Best Things to Do in Dunedin

Dunedin is a southern city with a big personality. Known as the Edinburgh of the South, it blends grand Victorian buildings, youthful energy and some of the best wildlife experiences in Aotearoa – New Zealand. Gold rush riches built its iconic architecture, while today’s creativity and student buzz keep the city fresh.

Travellers quickly see how Dunedin balances old-world charm with modern life. One moment you’re gazing at historic stone buildings, the next you’re following colourful street art trails. A short drive takes you to the Otago Peninsula, where rare penguins, albatross and sea lions thrive. Add in a castle, a scenic railway and a lively city centreand you’ll find more than enough to fill your days.

To help plan your trip, here are the Best Things to Do in Dunedin — five highlights that capture its history, creativity and natural wonders.

🏰 Visit Larnach Castle

Standing proudly on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is both elegant and dramatic. Built in 1871, it fell into decline before being restored into the showpiece you can explore today. Inside, each room tells a story through antique furnishings and historic details. Step outside and the gardens unfold with seasonal colour and sweeping harbour views.

• Wander through ornate rooms filled with fascinating stories.
• Explore the award-winning gardens that change throughout the year.
• Climb to viewpoints where panoramic harbour vistas stretch to the ocean.

Whether you come for history, gardens or scenery, visiting Larnach Castle is one of the Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

🐧 Meet the Wildlife on the Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula is often called the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Its rugged cliffs, sandy bays and windswept headlands provide safe havens for rare and endangered species. Watching a giant albatross soar above, a penguin return to its nest or a sea lion laze on the beach is an experience that feels both wild and humbling.

• See the world’s only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross.
• Watch for hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), one of the rarest penguins on earth.
• Spot playful fur seals and sea lions along the coast.

For nature lovers, the peninsula is unforgettable — and exploring it is easily one of the Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

🚂 Ride the Taieri Gorge Railway

A trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway is a journey back in time. Departing from Dunedin’s grand railway station, the historic train winds past rivers, across viaducts and through hand-carved tunnels. Commentary explains the engineering feats that made this line possible, while open-air viewing platforms offer the best photo opportunities.

• Listen to live commentary that brings the landscapes to life.
• Step out onto open platforms for unbeatable views.
• Relax as you travel past dramatic gorges, rivers and valleys.

This scenic ride is one of New Zealand’s classic rail journeys — and without doubt one of the Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

🎓 Discover Otago University & Dunedin’s Street Art

Otago University is the oldest in New Zealand. Its Gothic-style clocktower rises above gardens and tree-lined paths, making it a favourite for photographers. Walking around campus feels like stepping into another era, especially when the bells ring. Just beyond, Dunedin’s Street Art Trail adds a burst of creativity. Murals cover entire walls, showcasing both local and international talent.

• Admire the heritage buildings and famous clocktower.
• Stroll through leafy paths in every season.
• Follow the Street Art Trail and see huge murals across the city.

This mix of heritage and modern creativity is part of what makes Dunedin so special and exploring both sides of it belongs on any list of the Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

🏙️ Explore the Octagon & City Vibes

In the middle of the city lies the Octagon, Dunedin’s cultural hub. Cafés and bars spill onto the pavements, live music drifts across the square and street performers add colour to the scene. It’s also home to St Paul’s Cathedral and the ornate Regent Theatre, making it a perfect place to start or finish your day.

• Enjoy coffee or food at boutique cafés and local restaurants.
• Step into St Paul’s Cathedral, a landmark overlooking the plaza.
• Catch a show at the historic Regent Theatre.

The Octagon’s lively atmosphere gives you a real taste of the city and spending time here is one of the Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

Final Thoughts

These five highlights are just the beginning of what Dunedin has to offer. Beyond castles, wildlife, trains and street art, there are plenty more adventures waiting. You might wander through the Botanic Gardens, catch a game at Forsyth Barr Stadium, explore the Otago Museum or take a day trip further along the coast. Dunedin is also known for its cafés, craft beer and quirky events that give the city its welcoming character.

If you’re keen to dive deeper, you’ll find plenty more suggestions in our full Dunedin blog, where we cover even more places, activities and insider tips to help plan your journey.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.