Essentials

The climate is temperate: warm summers and cool winters.

The city's 8-sided main plaza is called The Octagon, and is home to attractions, shopping and dining.

Dunedin's compact centre means that many hotels are in the heart of the city, making it easy for guests to get around and see the sights.

Many sights are within walking distance of the city centre, with buses and taxis also available. A rental car will take you further afield to explore the beautiful Otago region.

Dining & Entertainment

The city's dining options range from elegant to casual. For old-world Scottish indulgence you can visit cosy pubs and even an extensive Whiskey bar serving up over 300 varieties of the golden nectar.

The multi-storey Dunedin Public Art Gallery is in The Octagon, and if you fancy an evening of live theatre the world's southernmost professional theatre, The Fortune Theatre, is also situated nearby.

History & Architecture

First settled by the Scottish, Dunedin has the largest concentration of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in New Zealand. Landmarks such as the gothic revival Anglican Cathedral in The Octagon and the nearby "gingerbread-style" Dunedin Railway Station are impressive even to non-architecture buffs.

Landscapes & Wildlife

Set on a spectacular waterfront and surrounded by old volcanic hills, Dunedin has intriguing local wildlife including fur seals, sea lions and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. A wildlife cruise around the harbour is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.

Dunedin is the gateway to the wider Otago region, where you'll find stunning rugged landscapes and vistas. The nearby seaside settlements of Karitane and Port Chalmers provide the perfect settings for daytripping.