New Zealand · City Guide

Dunedin

Dunedin is New Zealand's most Scottish-influenced city, a beautiful university town of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the magnificent Otago Peninsula with its extraordinary wildlife, the famous Baldwin Street (once the world's steepest residential street), an outstanding craft beer and food culture and the gateway to the spectacular Catlins coastal wilderness. Often overlooked by international visitors, Dunedin is one of New Zealand's most rewarding and characterful cities.

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Explore Dunedin

Elect's take

"Dunedin has a character that I find genuinely appealing — the combination of Victorian architecture, extraordinary wildlife on the Otago Peninsula and the quality of the food and beer scene creates a city that rewards those who venture south of Queenstown."

The Otago Peninsula is one of the world's finest wildlife viewing destinations, home to the only mainland royal albatross colony on Earth at Taiaroa Head, as well as yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, New Zealand sea lions and fur seals all accessible from Dunedin within an hour. Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, provides beautiful gardens and bay views. The Dunedin Railway Station is one of the most photographed Edwardian buildings in the country. The craft beer scene centred on Emerson's Brewery is outstanding. The Catlins, approximately 2 hours south, provides extraordinary wildlife and scenery including the Purakaunui Falls and Nugget Point lighthouse.

Best time to visit

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How to get there

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Airports
Dunedin (DUD)
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Rail
Dunedin (limited)
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Cruise ports
Port Otago, Port Chalmers
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Dunedin Airport serves routes from Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. The city is approximately 3 hours from Queenstown by road.

What to expect

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Otago Peninsula

Royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions in an extraordinary wildlife peninsula.

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Victorian Architecture

Outstanding Victorian and Edwardian buildings including the magnificent Railway Station.

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Larnach Castle

New Zealand's only castle with beautiful gardens and Otago Harbour views.

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Craft Beer Scene

Outstanding craft beer culture anchored by the celebrated Emerson's Brewery.

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The Catlins

Extraordinary coastal wilderness with waterfalls, wildlife and dramatic scenery 2 hours south.

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University Town

New Zealand's oldest university creating a vibrant cultural and intellectual atmosphere.


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