Dunedin

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Top 10 attractions in Dunedin

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Larnach Castle
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Dunedin

Larnach Castle

6.5
4.5/5
109 reviews
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
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Dunedin

Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World

6.2
4.4/5
95 reviews
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
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Dunedin

Dunedin Railway Station

6
4.3/5
208 reviews
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
The Octagon
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Dunedin

The Octagon

4.8
4.5/5
50 reviews
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.Dunedin · 533m from downtown
Tunnel Beach Walk

Tunnel Beach Walk

4.3
3.7/5
36 reviews
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

Taieri Gorge Railway

4.2
3.9/5
24 reviews
A ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway Scenic Train is a joy to travel in Dunedin. The train departs from Dunedin Railway Station. Along the way, you can admire the old Oviston House and get a rough taste of the luxurious life of Dunedin nobles in the Edwardian era. Taking the train, you will pass through the rugged and spectacular Taieri Gorge tunnels, twisty roads, rugged valleys... The beauty is like a delicate scroll, slowly unfolding before your eyes. The Taieri Sightseeing Train route is 60 kilometers long. It was built in 1879. It was originally a civilian line. In the early days, it was mainly used by Dunedin merchants and merchants in the center of Otago to transport fruit, animals, petrol, oil, letters and other transactions. Items, which ceased operation in 1990, are now an old train full of old memories and carrying you slowly back to the old days. Trains depart daily from Dunedin Railway Station. The sightseeing route provides a full range of English explanations, and there are photo stops. Refreshments are provided along the way, and comfortable heating facilities are provided in winter.Dunedin · 505m from downtown
Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden

Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden

3.9
4.3/5
4 reviews
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 · 198m from downtown
Sandfly Bay Track

Sandfly Bay Track

3.8
3.2/5
7 reviews
Sandfly Bay Track is a scenic trail located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, situated in a naturally charming beach area. The trail crosses vast sand dunes and wetlands, leading visitors to Sandfly Bay, an ideal spot for birdwatching and beach walks. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the unique ecological environment, including coastal vegetation, sand dunes, and the surrounding mountains. The trail itself is suitable for most hikers, although some sections may be a bit rugged. During the walk, visitors have the opportunity to encounter a variety of local wildlife, especially seabirds and some endemic plants and animals. Sandfly Bay is a hidden beach in New Zealand, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a peaceful nature experience. Whether you're with family or exploring alone, the trail provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature.Sandymount · 10.7 km from Dunedin
Signal Hill Lookout

Signal Hill Lookout

3.5
4.6/5
21 reviews
Signal Hill in Dunedin is located in Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand. It is one of the city's famous viewing spots. There is a monument on the top of Signal Hill to commemorate the 100th anniversary of New Zealand's founding. This monument is an important historical landmark that attracts many tourists and local residents to visit. There is also an observation deck on the top of the mountain, which provides an ideal viewing location for photographing the city and natural landscape. In addition to viewing, Signal Hill is also a popular leisure place. There are many trails on the mountain, suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can enjoy the natural scenery on these trails while experiencing the fun of outdoor sports. Signal Hill is not only a tourist attraction, but also a good place for daily leisure and entertainment for Dunedin citizens. Its natural beauty and historical significance make it one of Dunedin's important landmarks, attracting tourists from all over the world.Dunedin · 4.1 km from downtown
Dunedin Botanic Garden

Dunedin Botanic Garden

3.3
4.3/5
4 reviews
The Dunedin Botanical Garden is located in Otago, New Zealand. It was established in 1863 and covers an area of about 28 hectares. It is a very old botanical garden in New Zealand. There are about 6,000 kinds of plants in the garden, making it the largest botanical garden in New Zealand.Dunedin · 2.7 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Dunedin

Featured Food & drink in Dunedin

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Dunedin: 3 Hour Artisan Food Walking Tour
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Dunedin: Distillery Tour with Gin & Spirit Tasting
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Dunedin: Speight's Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 75 mins
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Dunedin

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Dunedin: Scenic Railway Tour Through the Taieri Gorge
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4.6/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
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Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Dunedin: Scenic Railway Tour of Otago's Coastline
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Duration: 3.5 hrs
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Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion
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4.0/5
· 1 review· 29 booked
Duration: 6–7 hrs
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Dunedin: to Invercargill via the Catlins One Way Tour
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Dunedin: to Queenstown via Taieri Gorge Train 1 Way Day Tour
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4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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Port Chalmers: Larnach Castle, City Sights & Otago Peninsula
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Dunedin to Te Anau via The Catlins & Invercargill 1 Way Tour
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
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What travelers say about Dunedin

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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

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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

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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

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🎀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

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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

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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

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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

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小凌60September 10, 2020
3.0
This bay is a relatively pristine environment. We were even surprised to find sea lions on the beach, as well as other seabirds that we don’t usually see. It’s a very treasured place.

Sandfly Bay Track

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王海娃子October 23, 2019
4.0
Like Qingdao Signal Hill Park, Dunedin Signal Hill is not far from the sea, the commanding height of the city, and the best location to overlook the whole city. It is not difficult to find that the entire city of Dunedin is undulating, and at the same time it is surrounded by mountains and the sea.

Signal Hill Lookout

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Dunedin?

Don't miss these attractions in Dunedin: Larnach Castle, Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World, and Dunedin Railway Station. If you like Cultural experiences, try Dunedin Highlights Audio Tour: Victorian Heritage and Civic Landmarks. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Visit Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula and enjoy afternoon tea.

You can give Visit Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula and enjoy afternoon tea and Dunedin: 3 Hour Artisan Food Walking Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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