Delve deeper into what makes the Dunedin arts and culture scene tick. Ōtepoti / Dunedin is dubbed the Edinburgh of New Zealand, with Victorian and Edwardian architecture lining the city streets and the craft brewery and distillery scene which draws crowds of beer and fine spirits lovers. Not only is this city proud of its Scottish heritage, but Dunedin has embraced a dynamic arts and culture scene that represents the people of the place. Get a taste of the culture in Dunedin in the most wholesome ways. From local artists playing live music at bars to a stroll through the Toitū Settlers Museum, Dunedin arts and culture is captivating. Here are some top ways to experience Dunedin’s arts, culture and heritage.
1. Dunedin Railway Station
Beautifully preserved historical buildings are one of the best things about Dunedin. Quirky industrial warehouses are transformed into boutique hotels and the old central Dunedin Prison is now a top travellers attraction thanks to the Dunedin Prison Charitable Trust and the Escape Room that operates here. The Dunedin Railway Station is one of the most iconic landmarks to visit in Dunedin and is said to be the most photographed building in New Zealand. The exterior is crafted with Oamaru limestone, and there are nearly 750,000 tiles and stained-glass windows inside. Not only is this a stunning piece of architecture, but it’s also an operating train station with train journeys along the coastline, the Taieri River Gorge and all the way to Oamaru.
Book a journey with Dunedin Railways to explore the beautiful and vast Otago region.
2. Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Get a taste of how big the Dunedin arts and culture scene is at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Steeped in history and significance, this is New Zealand’s very first art gallery. You can expect to see fascinating new exhibitions each time you visit, though the historic collection at Dunedin Public Art Gallery is something that sets it apart from other city art galleries. It’s here that you can find the only Monet in any New Zealand art collection. The Dunedin Public Art Gallery attracts impressive pieces and collections from major New Zealand artists. For those interested in local stories and collections, this art gallery will impress. Roam the gallery and experience the collections and current exhibitions, take a break in the outstanding foyer and visit the gallery shop. Guided tours are available and education programmes help curious minds bring the art home with them.
3. Tūhura Otago Museum
Tūhura Otago Museum is in central Dunedin near the bustling Otago University campus. This museum is bursting with things to see and do like other-worldly shows at their planetarium; a 360-degree immersive dome theatre. The Otago Museum is home to Tūhura Tropical Forest, a lush rainforest with tropical plants, a five-metre waterfall and masses of spectacular butterflies. This butterfly experience is the only of its kind in Australasia and at 75% humidity, it’s a transportive environment. Spend an entire day strolling through the various displays and refuelling at the Precinct Cafe. Entry to the Otago Museum and its galleries is one of the best free things to do in Dunedin. Ticketed experiences like the Tūhura Tropical Forest and the planetarium shows are a great way to indulge in the Dunedin arts and culture world.
4. Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden
A big part of Dunedin’s appeal is that it’s a city surrounded by greenery. From the town belt fringing the city to the hilly Otago Peninsula, it doesn’t take long to journey from lush walking tracks to rugged coastal viewing points. Right in the centre of town is Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden. These inner city gardens bring a traditional Chinese landscape painting to life. More than a tranquil escape, the Dunedin Chinese Garden is a vessel for learning Chinese culture and tradition. The gardens reflect Dunedin’s Chinese heritage and allow locals and visitors to embrace this history as a part of the Dunedin arts and culture scene. This is the perfect place to watch the seasons change and explore the paths through rock gardens, wander into the detailed buildings and relax at the tea house.
This beautiful setting transforms at night, making it an impressive setting for functions and events.
5. Street Art
Dunedin street art has become such a key part of the Dunedin arts and culture scene that guided walking tours are high on people’s must-do lists. See the city through the lens of local and visiting artists, unfiltered and aesthetically beautiful. The Dunedin Street Art Trail has received worldwide recognition, putting this small city on the same stage as Berlin and New York City. Over 100 pieces cover the walls along the street art trail. The numerous creative interpretations make this one outdoor gallery you don’t want to miss.
6. The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery
Only in Dunedin will you find a small and private museum full of bones, artefacts and animal art. This is where wacky and wild meets historic arts and culture to create a haven for a fascinating and surprising museum experience. The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery is inside the home of artist and sculptor, Bruce Mahalski, who opens this gem to the public on selected days of the week. Roam through the rooms of this old villa home and enjoy the collection of skulls, bones and curiosities. Some pieces are rare, and some are bizarre. This fantastic collection has been curated over a lifetime. The artwork here is a must-see and a treasured part of the Dunedin arts and culture scene.
7. Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is in central Dunedin, a short walk from the Dunedin Railway Station and the Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden. Venture back in time to uncover the many stories and journeys of the early settlers in Otago. This museum of social history not only traces back to early settlers but also showcases recent arrivals for a complete narrative of the people of Dunedin. Inside you’ll find themed galleries, interactive displays and archives that hold diary and photo collections that will captivate any visitor. The building itself has a striking exterior and adds a great deal of intrigue to the centre of the city.
8. Matanaka Farm
The Matanaka Farm is much like an outdoor exhibit. Near Waikouaiti, 40 minutes out of Dunedin and overlooking the coastline are five red-brown timber farm buildings on an open paddock, known as Matanaka Farm. This cluster of structures are the oldest European farm buildings that are still standing in New Zealand. The setting is a spectacular sight, and the rich history of the site seems to permeate through the air. One is the old farm stables with original horse stalls and a tin roof. The schoolhouse, barn and storehouse can all be explored. Peer into the old classroom, staged with period school desks and maps. It’s a five-minute walk to the site from the car park, and it’s closed during lambing season and during strong winds. There’s plenty to explore along this stretch of coast north of Dunedin.
9. Music Scene
Alongside street art and the art gallery, the art of music is big in Dunedin. The city was once so well known for its live music scene that ‘the Dunedin Sound’ was coined as a style of indie pop music in the 1980s. Now, Dunedin is one of the best places to see live gigs in unassuming pubs and bars. Local acts who started making music in their flats or garages are booking stages for highly popular events. Some top Dunedin bars for live music are Inch Bar and Dive. Bigger acts can be seen at venues like the Dunedin Town Hall and Forsyth Barr Stadium.
This article was created in paid partnership with Dunedin NZ.
