Discover Dunedin in a Day: A Majestic Itinerary

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by Joshua

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Dunedin Central 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day adventure through the heart of Dunedin, where history and beauty collide. Begin your journey at the enchanting Larnach Castle, where you'll spend an hour wandering through its majestic halls and gardens. Next, step aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway for a picturesque train journey that will captivate your senses for an hour. After the ride, immerse yourself in spiritual history at the First Church Of Otago, a testament to Dunedin's heritage. As you continue, find yourself in The Octagon, the pulsating central square of the city, where an hour's stroll will introduce you to the vibrant local culture and architecture. Conclude your day with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, another hour spent admiring the serene beauty and architectural grandeur of this sacred space. This itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Dunedin Central, offering a mix of awe-inspiring sights and tranquil moments, all within the span of a single, unforgettable day.

Top 6 Hotels in Dunedin Central
TOP 1
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
hotelStar
4/5
45 reviews
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TOP 2
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
85 reviews
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TOP 3
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
hotelStar
4/5
102 reviews
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Fable Dunedin
Fable Dunedin
hotelStar
5/5
129 reviews
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Law Courts Hotel
Law Courts Hotel
hotelStar
3/5
56 reviews
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Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
hotelStar
3/5
118 reviews
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Day 1: Majestic Dunedin - Castles, Trains, and Sacred Spaces

1

Larnach Castle

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Begin your Dunedin adventure with a visit to the enchanting Larnach Castle, nestled at 145 Camp Road. As New Zealand's only castle, it offers a glimpse into Victorian opulence set against a backdrop of breathtaking gardens. Spend an hour exploring its historic halls and marvel at the intricate architecture that has stood the test of time, all while soaking in panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula.

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
Ric's Galley Fish & Chips Takeaways
Ric's Galley Fish & Chips Takeaways
4/5 · 3 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
1908 Restaurant
1908 Restaurant
3.8/5 · 6 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
19 min,14.37 km
2

Taieri Gorge Railway

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Next, embark on a journey through time aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway. Departing from the grand Dunedin Railway Station at Anzac Square, this scenic bus tour will whisk you away for an hour of stunning landscapes. Traverse the rugged Taieri Gorge, marvel at hand-carved tunnels, and cross wrought-iron viaducts as you uncover the heart of Central Otago's dramatic scenery.

Attraction Info

  • Dunedin Railway Station Anzac Square, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Home Edition
Home Edition
4/5 · 2 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
IRONIC
IRONIC
4.7/5 · 4 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
The Perc Cafe
The Perc Cafe
4.1/5 · 13 reviews
0.3 km from attraction
Prohibition Smokehouse
Prohibition Smokehouse
4/5 · 1 review
0.4 km from attraction
Del Sol
Del Sol
4.5/5 · 2 reviews
0.5 km from attraction
India Gate Restaurant & Bar
India Gate Restaurant & Bar
4/5 · 1 review
0.5 km from attraction
8 min,0.56 km
3

First Church Of Otago

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Continue your exploration of Dunedin's rich heritage with a visit to the First Church Of Otago. Located at 415 Moray Place, this architectural masterpiece invites you for an hour of tranquility. Admire the stunning stained glass windows and the soaring spire that punctuates Dunedin's skyline, all while enveloped in the serene ambiance of this historic church.

Attraction Info

  • 415 Moray Place, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
4 min,0.29 km
4

The Octagon

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As the day unfolds, make your way to The Octagon, the pulsating heart of Central Dunedin. Spend an hour immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic square. Surrounded by cafes, street art, and notable buildings, The Octagon is the perfect spot to observe the hustle and bustle of city life and perhaps enjoy a leisurely coffee break.

Attraction Info

  • Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
2 min,0.16 km
5

St. Paul's Cathedral

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Conclude your day with a reflective hour at St. Paul's Cathedral, situated at 228 Stuart Street. This spiritual sanctuary, with its striking Gothic Revival design, offers a peaceful respite from the day's adventures. Take a moment to appreciate the serene interior, the resonant acoustics, and the sense of history that permeates through the hallowed walls of this revered cathedral.

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
5/51 Reviews
5/5Perfect1 Reviews
Dunedin Central
|0.03km from St. Paul's Cathedral
5/51 Reviews
5/5Perfect1 Reviews
Dunedin Central
|0.04km from St. Paul's Cathedral
4.2/553 Reviews
4.2/5Very Good53 Reviews
Dunedin Central
|0.12km from St. Paul's Cathedral
4.3/58 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent8 Reviews
Dunedin Central
|0.13km from St. Paul's Cathedral

Top Things to Do in Dunedin Central-2024

TOP 1
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 2
Dunedin Railway Station
Dunedin Railway Station
4.6/5 · 192 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,426 review
TOP 3
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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TOP 4
First Church Of Otago
First Church Of Otago
4.6/5 · 54 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 290 review
Highlights:
The first church is the Scottish Presbyterian Church, built in 1873. The 60-meter-high spire silently tells the religious majesty. The interior of the church retains the characteristics of a typical Presbyterian church in the 19th century, and the bright stained glass is very eye-catching. And the high window shining above the altar is very beautiful, like real petals, worthy of its "rose window" reputation. On the 56-meter-high clock tower, there are 12 clocks, which were put up in 1975. There is a tourist service center in the first church, which displays the historical relics of the church and also sells souvenirs.
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TOP 5
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral
4.6/5 · 29 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 249 review
Highlights:
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.
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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 Central 1 Day Itinerary