The quirky and attractive city of Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island has a vibrant restaurant, bar and cafe scene and boasts some stunning surrounds. The culture and heritage – such as newly-adopted street art, Larnach castle (New Zealand’s only castle), the Edwardian railway station and downtown architecture makes Dunedin extremely photogenic.
Being a coastal city, Dunedin has many beaches scattered along its coastline and around the Otago Peninsula. Heading to the rugged southern part of the area you can find fur seals, sea lions, penguins and many species of sea bird.
What you’ll love most about Dunedin and its surroundings
- Dunedin’s architecture is delightful with a vast number of Victorian and Edwardian buildings adorning the city
- Just 20 minutes drive from downtown Dunedin is the 1871-built Larnach Castle that is open to the public 365 days a year
- There’s a vibrant art scene to experience in the historic town of Port Chalmers as well as a cool street art trail in Dunedin itself
- An hour’s drive from Dunedin you’ll find the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail that starts in the town of Middlemarch. It’s a great way to enjoy the celebrated local flavours at the country cafes and wineries
- One of the best ways to witness the local wildlife is by joining an eco-experience tour in the Otago Peninsula
- In addition to the gardens of Larnach Castle, two gardens well worth visiting are Glenfalloch Woodland Garden and Dunedin Botanic Gardens