What to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a tower, surrounded by trees and a green bus.
A winding road curving through a hilly landscape with a lake and a distant town.
A street with a tall church spire, shops, and cars.
A gazebo overlooking a lake with mountains in the background.
A grassy field with a fence, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Dunedin Attractions

You're about to chart a course in a different direction. Never one to shy away from an eye-opening excursion and inventive ways to get your kicks, you're eager to explore an exciting destination like a pro. Up next: Dunedin! It's not hard to fill your time, because Expedia Canada can connect you with lots of things to do. Find and book your activities today, and all that's left to do is pack your bags and start daydreaming.

  • Book your favourite tours and excursions on Expedia Canada at an ideal rate, and you'll still have enough cash for a dream hotel or upscale dinner while you're visiting. The activities in Dunedin are not only perfect for you, but they won't break the bank. We have 45 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just CA $13 .
  • Dunedin is popular among travellers like you. In fact, many travellers have been visiting Dunedin to check out local hot spots and find the top activities, and many of them are already thinking of come back. The most booked activities can grab the enthusiasm of even seasoned explorers, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our activities includes a wide array of culturally based excursions and excitement. With one-of-a kind ways to explore the best this area has to give like a Dunedin Cruise Excursion – Taieri Gorge Railway & Sightseeing Tour to unequalled ways to see the best this area has to offer like a Shore Excursion: Larnach Castle & Cadbury Factory Sightseeing Tour, there are tons of opportunities to choose from when you search through the inventory of activities here at Expedia Canada.

Our activities are the ideal way to organize your getaway. You'll need a bit of planning to best get the feel for Dunedin, especially when you intend to pack in plenty of local cuisine and entertainment. And it's clear that you're itching to explore every avenue—you're excited to get out and play. You look forward to covering the best activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Book professional city tours on Expedia Canada, and you'll learn all about the city's history along the way.

Things to do

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

CA $39
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour

Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour

CA $193
per adult
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula Clearwater Wildlife Tour
See wild penguins just metres away !

Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

CA $45
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

CA $21
per adult
Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
Speight's Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting

Speight's Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting

CA $37
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Speight's Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

CA $218
per adult
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

CA $57
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
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Top places to visit

1. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
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A large building with a tower, a fountain in the middle of a circular lawn, and trees around.

2. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
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A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.

3. The Octagon

Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
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A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

4. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
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A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

5. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
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A pink bottlebrush flower amidst green foliage.

6. Otago Museum

Study a display of indigenous artefacts that includes a 19th-century canoe and fine woodcarvings at the excellent Otago Museum. Stand beside the skeleton of a huge fin whale and stroll around a living rainforest complete with colourful birds and butterflies.
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The Otago Museum building with a sign for the Bugs exhibition.

7. Speight's Brewery

Find out how Speight’s creates one of New Zealand’s favorite beers when you visit this iconic brewery in central Dunedin. Learn how to make wooden beer casks and check out the sampling area to try a selection of local tipples.
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A historical Cooper's Guild 1501 distillery setup with wooden barrels, a large copper still, and a man operating a wooden press.

8. St. Paul's Cathedral

Gazing up from Dunedin’s Octagon, you can’t miss the ornate façade and towering spires of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Step inside and discover beautiful stone carvings, artwork and more, all illuminated by the colored light of stunning stained-glass windows.
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A cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of wooden pews.

Recommended things to do in Dunedin

Number of things to do
45
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Port Chalmers: A Self-Guided Tour around Otago’s Historic Seaport: CA $13
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dunedin

Stay near popular Dunedin attractions

A large tree in front of a historic building with a clock tower.
Photo by Kathleen Anne
Open Photo by Kathleen Anne

University of Otago

9.2/10 (844 reviews)
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Otago, during your trip to Dunedin. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its charming cafes.
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Where to stay in Dunedin

Find the best Dunedin areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dunedin
Learn more about Dunedin
A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

Dunedin City Centre

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Regent Theatre and Grand Casino while you're in town.
A series of weathered wooden posts in the ocean.

St. Clair

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to St. Clair. A stop by St. Clair Beach or St. Clair Golf Club might round out your trip.
A large, ornate building with a clock tower, surrounded by well-manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Kathleen Anne
Open Photo by Kathleen Anne

North Dunedin

Unique features of North Dunedin include the spas and gardens. Make a stop by Otago Museum or Dunedin Botanic Garden while you're exploring the area.

South Dunedin

Restaurants and waterfront are just a few things travelers like about South Dunedin. A stop by Edgar Centre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
A coastal landscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a hillside with buildings.

Saint Kilda

You might appreciate the beaches and bars in Saint Kilda, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, St. Clair Beach and Edgar Centre are just a few notable stops.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Dunedin offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Dunedin?
Start your day with a visit to Tunnel Beach and Dunedin Railways. Then, explore different parts of Dunedin for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dunedin?
Tunnel Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dunedin and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dunedin?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Tunnel Beach, Dunedin Railways and Pineapple Track with a three-day trip to Dunedin. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to St. Clair.
Is Dunedin a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Dunedin, including Dunedin Railways and Orokonui Ecosanctuary, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Dunedin is North Dunedin and Roslyn is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dunedin with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dunedin with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Dunedin for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Dunedin for adults including Seriously Twisted.
Are there free things to do in Dunedin?
In Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Dunedin.

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