Ready to pack in the perfect combination of culture, food and scenery? Dunedin is a big small city with some of the best breweries, beaches and wildlife in New Zealand. A sense of passion for the city comes from the born and bred locals, which means everywhere from neighbourhood restaurants to city centre icons are going to offer a memorable experience. Stay in accommodation with character, walk to the edge of the coastline and visit one of the most photographed places in New Zealand! Here’s everything you need to know for the ultimate weekend in Dunedin!
1. Check out the Breweries
Venture to the deep south to find the best local breweries. Pride of the South stems from the old faithful Speight’s Brewery, and a modern pub in Dunedin serving up popular craft beer is Emersons Brewery. Other must visit Dunedin Breweries are Steamer Basin and New New New. Take a scenic 20 minute drive out to Blueskin Bay and enjoy the brews at ARC Brewing Co. There must be hops in the water down in Dunedin, because some incredible craft beers come out of this city.
While you’re on the bandwagon, check out our list of the 8 Bars in Dunedin that you’ve got to visit.
2. Historic Dunedin
Dunedin is one of the only places in New Zealand where you can visit a castle. Larnach Castle was built by William Larnach, and is perched up on the Otago Peninsula. A guided castle tour is a great way to see the beautifully restored castle and the gardens. Head back into town for your own walking tour of other picturesque heritage buildings in Dunedin. The Regent Theatre, Olveston Historic Home and the Dunedin Railway Station (best seen at the crack of dawn) are all must-visit Dunedin gems.
3. Must-Visit Beaches
There are several Dunedin beaches that rival even the most well-known North Island beaches. Think rugged cliff-faces with lush white sand. Plus these beaches are often peaceful, with small numbers of people lapping up the sun. St Clair beach is a great Dunedin surf beach, and it’s dotted with great restaurants and cafes making this a great full-day experience. Mapoutahi is a must, with views that are out of this world. Tunnel Beach is iconic, with a 2km return track taking you under a tunnel and to a private beach, with dramatic coastal scenery from the get-go. Aramoana, Brighton Beach and the Otago Peninsula should also be on the list!
4. Dunedin Culture
What’s a weekend in Dunedin without a visit to some of the galleries, gardens and museums. Toitu Settlers Museum is a beautiful building from the outset, with striking architectural design. This is your home of Dunedin history. The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is well worth a visit, with ever-changing art exhibitions. See the butterflies and so much more at the Otago Museum. Tone down the tempo with an afternoon stroll through the Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Gardens one afternoon. Many of these Dunedin spots are in short walking distance of one-another. Just another reason to love a Dunedin getaway.
5. Wildlife
Sneak in some nature and wildlife spotting while in Dunedin! The Royal Albatross Centre is a favourite among locals and visitors, located along the peninsula on Harington Point. Not only are the views incredible, but the Albatross nesting on this mainland breeding colony and seriously impressive. Have you heard the whispers of penguins roaming around Dunedin? Visit Penguin Place, a conservation reserve, to see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. A weekend in Dunedin isn’t complete without getting on the water, so Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Port to Port Cruises are the wildlife tours to check out.
6. Walks in Dunedin
Dunedin scenery is often best explored by foot! This unique city is built around the Otago Harbour, so hitting the pavement and walking along the harbour is particularly special. Park your car at the Otago Yacht Club and follow the track towards St Leonards. To get the blood pumping, check out The Pineapple Track. A fantastic 2-hour return track that climbs Flagstaff which offers stunning views of Dunedin. Brave the elements and enjoy walks at Sandymount, with incredible coastal views. If it’s all a bit much to navigate, walking tours are most definitely a thing in Dunedin.
7. Bike the Trails
Take in the city sites or experience high intensity mountain biking on Dunedin’s various cycle trails. Signal Hill has some of the best mountain biking trails in Dunedin. The Big Easy trail is a friendly 6.1km trail that winds up to Signal Hill Lookout. Or amp up the adrenaline with Signal Hill’s downhill track. If you’re looking to explore the harbour, the Otago Harbour track is a must, with options for relatively flat and enjoyable cycling. Tick off Port Chalmers township from your list along this 54km trail. The al-mighty Otago Central Rail Trail is right on Dunedin’s doorstep. That’s 150km of utterly stunning Central Otago scenery to be explored by cycling or walking. If you don’t have your own wheels, companies like iBike Hire have you covered.
8. Eat and Drink
There are tons of places to grab a good coffee in Dunedin. Start with Side On, where you won’t be able to resist a pastry of sorts to go with your morning brew. When you’ve got places to be and things to see, a grab-and-go lunch is key. Try the very best (as voted in the 2020 Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover!) toasted sandwiches from Hungry Hobo’s, or seriously delicious baguettes from Kiki Beware. On your way to Baldwin Street to check out the official world’s steepest street? Stop in at Beam Me Up Bagels on the way for a hot bagel sandwich and iced coffee. Wrap up the day by the beach with pizza from Esplande at St Clair, or live like a local and check out a neighbourhood restaurant, No 7 Balmac. There are more than enough foodie spots to keep you busy during a weekend in Dunedin.
9. Stay in Dunedin
There’s plenty of character in this city, and the accommodation options are no exception. Enjoy unpretentious luxury at EBB, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city. With a cafe on site and within walking distance to some of the top things to do in Dunedin, it’s a winner. For 5-star accommodation that’s oozing with elegance, Fable is the Dunedin hotel of your dreams. Having recently won the title of ‘Best Luxury Hotel in New Zealand’, Fable is not one to pass up. Treat yourself to a night fit for royalty at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle’s glamorous ‘country-house’ style accommodation. For coastal views or a spot near the surf, check out the many Dunedin spots available on Airbnb!
This article was created in paid partnership with Dunedin NZ.
