory, all set in a coastal landscape.
On the southeast edge of New Zealand’s South Island, the historic city of Dunedin rests between a dormant volcano and the hilly shores of the Otago Peninsula. Centuries-old buildings, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Dunedin Railway Station, reveal the city’s Scottish heritage. Take a stroll through the Dunedin Botanic Garden or the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden to experience the area’s natural beauty.
The Octagon is a historic plaza that sits in the middle of Dunedin’s compact city centre. Visit the popular pubs and bars, open-air restaurants and markets that line the square.There are many landmark buildings nearby, such as Speight's Brewery and Dunedin Town Hall, which belongs to the Municipal Chambers. See the First Church of Otago and the University of Otago, which is located about 1.2 kilometres (0.7 miles) from the city centre.
Sample chocolates at Cadbury World, a five-minute walk from The Octagon and the biggest chocolate factory in the country. Enjoy a 20-minute drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to the 19th-century Lanarch Castle for high tea and a walk through the grounds.
White-sand beaches and great surf spots span the coast just south of the city. Sit along the esplanade at St. Clair Beach and try New Zealand seafood and world-famous wines.Drive out to the Royal Albatross Centre about 45 minutes northeast of Dunedin along the Otago Peninsula. Here, albatross soar to and from the world’s only mainland breeding ground for these gigantic birds.
Warm summers mark Dunedin’s coastal climate, but the city’s proximity to the Antarctic brings erratic weather in winter. If you are visiting between June and August, pack for icy temperatures but also bring your swimsuit, as you may want to take part in the annual Polar Plunge. This chilly and lively beach swim attracts thousands of brave participants.
Fly into Dunedin International Airport, which is 29 kilometres (18 miles) southwest of the city centre. You can easily navigate Dunedin by bus, bicycle or on foot, but be prepared for hilly roads. Baldwin Street, considered to be the world’s steepest residential street, is in northeast Dunedin.
