Title: First Church of Otago in Dunedin City Centre - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [First Church of Otago Hotels](https://expedia.ca/First-Church-Of-Otago-Hotels.0-l6113066-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[First Church of Otago Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-First-Church-Of-Otago.d6113066.Car-Rental-Guide)[Dunedin City Centre Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-City-Centre.d6052749.Destination-Travel-Guides) # First Church of Otago Tours and Activities ![First Church of Otago featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113066/6206f7ae-cc45-43a1-88e2-5cf719264b22.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![First Church of Otago featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113066/6206f7ae-cc45-43a1-88e2-5cf719264b22.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![First Church of Otago showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113066/8bc45bb0-a496-4fcd-a4be-9766686a54a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![First Church of Otago which includes interior views, flowers and religious elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113066/edf06d7c-6688-4aa0-8bed-6a4e73ff0e44.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![First Church of Otago which includes a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113066/efa1e896-248c-422d-9921-43db5a9d44a9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit First Church of Otago Activities --- --- #### With its breathtaking design and stained-glass windows, Dunedin’s most prominent church is often referred to as New Zealand’s finest 19th-century building. Stroll through the grounds of the First Church of Otago and admire the building’s turrets, ornate façade and towering spire. Step inside to see the spectacular wooden ceiling lit up by the glow from a large rose-shaped stained-glass window. Set within a tranquil grassy parkland, the First Church of Otago was designed by Scottish architect Robert Lawson in 1862\. The first stone was laid by Thomas Burns, the city’s founder, 6 years later. Such was the desire of the provincial government to have the church in this location, they lowered the ground by 40 feet (12 meters) to accommodate its construction. Walk through the grounds and admire the many turrets of the apse. These are best seen from behind the church. Back by the entrance, be sure to stop and admire the ornate Gothic façade and the stunning rose-shaped window. From all sides you will see the magnificent needle-like tower, which stands 196 feet (60 meters) high. Make your way into the church and you will notice that the entrance holds two old lamps. These are original streetlights from the city of Edinburgh and are a reminder of the relationship between New Zealand and Scotland. Once inside, take in the church’s arched wooden ceiling, as well as the many hanging flags and lanterns. You will see some more traditional elements such as religious paintings and stone sculptures. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to view the many elegant stained-glass windows. Check out the brightly colored war memorial window and its intricate artwork that pays tribute to local soldiers. The First Church of Otago is just 328 feet (100 meters) from the center of Dunedin. It is free to enter and open all week. Regular services and events take place at this church, so check the church’s website to find out what’s on during your visit. ### Popular places to visit ![Regent Theatre which includes theater scenes, outdoor eating and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113064/09321b81-dadf-4d59-afae-5d4db7995108.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Regent Theatre A busy schedule of book fairs, family-friendly theatrical shows, film screenings, live concerts and well-known Broadway productions makes this city theatre a one-stop venue for cultural events. [](https://expedia.ca/Regent-Theatre-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113064.Vacation-Attraction) ![Otago Settlers Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113068/41ae52fe-86f7-465b-91e8-6e22a43667c3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Toitu Otago Settlers Museum The extensive collection of interactive displays and intricate scale models bring the fascinating history of the Otago region to life. [](https://expedia.ca/Toitu-Otago-Settlers-Museum-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113068.Vacation-Attraction) ![Dunedin Public Art Gallery](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113058/5e229319-22eb-4ae1-b6d0-ffbd2ab3f75f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dunedin Public Art Gallery View work by some of Europe’s finest painters along with exhibits that showcase the abundance of talented artisans in New Zealand. [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Public-Art-Gallery-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113058.Vacation-Attraction) ![The Octagon showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113054/e211c11a-fcae-476f-9ab9-61989f873fa5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### The Octagon Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés. [](https://expedia.ca/The-Octagon-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113054.Vacation-Attraction) ![Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6174369/1687b884-7fff-4853-94b0-206334c4ffa3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dunedin Town Hall Watch rock concerts and classical music recitals at this auditorium, which is one of several facilities located in the Dunedin Centre. [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Town-Hall-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6174369.Vacation-Attraction) ![St. Paul\'s Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113056/1d4d1e38-6325-42dd-b375-70a2f2113f78.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### St. Paul's Cathedral Dramatic architecture, exquisite sculptures, superb stained-glass windows and one of the country’s largest pipe organs are all on show at Dunedin’s Anglican cathedral. [](https://expedia.ca/St-Pauls-Cathedral-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113056.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near First Church of Otago ## Check availability on hotels close to First Church of Otago [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=2026-02-02&endDate=2026-02-03)[Feb 2 - Feb 3](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=2026-02-02&endDate=2026-02-03) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=2026-02-03&endDate=2026-02-04)[Feb 3 - Feb 4](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=2026-02-03&endDate=2026-02-04) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113066&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Scenic Hotel Southern Cross](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/90000/83700/83611/1cefd740_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Scenic Hotel Southern Cross 118 High Street Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-Scenic-Hotel-Southern-Cross.h83611.Hotel-Information) ![Scenic Hotel Dunedin City](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1070000/1063100/1063004/08aaa097_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Scenic Hotel Dunedin City 123 Princes Street Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-Scenic-Hotel-Dunedin-City.h1063004.Hotel-Information) ![Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1400/1377/137cc1b5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin 10 Smith Street Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-Kingsgate-Hotel-Dunedin.h1377.Hotel-Information) ![Distinction Dunedin Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10120000/10120000/10119965/e5d19209_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Distinction Dunedin Hotel 6 Liverpool Street Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-Distinction-Dunedin-Hotel.h10119965.Hotel-Information) ![The Chamberson](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31370000/31370000/31369910/7ec3fdda_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Chamberson 77 Stuart Street Dunedin Otago [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-The-Chamberson.h31369910.Hotel-Information) ![The Victoria Hotel Dunedin](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1140000/1138300/1138243/b0c13f8b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Victoria Hotel Dunedin 137 St Andrew Street Centre City Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-The-Victoria-Hotel-Dunedin.h1138243.Hotel-Information) ![Quest Dunedin](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1750000/1741600/1741583/bf3ef780_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quest Dunedin 333 Cumberland St Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-Quest-Dunedin.h1741583.Hotel-Information) ![315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9730000/9724100/9724023/496041eb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments 315 George Street Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-315-Euro-Motel-Serviced-Apartments.h9724023.Hotel-Information) ![Fable Dunedin](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/900000/890600/890511/d625fcc7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Fable Dunedin 310 Princes St Dunedin [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Hotels-Fable-Dunedin.h890511.Hotel-Information) [See all 278 properties in First Church of Otago](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6113066) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.