What to do in Dunedin

Activities, attractions and tours

Larnach Castle showing château or palace and street scenes
Larnach Castle showing château or palace and street scenes
Dunedin featuring farmland and landscape views
Dunedin featuring a church or cathedral, mist or fog and street scenes
Larnach Castle

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 57 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.

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Top places to visit

1. 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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The Octagon showing a statue or sculpture, a church or cathedral and an administrative buidling

2. 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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Larnach Castle

3. 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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St. Clair Beach

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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Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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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Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring flowers

6. 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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Speight\'s Brewery showing interior views

7. 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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St. Paul\'s Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views

Recommended things to do in Dunedin

Number of things to do
57
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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dunedin

Our wee #Hogwarts here in #Dunedin. All we need are wands and school robes, then magic is for real.

University of Otago

4/5(9 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.

University of Otago
The Octagon showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements as well as a large group of people

The Octagon

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.

The Octagon
Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle

4/5(9 reviews)

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.

Larnach Castle
St. Clair Beach

St. Clair Beach

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Soak in the outdoor pool or take on the Pacific Ocean waves at one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches.

St. Clair Beach
Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Dunedin Town Hall

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Watch rock concerts and classical music recitals at this auditorium, which is one of several facilities located in the Dunedin Centre.

Dunedin Town Hall
Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring a park and a lake or waterhole

Dunedin Botanic Garden

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Spot native birdlife, admire thousands of colourful plant species and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns at this pretty public garden.

Dunedin Botanic Garden
Speight\'s Brewery showing interior views

Speight's Brewery

Learn the secrets of one of New Zealand’s most successful beer companies with a visit to this historic brewery.

Speight's Brewery
St. Paul\'s Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views

St. Paul's Cathedral

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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.

St. Paul's Cathedral
Otago Museum

Otago Museum

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Find prehistoric fossils and ancient statues. Learn all about the enthralling cultural and physical history of New Zealand.

Otago Museum

Explore areas of Dunedin

Dunedin which includes heritage elements, a garden and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

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.

Dunedin City Centre
These piers are all that is left of a sea wall which has long since disappeared. They are located at the western end of a long sandy beach, close to shops and cafes, and a salt water swimming pool

St. Clair

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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.

St. Clair
When the weather permits you to enjoy a world-class beauty

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.

North Dunedin
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Portobello

If you're spending some time in Portobello, Silver Peaks Reserve and Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.

Portobello
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Bradford

While there might not be top attractions in Bradford, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Speight's Brewery and Grand Casino.

Bradford
Saint Claire, Saint Kilda and Lawyers Head Beaches in Dunedin, New Zealand

Saint Kilda

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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.

Saint Kilda

 

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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