1 Day in Dunedin: Castles, Slopes & Heritage

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by Christopher

May 8, 2024 · 1 min read

Dunedin 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind tour of Dunedin, where history and charm collide. Begin your journey at the majestic Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, where you can immerse yourself in Victorian splendor for an hour. Next, challenge yourself with a walk up Baldwin Street, recognized as the steepest street in the world, and spend 30 minutes marveling at this gravity-defying wonder. Continue to St. Paul's Cathedral, a beacon of spirituality and architecture, dedicating an hour to its serene beauty. Stroll through The Octagon, Dunedin's central square, for another hour, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this urban heart. Conclude your day with a visit to the First Church Of Otago, spending an hour within its hallowed walls, appreciating the stunning craftsmanship. This compact itinerary is designed to showcase the highlights of Dunedin, offering a blend of unique experiences that capture the essence of this picturesque city.

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Top 6 Hotels in Dunedin
TOP 1
Fable Dunedin
Fable Dunedin
hotelStar
5/5
131 reviews
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TOP 2
Hotel St Clair
Hotel St Clair
hotelStar
4/5
123 reviews
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Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
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4/5
103 reviews
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Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
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Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
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107 reviews
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Dunedin Leisure Lodge - Distinction
Dunedin Leisure Lodge - Distinction
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1 Day in Dunedin Itinerary: Day 1

1

Larnach Castle

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Begin your Dunedin adventure with a visit to the majestic Larnach Castle, nestled on 145 Camp Road. As New Zealand's only castle, it offers a glimpse into Victorian opulence, set against a backdrop of lush gardens and breathtaking views. Spend an hour exploring its ornate interiors, rich history, and perhaps even a whisper of ghostly tales, making it a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Attraction Info

  • 145 Camp Road, Larnachs Castle, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-6:00pm,The castle is open 365 days a year, including public holidays; Garden opening hours: Summer: 9:00am to 7:00pm daily (October 1st to March 31st), Winter: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily (April 1st to September 30th) ); Ballroom Café Opening Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm daily, 365 days a year including public holidays (except Christmas Day).

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Ballroom Cafe at Larnach Castle
Ballroom Cafe at Larnach Castle
4/5 · 2 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
1908 Restaurant
1908 Restaurant
3.8/5 · 6 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
Ric's Galley Fish & Chips Takeaways
Ric's Galley Fish & Chips Takeaways
4/5 · 3 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe & Restaurant
Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe & Restaurant
/5 · 1 review
3.5 km from attraction
The Bay Cafe
The Bay Cafe
4/5 · 1 review
2.4 km from attraction
Portobello Hotel & Bistro
Portobello Hotel & Bistro
/5 · 0 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
28 min,18.11 km
2

Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World

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Next, tilt your perspective at Baldwin Street, recognized as the steepest street in the world. A mere 30-minute jaunt from the castle, this characteristic neighborhood challenges visitors with its incline, promising a unique photo opportunity and bragging rights. Located in North East Valley, it's a quirky testament to Dunedin's charm and a physical reminder of the city's undulating landscape.

Attraction Info

  • North East Valley, Dunedin 9010, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 30-40 minutes
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

IRONIC
IRONIC
4.7/5 · 4 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
The Perc Cafe
The Perc Cafe
4.1/5 · 13 reviews
3.6 km from attraction
Ombrellos Kitchen and Bar
Ombrellos Kitchen and Bar
4/5 · 1 review
2.8 km from attraction
Chop Sticks 101
Chop Sticks 101
4.1/5 · 12 reviews
3.0 km from attraction
Tokyo Garden Restaurant
Tokyo Garden Restaurant
4.3/5 · 3 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
Caffe Diem
Caffe Diem
4/5 · 1 review
3.5 km from attraction
10 min,4.82 km
3

St. Paul's Cathedral

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Continue your cultural pilgrimage to St. Paul's Cathedral, situated at 228 Stuart Street in the heart of Dunedin. This architectural gem invites you for an hour of tranquility and reflection amidst its Gothic revival design. The cathedral's stained glass windows and soaring spire offer a peaceful respite and a touch of spiritual grandeur to your day's exploration.

Attraction Info

  • 228 Stuart Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Sun,7:45am-3:00pm,6:30pm-8:00pm;Open on Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat,10:00am-3:00pm;Open on Thu,10:00am-3:00pm,5:30pm-7:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Home Edition
Home Edition
4/5 · 2 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
The Perc Cafe
The Perc Cafe
4.1/5 · 13 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
IRONIC
IRONIC
4.7/5 · 4 reviews
0.5 km from attraction
Prohibition Smokehouse
Prohibition Smokehouse
4/5 · 1 review
0.2 km from attraction
Caffe Diem
Caffe Diem
4/5 · 1 review
0.2 km from attraction
Del Sol
Del Sol
4.5/5 · 2 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
2 min,0.16 km
4

The Octagon

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As the day unfolds, make your way to The Octagon, Dunedin's central square and the beating heart of the city. Spend an hour absorbing the lively atmosphere, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and public art. This bustling hub is a perfect spot to people-watch, relax, and soak in the local culture, all while planning your next move in Dunedin's vibrant urban landscape.

Attraction Info

  • Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
4 min,0.29 km
5

First Church Of Otago

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Conclude your day at the First Church Of Otago, an iconic landmark located at 415 Moray Place. Dedicate an hour to marvel at this stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. The church's impressive spire, intricate woodwork, and serene ambiance offer a fitting end to a day steeped in history and beauty, leaving you with a sense of awe and a deeper appreciation for Dunedin's rich heritage.

Attraction Info

  • 415 Moray Place, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
4.9/50 Reviews
4.9/5Perfect0 Reviews
Dunedin Central
|0.1km from First Church Of Otago
3.9/597 Reviews
3.9/597 Reviews
Dunedin Central
|0.1km from First Church Of Otago

Top Things to Do in Dunedin-2024

TOP 1
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle
4.5/5 · 94 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,043 review
Highlights:
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.
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TOP 2
Dunedin
Dunedin
4.6/5 · 77 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 11 review
Highlights:
In the mid-nineteenth century, the Scots built the city of Dunedin, which is now New Zealand's fourth largest city. The subsequent gold rush brought a large number of people and wealth to this young city. The whole city is dominated by Scottish architecture, so it is known as a city with Scottish style other than Scotland.
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TOP 3
Dunedin Railway Station
Dunedin Railway Station
4.6/5 · 192 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,427 review
TOP 4
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World
4.5/5 · 84 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,891 review
Highlights:
Baldwin St. in Dunedin, with a gradient of 35%, is the steepest inhabited street in the world. Walking on this street with a length of about 350 meters, the height increases by 1 meter for every 2.86 meters on average, and "climbing" to the end of the road feels like climbing a mountain. It is said that Baldwin Street was designed by some British town planners who had never been to Dunedin. They just drew some simple grids and lines on the drawings, but they achieved a Guinness World Record. Its incline is daunting for many drivers. Due to the unusual slope of the street, many people who come to Dunedin come to take pictures and pose in interesting poses. What's more interesting is that every July, Dunedin's chocolatier rolls 10,000 extra-large chocolate candy bars from the top of the slope and gives them to the enthusiastic watchers for free.
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TOP 5
The Octagon
The Octagon
4.7/5 · 41 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 355 review
Highlights:
The Octagon Square is located at the junction of Prince Street and George Street. It is a more lively area in Dunedin. Since 1846, the Octagon Square has been the city center of Dunedin. Around the Octagon, there are the Gothic St. Paul's Church, the City Council Hall, the Tourist Service Center, green spaces and several main avenues leading in all directions. It is also the commercial centre of Dunedin, with numerous shops and large shopping plazas lining the area. Strolling through the square, you can order lunch at the restaurants along the street, or browse the shops here, and experience the modern business atmosphere in this city full of Scottish architecture. If it comes to local holidays or folk celebrations, you will also see local people wearing plaid skirts and playing bagpipes through the streets to celebrate.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Dunedin 1 Day Itinerary