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Dunedin, New ZealandDunedin Regional Information

Dunedin | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History



Come to feel the history of Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city. Appreciate the Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Dunedin Overview

Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin, New Zealand

The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River to the mighty Clutha River, on the South Island's eastern coast. About halfway between is the city of Dunedin, the South Island's second largest city.

Dunedin was founded on the picks, harpoons and hard toil of goldminers, whalers and early Scottish settlers over 150 years ago. Much of Dunedin's early wealth and enterprise has left a tangible mark on the city today.

Dunedin's name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh—appropriate since the city was established by Scottish Presbyterians.

Dunedin Highlights

Dunedin city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife. Visits to see the world's rarest penguins, the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal albatross and rare New Zealand sealions are all possible within a short drive of the city centre.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. The Octagon, Dunedin, New Zealand
The Octagon, Dunedin
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

Dunedin is also memorable for its historical architecture. It is regarded to be one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Look for the massive stone Flemish Renaissance-style Dunedin Railway Station, the University clock-tower building and the Gothic Revival Dominican Priory. Dunedin even has an authentic castle—Larnach Castle was the grand home of an early politician. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address.

It's easy to learn about things in Dunedin. Apart from being New Zealand's first university city, it has an abundance of museums, galleries and heritage homes with amazing stories to tell. You can even discover the history of beer brewing at the Speights Brewery.

Dunedin offers all the facilities you would expect within a modern, thriving city, without the traffic jams and parking problems! Daily life is vibrant, positive and upbeat. Cafes, restaurants and bars compete for space with a fabulous mix of shops and entertainment venues.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Dunedin Railway Station, New Zealand
Dunedin Railway Station
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

Main Centres in Dunedin and Coastal Otago

  • Dunedin - the main city in the Otago region
  • Oamaru - famous for its historical white stone architecture

Useful Dunedin Links

To help plan your Dunedin holiday choose from the main categories below:

Dunedin Region Information

Dunedin Tourism Operators

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Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.