Things to do in Dunedin
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Top 10 attractions in Dunedin
Larnach Castle
Lanark Castle is located on the Otago Peninsula and is New Zealand's only castle. The castle was built by William Lanark for his first wife, Eliza Jane Guise. There are forty-three rooms and a large ballroom in the castle. Its ornate carvings, intricate stonework, woodcarving, stucco and glassware are outstanding. Construction of the castle began in 1871, and it took two hundred workers five years to complete before the family moved in. After that, it took another 11 years for the decoration by European craftsmen, and the materials were taken from all over the world. Insider tip: William Larnach was a former minister in the British colonial government, banker, capitalist and business tycoon.Dunedin · 9.8 km from downtown
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World is a residential street considered the steepest residential street in the world. The street is about 350 m long and rises about 70 m from the valley floor. The lower section is relatively gentle, but it gets steeper toward the top, with the steepest part at about 35%, which is equivalent to gaining 1 m in elevation for every just under 3 m traveled forward. This section is paved with concrete rather than asphalt, which makes it easier to maintain and more resistant to winter frost and slipperiness. Its steepness was purely accidental — mid-19th-century planners drew the grid on paper without following the hill, which resulted in a world record. The title has had its ups and downs: in 2019 it was briefly taken by a street in Wales, but the following year, after local surveyors appealed and remeasured along the street's centerline, it was returned. Today, it feels more like an open-air photo spot. Visitors like to use the slope to create optical illusions, posing as if they are pushing a bike uphill or leaning back while staying steady for photos, and some come specifically to experience the feeling of climbing from the bottom to the top, like mountaineering. Each summer, the more-than-30-year-old hill-climb challenge Gutbuster takes place here, with participants racing from the bottom to the top and back. Long-time Dunedin locals also recall a former local spectacle: tens of thousands of orange candy-coated chocolate balls bouncing down the steep slope.Dunedin · 4.1 km from downtown
Dunedin Railway Station
Dunedin Railway Station is a product of the city's gold rush heyday. At that time, Dunedin rose to become the commercial center of New Zealand thanks to its gold wealth, and this station is the magnificent facade left behind by that golden age. It was designed by architect George Troup in the Flemish Renaissance style, with exterior walls made of black basalt accented with creamy Oamaru limestone, making it as exquisite as a fairy-tale gingerbread house, which earned the designer the nickname "Gingerbread George." The interior is equally worth exploring: the floor of the booking hall is composed of a mosaic of nearly 750,000 Royal Doulton tiles, which look particularly beautiful when sunlight streams in from the central dome. The stained glass windows featuring train motifs, the intricate stair railings, and the warm yellow tones of the hall make the space luxurious yet cozy. Today, most of the ground floor has been converted into a restaurant, while the second floor houses an art gallery, the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, and a souvenir shop. The Taieri Gorge Railway and Pacific coastal sightseeing trains still depart from here. If you have time, consider taking a trip through the gorge and along the coast. If you are just passing through, don't miss the vintage carriages on the platform and the symmetrical white stone towers on the main facade.Dunedin · 600m from downtown
First Church Of Otago
First Church Of Otago stands on the remnants of Bell Hill in the center of Dunedin and is an iconic Presbyterian church for Scottish immigrants in New Zealand. The existing building was designed by architect Robert Lawson and built in the Gothic Revival style, with exterior walls made of Oamaru limestone and a base of volcanic rock from Port Chalmers. The spire, over 50m high, is embedded with two-tiered lancet windows on all four sides, making the tower appear even taller. It can be seen by looking up from many street corners in the city center. Today, it remains an active church for the local congregation. Inside the bell tower hangs a set of bronze bells shipped from the United Kingdom, which are still rung manually by bell ringers using traditional British methods—a rarity among Presbyterian churches outside the United Kingdom. Two old street lamps from Edinburgh hang on the iron gate posts in front of the church, and a large bell brought all the way from Scotland stands on the lawn. The marks of the immigrants' homeland are hidden in many details. Stepping inside, the most eye-catching feature is the huge circular rose window above the pulpit. Stained glass casts soft light onto the wooden truss ceiling and the intricately carved pulpit. There are also stained glass windows around the perimeter commemorating fallen soldiers and the Otago Mounted Rifles. When visiting, you might want to walk around to the back of the church and look back from the direction of Queen's Gardens. The apse, corner towers, and the tall gable embedded with the rose window unfold in layers, making it a great spot for taking panoramic photos of the church.Dunedin · 336m from downtown
The Octagon
The Octagon is located at the intersection of Princes Street and Georgetown, and is a bustling area of Dunedin. Since 1846, The Octagon has been the city center of Dunedin. Surrounding The Octagon are the GothicSt Paul's Cathedral, the City Council Chambers, the visitor information center, tree-lined green spaces, and several main streets leading in all directions. This is also the commercial center of Dunedin, with numerous shops and large shopping malls lining the area. Strolling through the square, you can order lunch at a restaurant along the street or browse the shops here, experiencing the modern commercial atmosphere in this city full of Scottish architectural style. If you happen to be there during local holidays or folk festivals, you might also see locals wearing kilts and playing bagpipes as they walk through the streets to celebrate.Dunedin · 533m from downtown
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral is a Gothic building built in 1971. The church is built with Oamaru limestone, Oamaru Stone, and the exterior walls are decorated with gorgeous stained glass. Inside the church there is a magnificent pipe organ with as many as 3,500 pipes, which is amazing. Here you can visit the "WarMemorial Window", which was made to commemorate the soldiers of southern Otago who died in World War I, as well as works depicting Christ's "death, resurrection and ascension", each piece for The church adds an artistic touch. Every Wednesday and Thursday, a volunteer choir composed of adult men and teenagers will perform choral activities in the church, which is well worth listening to.Dunedin · 581m from downtown
Tunnel Beach Walk
The Tunnel Beach Walk is a stone walk through farmland and along the beach cliffs to Tunnel Beach. Wander through this beach tunnel and you'll see sea rock piles, arches and oddly shaped rocks that are masterpieces of the wild Pacific Ocean. If you're lucky, you might even find a fossil or two in the sandstone cliffs!Dunedin · 6 km from downtown
Taieri Gorge Railway
Riding the Taieri Gorge Railway is a highlight of any trip to Dunedin. The train departs from Dunedin Railway Station. Along the way, you can admire the historic Olveston Historic Home and catch a glimpse of the luxurious life of Dunedin's Edwardian aristocracy. On the train, you will pass through the rugged and spectacular Taieri Gorge tunnels, winding tracks, and rugged ravines... The beautiful scenery unfolds before your eyes like an exquisite scroll. The Taieri Gorge Railway route is 60 km long. Built in 1879, it was originally a public line used primarily by Dunedin merchants and businesses in Central Otago to transport fruit, livestock, gasoline, oil, mail, and other trade goods. It ceased operations in 1990, but now it is a vintage train filled with memories of the past, carrying you slowly back to the old days. The train departs daily from Dunedin Railway Station. The sightseeing route offers comprehensive English commentary and photo stops, with refreshments served along the way. In winter, comfortable heating is also provided.Dunedin · 505m from downtown
Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden
Dunedin Chinese Garden is located in Dunedin, New Zealand. The buildings in the garden are surrounded by mountains and rivers. The environment here is quiet and the scenery is pleasant. It is a good place for leisure and strolling.Dunedin · 200m from downtown
Blue Penguins Pukekura
Be fascinated by Kororā, the world's smallest penguin, emerging from the sea at dusk at Takiharuru/Pilots Beach, on the end of the Otago Peninsula. Tours include information on the penguins, other wildlife and Māori history.Harington Point · 20.8 km from Dunedin
Experiences you can't miss in Dunedin
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More things to do
Private Tours in Dunedin
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Free things to do in Dunedin
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World
Dunedin · 4.1 km from downtownDunedin Railway Station
Dunedin · 600m from downtownFirst Church Of Otago
Dunedin · 336m from downtownThe Octagon
Dunedin · 533m from downtownSt Paul's Cathedral
Dunedin · 581m from downtownTunnel Beach Walk
Dunedin · 6 km from downtown
Sandfly Bay Track
Sandymount · 10.7 km from Dunedin
Otago Peninsula
Sandymount · 12.8 km from Dunedin
Signal Hill Lookout
Dunedin · 4.1 km from downtown
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
Dunedin · 361m from downtown
What travelers say about Dunedin
Anonymous userDecember 31, 2024
5.0
It's worth a visit. The castle is very interesting. Different weather conditions provide different experiences. It's very good. The garden is average, but the dining area is very good. The wood-burning stove is very comfortable. The price is also suitable. It is a place with good value for money.
Larnach Castle
FancyHansiJanuary 1, 2026
5.0
Tips: better if you can avoid rainy weather. Good to have a companion. wear hiking shoes if possible.Reasons to Recommend: unique. good for the body.
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World
果汁分你一半✔January 22, 2021
5.0
Dunedin is full of cultural atmosphere, with many historical buildings, museums and bird sanctuaries. Many typical Scottish-style buildings are still preserved in the city, and it is known as the city that is "most like Scotland outside of Scotland". Dunedin is full of cultural atmosphere, with many historical buildings, museums and bird sanctuaries. Many typical Scottish-style buildings are still preserved in the city, and it is known as the city that is "most like Scotland outside of Scotland".
Dunedin Railway Station
yccuiMarch 17, 2025
5.0
Visiting Dunedin is another day full of activities. Dunedin is located on the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is the second largest city in the South Island and the fourth largest city in New Zealand. In the mid-to-late 19th century, the Scottish discovered gold mines nearby and gradually prospered. It was once the largest city in New Zealand and has a large number of Scottish-style buildings.
First Church Of Otago
🎀彡🐾May 13, 2020
5.0
Dunedin's Octagonal Square is the central square here. As the name suggests, this square is an octagonal square with a very famous local building on each corner. It can be said that this is the undisputed center of Dunedin and it is definitely a must-visit place when visiting here.
The Octagon
潇逸的珍珠February 24, 2020
5.0
This ancient city is intriguing. Walking on the ancient streets, you can see the vicissitudes of history. There are not many Chinese people in Dunedin, but the cooking skills are excellent. There are many Chinese restaurants, the taste is super good, and the price is also good. I like this city.
St Paul's Cathedral
travelerererOctober 26, 2019
4.0
Tunnel Beach, in Chinese it is called Tunnel Beach Trail, is a relatively good natural scenery. The ecological protection is quite good. There are also quite a lot of tourists coming here, and it is a popular attraction.
Tunnel Beach Walk
Claire YoungMarch 21, 2023
5.0
Although the railway station in Dunedin is still under renovation, you can still see the historical introduction above, the super gorgeous architectural features of the station hall, and the maze garden outside the station. Many people come here to visit.
Taieri Gorge Railway
铨上风满楼January 27, 2023
4.0
Although small, it has everything, and it has great Chinese characteristics. Young couples can come here to relax.
Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden
123-travellerOctober 8, 2022
4.0
The blue penguins pukekura may walk on a track from Royal Albatross Centre. But the track is closed.
Blue Penguins Pukekura
