Tropical rain forests, private dining behind steel doors in underground vaults and the steepest residential street in the world. For those who search for the weird, wonderful and just plain fascinating, Dunedin will satisfy your cravings. In the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin sits on the southeast coast and is home to some incredible natural wonders. This is where you’ll discover huge basalt rock columns and roaming rare wildlife. Dunedin is also the proud home of many innovative creators who are behind some of the city’s best quirky activities.
1. The Organ Pipes
The volcanic origins of the Otago Peninsula have left some incredible and quirky natural formations that make Dunedin especially unique. The Organ Pipes are Dunedin’s very own impressive columns of basalt rock, creating a large attraction that isn’t dissimilar to the musical instrument. These pillars (or columnar jointing) are accessed via The Organ Pipes Track. This track can be started from the carpark on Mt Cargill Road and takes around 60 minutes (one way). The gorgeous views from the top of the Organ Pipes and Butters Peak just beyond, are well worth the hike.
2. Baldwin Street
This is one of the more popular things to do in Dunedin. Visit Baldwin Street in the suburb of North East Valley and tick off seeing the steepest street in the world! There are a whole lot of technicalities involved in crowning ‘the’ steepest street in the world, including measuring the steepness from nowhere but the centre line of the road. At its steepest, the precarious slope of Baldwin Street has a gradient of 34.8%. Though Baldwin Street helps to put Dunedin on the map, the novelty has likely worn off for those who live at the very top.
3. The Museum of Natural Mystery
Only in Dunedin will you find a museum filled with skulls and bones in someone’s private home. Roam the rooms filled with quirky cultural artefacts, skeletons and all manner of wonderfully unusual things. Be sure to check out the collection of fascinating bone sculptures and artworks created by the owner, Bruce Mahalski, who has also lent his talents to many street artworks woven through the city. The Museum of Natural Mystery is a truly quirky and unforgettable Dunedin experience. It’s usually open 3 days a week.
4. Escape Room at the Dunedin Prison
Willingly set foot inside the Dunedin Prison and test your teamwork skills in this ultimate escape room experience. Find your way out of a locked space by completing a series of challenges, all within 60 minutes. If only the walls of Dunedin Prison could talk. Now closed, the prison is the perfect facility for an escape room! This is a great quirky Dunedin activity for couples and groups, providing some healthy competition and good honest fun. Plus, proceeds from Escape Dunedin go towards supporting the preservation of Dunedin Prison.
5. Hair Raiser Ghost Tours
Speaking of quirky, the Hair Raiser Ghost Tours in Dunedin will prick up those little hairs on the back of your neck. These are walking tours that are entertaining, educational and a bit spooky. Walk through historic cemeteries in Dunedin, down alleyways and through basements that each have a chilling tale of woe that freaks out even the non-believers. Book a tour or arrange for a private tour with a group for the ultimate night out in Dunedin.
6. Visit the New New New Brewery
New New New has made an imprint on the Dunedin craft beer scene with its quirky branding and adventurous flavours. No ingredient is safe with raspberries, coriander, coconut, banana and peaches used in their extensive range, as well as the usuals like Hazy IPA’s – but usually with a twist. New New New break the mould of what a tasty session ale can be. They’re inciting joy with their range of brews and their attitude towards craft beer. Check out their taproom on Crawford Street. Their brewing process is partially powered by solar, so you can feel less guilty about that extra beverage knowing you’ll be helping save the planet.
7. Tūhura Tropical Forest
Be one with the butterflies in Tūhura Tropical Forest in the Otago Museum. This magical living gallery is home to a kaleidoscope of exotic butterflies. Watch your step as you walk through this tropical forest with colourful creatures flying about. During winter in Dunedin, a visit to Tūhura Tropical Forest will transport you to a tropical island escape, with the space kept at around 28 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity. You’ll also encounter tarantulas (thankfully behind glass), stick insects and other tropical rainforest residents.
8. The Distinction Vaults
Dinner in the historic vaults of Dunedin’s former Chief Post Office is way more luxurious than it sounds. In a stroke of genius, The Distinction Hotel that now occupies the building converted the old vaults behind the hotel lobby into lavish private dining rooms. Enjoy dinner from their fantastic menu, or work with the chefs to create a bespoke menu for your dining pleasure. Step through the original solid steel doors and into luxurious, moody rooms. This is an intimate experience like no other. Choose your music and temperature to set the right scene, and enjoy a night of fine (and secure) dining.
9. Animal Attic
A wonderfully peculiar thing to do in Dunedin is visit Animal Attic in the Otago Museum. Here you can see the giant shell of a green turtle, a tooth from the largest species of shark and two large taxidermied lions (Sonia and Sultan) who escaped from the circus in 1978! Alongside these preserved animals are fossils, dried crustaceans and even a whale’s eyeball. Ever heard of a ‘rat king’? Well, you’ll find one here too. Though these attractions are highlights, the Victorian-inspired setting of Animal Attic does not go unnoticed. It’s a space that’s unique to the rest of the Otago Museum.
10. Natures Wonders Argo Wildlife Tour
Have you heard the rumours that Dunedin is home to some spectacular wildlife? There’s talk of penguins, huge albatross and New Zealand fur seals. The team at Natures Wonders run an incredible tour to see all things Dunedin wildlife, in an all-terrain 8-wheel drive that can pretty much drive anywhere to ensure you get as close as possible to some of the world’s rarest creatures. It’s a safari adventure, Dunedin style. Explore some beautiful beaches and soak up the coastal views as your guide takes you to the hot spots. Seeing yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins is sure to make your Dunedin highlights reel.
This article was created in paid partnership with Dunedin NZ.
