What to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

Larnach Castle which includes a castle and street scenes
Dunedin featuring farmland and landscape views
Dunedin showing a church or cathedral, street scenes and mist or fog
Larnach Castle
Dunedin showing farmland

Dunedin Tourist Attractions & Activities

Perpetually prepared for an eye-opening excursion and inventive ways to get inspired, you’re prepared to discover an exciting destination like the expert traveller you are. You’re keen to set sail in a different direction. It’s not challenging to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia makes it simple to book tons of things to do. Book your activities today, and the only thing you'll have left to do is count the days until your escape and get excited. Coming up: Dunedin!

  • Book your favourite activities and day trips on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a top hotel or luxurious meal while you’re in town. The things to do in Dunedin are not only among the best, but they won’t cost an arm and a leg. We have 46 things to do here, and you can get them starting at just AU$14.
  • Dunedin is a favourite among sightseers. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to the regionto learn about local history and culture and participate in the best activities. The most booked activities can catch the curiosity of even seasoned travellers, and it's not hard to see why. Our activities includes an impressive array of entertainment and excitement. With unique ways to discover the best this area has to offer like a Dunedin Cruise Excursion – Taieri Gorge Railway & Sightseeing Tour to unequalled ways to explore the best this area has to give like a Shore Excursion: Larnach Castle & Cadbury Factory Sightseeing Tour, there are tons of things to do to choose from when you consider all the choices available here at Expedia Australia.

It takes a bit of planning to fully explore Dunedin, particularly when you intend to include lots of exciting activities. And we can tell you're itching to explore every avenue—you're excited to get out and have an adventure. You're anxious to sign up for the best activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Our activities are the ideal way to organise your getaway. Book guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you'll learn all about the city's history along the way.

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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 which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 featuring interior views

5. 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 featuring a garden and a lake or waterhole

6. 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.

7. St. Paul's Cathedral

Gazing up from Dunedin’s Octagon, you can’t miss the ornate façade and towering spires of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Step inside and discover beautiful stone carvings, artwork and more, all illuminated by the colored light of stunning stained-glass windows.
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St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

Recommended things to do in Dunedin

Number of things to do
46
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hidden Tūhura Otago Museum Experience: AU$14
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dunedin

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dunedin

The Octagon which includes 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
St. Clair 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
Larnach Castle

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
Speight\'s Brewery featuring 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
Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring 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
St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral

Dramatic architecture, exquisite sculptures, superb stained-glass windows and one of the country’s largest pipe organs are all on show at Dunedin’s Anglican cathedral.

St. Paul's Cathedral
First Church of Otago featuring 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
Otago Museum

Otago Museum

Find prehistoric fossils and ancient statues. Learn all about the enthralling cultural and physical history of New Zealand.

Otago Museum

Explore areas of Dunedin

Dunedin which includes heritage elements, a pond and a park

Dunedin City Centre

4/5(900 area reviews)

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Grand Casino or The Octagon.

Dunedin City Centre
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St. Clair

5/5(52 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant 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
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Saint Kilda

4/5(85 area reviews)

Beaches and bars are some things travellers note about Saint Kilda. Check out St. Clair Beach or Edgar Centre while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Saint Kilda
Otago Museum showing interior views

North Dunedin

Unique features of North Dunedin include the spas and gardens. Make a stop by Otago Museum or Dunedin Botanic Garden while you're exploring the area.

North Dunedin
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South Dunedin

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Travellers enjoy South Dunedin for its restaurants and waterfront. Consider checking out Edgar Centre while you're in the area.

South Dunedin
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Bradford

When in Bradford, you can plan a visit to Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bradford

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Dunedin

Cape Saunders

Cape Saunders

Frequently asked questions

Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Dunedin offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Dunedin?
Start your day with a visit to Tunnel Beach and Dunedin Railways. Then, explore different parts of Dunedin for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dunedin?
Tunnel Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dunedin and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dunedin?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Tunnel Beach, Dunedin Railways and Pineapple Track with a three-day trip to Dunedin. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to St. Clair.
Is Dunedin a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Dunedin, including Dunedin Railways and Orokonui Ecosanctuary, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Dunedin is North Dunedin and Roslyn is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dunedin with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dunedin with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Dunedin for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Dunedin for adults including Seriously Twisted.
Are there free things to do in Dunedin?
In Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Dunedin.

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