2024 Dunedin Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Guinness World Record! The steepest street, Baldwin Street, is located in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Dunedin, New Zealand, has the steepest slope in the world. It is recommended to park your car at the bottom of the slope because the top is a dead end. The best place to take photos is from the top of the slope looking down. Although the photos may not look very steep, it is quite a challenge to walk up in person. Additionally, there are stairs beside the slope that are also great for photos! If you lie down on the slope, it's recommended to pose with one hand off the ground for a more immersive feel. After taking photos, we even drove up the slope and made a U-turn back down. If you visit Dunedin, I highly recommend checking it out 😂 But be careful, you might end up spending a lot of time taking photos.

A quaint small city with the Guinness World Record Baldwin Street. For every 2.86 meters walked, the height increases by 1 meter. Hope that next time, don't miss the charity event of "Chocolate Bean Race"!

The only Castle in New Zealand

Doing a self drive South Island trip in NZ, stopped at Dunedin for one night and we chose to stay in Larnach Castle. It’s the only castle in NZ that offers the castle experience, award winning gardens, luxury accommodation, event management and unique dining experiences. We came across a good deal on their website which included the self guided castle tour, special dinner only for guests stay in their rooms and a gourmet breakfast upon your order. We arrived early in the afternoon, was kindly greeted by the staff and explained clearly all the information you needed to know. Our room was spacious and very nice view of the ocean from our balcony. So nice to see both the sunrise and sunset there. We toured around this historic castle and it’s quite nicely kept. After a short rest, we headed to the ball room for our special dinner. We’re got settled in our seats by the staff and also served with a wine of your choice. It’s a chef inspired four course menu with all local produce. We’re able to meet other guests and have nice chats. The food we’re really delicious and we all enjoyed our dinner. After a nice good sleep, we had our breakfast which we could choose from the menu. My partner and I both had the salmon with bagels. It’s good! Only the coffee was just okay. It’s a nice place to explore, stay and enjoy the food too. Fair price for such a deal. Recommend! #must see #keep in good condition

Yummiest desserts in dud!

If you are in Dunedin and are having sweet cravings, I highly recommend that you head down to Jooni’s and grab yourself a dessert of choice from their variety of options! I loved this place because for less than $10 you get a good amount of sugar you need to satisfy your cravings- I got the Jooni’s special crepes and it was amazing! You can even ask them to make minor adjustments for you and they would be happy to! #dessert #yummy #food

FUN FOR KIDS AT MARLOW PLAYGROUND

This is the coolest place for kids to learn how to ride their scooters and bicycles safely on the road. With this mini road map, it provides a safe, controlled and suitable environment for kids to learn road safety, road signs and the road rules they need to know in order to travel on the main roads safely and confidently. #roadtrackforkids #learnhowto #kidsplayground

MARLOW PLAYGROUND ROAD FOR KIDS

Omg this was the coolest thing I have ever come across in a park! A road track for kids! It is a mini traffic area with mini traffic lights that are actually functional and work for both the vehicles and pedestrians. It even has all the right road signs in mini sizes, a roundabout, a zebra crossing, a tunnel, and even a parking area for bicycles or scooters! #fun #cool #playground

THE PARK FOR A COLORFUL CHILDHOOD

When I came across this park that’s literally right next to the St Clair beach, I was almost emotional. This park would have been the perfect place for younger-me and would have made my childhood because the air here just hits different and their fun games are well spaced out so that you each get to play in your own area and every space feels new and different to the last one. they have little caves in the massive rock, and a big shoe that you can climb on and slide down!! #park #fun #playground

MAORI ART AND MAORI DISPLAY

If you are ever in Dunedin and wondering about Maori culture and people, head on down to Otago Museum, across the road from Otago university, and climb on up to the first floor where they have a massive room for display of Maori art- in the form of paintings, carvings, and even digital art as shown in the first picture, they showcase different clothing and tools from olden days and they even have a mini cinema where you can seat about 10+ people to enjoy a educational film on Maori people and New Zealand as a country. #museum #culture #history #art #people

PROUD MAORI PEOPLE

At the Otago Museum, the whole building is divided up into various sections whereby they display certain articles based on different groups of culture, race, species, etc. This section of the building focuses on Maori culture and people and it shows the different types of artifacts they have from the olden days, different art that Maori people have created, and Maori traditional attire. #beautiful #culture #maori #museum

BEAUTIFUL POLYNESIA DISPLAYS

The Otago Museum shows the various Polynesian countries from Marquesas to Pitcairn to Easter Island and to Hawaii. I did not even know that some of these countries existed until I entered this museum and found it in the Polynesian section within the Pacific block. It was cool to see how pretty their jewelry was and their beautiful head pieces. #polynesia #culture #heritage

Our favorite dairy to get 🍦🍫🍪🍰

This dairy is just the best one I’ve ever come across in Dunedin. it’s only a few minutes walk from home and only a minute drive away. I love having this dairy so close by because it has all the goodies to satisfy those night cravings, their staff are just the friendliest people who really engage in convo and they’re always down to help you meet your mix and match needs when ordering your dessert✨ #shop #dairy #dessert #sweets

NOT YOUR ORDINARY BOTANIC GARDEN

This botanic garden in dunedin is full of wonders! It not only has a wide range of flora and fauna but also provides many spots to sit and rest, many statues to admire, and even has birds and ducks!! They have a pond which hosts the ducks and some fishes and you can go up to their office/store next to the pond and grab bites not only for yourself but for the ducks and fishes too! isnt that amazing? you can sit and feed them and watch them crowd around you. #garden #animals #feeding

AMAZING GARDEN

This botanic Garden in Dunedin is absolutely beautiful! it has so many varieties of herbs, flowers, trees, and all sorts of plants that you could only find there. It’s so cool because you can also walk up the hill and look at a path full of flowers. theres also quiet a few benches and seats for you to take a seat and enjoy the view and air, many pretty statues, and a stage for performances on special occasions. #garden #flowers #freshair

DUNEDIN BOTANIC GARDEN

This place is highly recommended because it’s so peaceful and pretty!! You walk in through the main gate thats just by the main road so anyone driving by just wont miss it- it’s also VERY close to the uni, only a few minutes walk and is the perfect place to take a walk after a long day. Best of all, it’s free!! they showcase many different types of plants and flowers and it’s so interesting to see the range they have. #garden #plants #touristattraction

SIGNAL HILL LOOKOUT

Here, you get to appreciate the monuments AND the amazinggg view of not just the town but of the water too!! it’s a great place to sit and have a drink, chat, or a bite. it’s clean, safe, and absolutely free! It’s only a few minutes drive from the Uni and the view is even better at night!! #view #hills

COOL FINDS DOWN MARINA BAY

As you walk down Marina bay you come across quite a few cool finds: - not just the train tracks but a crossing for pedestrians through the tracks -this cool white bridge for pedestrians to climb and walk on to get to the road on the hill -amazing views along the way especially as the sun sets -and some old boats just parked on the side of the path #coolfinds #walks #marinabay #sunsset

NEW WORLD SUPERMARKET HAS THE GOODIES

Coming from the Islands im so used to small shops with very limited options but this new world shop is so amazing there’s a wide variety of everything and it’s all in reasonable prices!! the layout was so easy to follow and the labels made things so easy to find #shopping #groceries

ARRIVAL INTO DUNEDIN AIRPORT

This was my first ever trip to Dunedin and it was quite empty and not as busy as I expected it to be. I had an airport shuttle ride prepaid for and one the drive through to my accommodation you get to see so much greenery, many cows and so many nice old buildings!! #dunedin

The Iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse

There are many lighthouses in New Zealand which offers a amazing and beautiful sea view and this is one of them. Located at the Otago region of New Zealand, the nearest city to it will be the Catlins. Therefore if you are around this area, you should not miss this place! It is an easy 20mins return hike from the starting point of the carpark. Along the way, you may even see fur seal colony, the many seabirds and penguins if you are lucky! Once you reach the main view point, you will be rewarded with a dramatic coastal view and the “nuggets” which are the rocks sticking out of the water. It is a place to be enjoyed by all ages and I will recommend everyone to come here for a relaxing walk and just immerse yourself in the beautiful environment. #momentssg #newzealand #hiking #scenicspotguide #unforgettableexperiences

Dunedin Botanic Garden

Founded in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand's oldest botanical garden. From formally laid out lower gardens to native forest in the hills, this 28-hectare park contains more than 6,800 plant species. The Dunedin Botanical Gardens have had various species of rhododendrons since ancient times. The beautiful Edwardian Winter Garden Greenhouse – containing tropical, subtropical plants, cacti, and water reservoirs – is the hallmark of a lower garden. For a hands-on experience, Herb Garden provides a variety of pleasant aromas and textures, as well as information on traditional uses of various herbs. A beautiful garden of roses and camellias completes the lower garden, which borders beautifully with the world's largest rock garden as water flows along the banks of Lindsay Creek. Crossing these tributaries, well-prepared trails lead to native plant sections, which include endangered plants, alpine and wetland plants, as well as native forest species. What's interesting about this area is woven hemp. Adjacent to the native plant section of the upper garden is the Geographic Collection with plants from Africa, America, Asia and Australia. The Dunedin Botanic Garden experience is enhanced by scenic hillside views, manicured lawns, birdhouses, shops and cafes. The park is located in North Dunedin, just two kilometers from the Octagon. Regular bus services run from the city center to the north end via the Botanical Gardens. #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

I went to Dunedin New Zealand and was able to see the beautiful sky. when you see the three photos, you will be able to see the wonder of the nature which always shows hopes. The street lamp in the sunset sky, the rainbow over the tree, and lastly, the hopes from the cloud! I think they are all beautiful! Always hope for the best to come ! #happynewyear

Dunedin is the most beautifull city I‘ve ever seen! I wish I could live here!!! The university is just breathtaking and the chocolate factory just delicious 😍 Do not miss out on this if you‘re spending your time in New Zealand!

spacious cafe

It is way more than coffee. Infact has a proper kitchen with a very good sitting space. They have really good food and coffee, but sometimes they struggle with taking orders, and have got my order wrong multiple times. Maybe the staff were still being trained. This one time, they brought the wrong size coffee and then had to pay for an extra coffee that I didn’t even order, however I did get a refund. I have also been told large coffee are single shot, but they’re generally double. Their cabinet food is good quality, fresh and delicious. I recommend the breakfast brioche bun. The coffee are always well made #newzealandtrip #travel #thingstodo

lovely

The service was epic and the food was so tasty and yummy; presented beautifully. My salmon roulade was absolutely delicious and has to be one of my favourite meals I've eaten in a very very long time. I loved the decor and the outside area. I very much enjoyed my beers and food and highly recommend Ironic for a cold Beer, wine, hot drink or something tasty To Eat from the Cabinets or from the menu. #newzealandtrip #couplestrip #thingstodo

brilliant food

Perfect for everything from a takeaway coffee and scroll to sitting down and knitting for a couple of hours! Fantastic music selection too. What a great place to grab a quick bite, or spend your time, fill up and get that report completed. Amazing sandwiches, whether you’re a veggie or vegan. And comfortable and plenty of seating and nice decor. Coffees were well done. However it did take a while for our meals to come out and it wasn’t that busy. Staff are nice too and the cafe itself has a good vibe. #newzealandtrip #couplestrip

nice hangout

A great little cafe at the end of a lovely walk along St Clair Beach. Cafe is very very busy but with good reason, the service was great and the food was amazing. Had the long dog breakfast and my girlfriend had the vegan breakfast, both huge in quantity and quality. Coffee was good too. Would recommend stopping by. The prices are pretty decent and the ambience too is quite nice. There is parking easily available. It's a comfortable place to hang out. #newzealandtrip #couplestrip

excellent food

The coffee is superb and the food is worthy of a Michelin Star imo. I've been there at least 10 times now and everything is immaculate and complex from coffee to flavours in the dishes. Opting for the Avo on toast with fried halloumi and the signature breakfast. Accompanied by a couple of coffees, our status as food enthusiasts was affirmed by the delightful explosion of flavors and innovative approach to traditional breakfast fare. It's safe to say that this experience has set a new standard, as we both agreed that it was the best breakfast we've ever had. #newzealandtrip #travel #thingstodo

best brekkie

Buster Greens ticked all the boxes for me. I normally only find 1 or 2 dishes on a breakfast menu that interests me but I could of chosen about 10 on this menu. Eventually I settled on the PB + Smashed Avo with all sorts of delicious tit bits - picked cabbage, almonds, whipped tahini, greens. Service was prompt, very friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. We chose the stack, the crispy cauliflower salad (because who can resist halloumi) and scrambled egg on sour dough with bacon and hash. The flavours across all three dishes were to die for. #newzealandtrip #thingstodo

Trip to Dunedin, New Zealand 🇳🇿

It was a trip to Dunedin, New Zealand with family. When we visited there, one of our favorite spots was Tunnel Beach 🏖️ a hidden gem just a short drive from the city center. We explored the iconic sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean 🌊 The walk down the tunnel, hand-carved in the 1870s, leads to a secluded beach 🏖️ perfect for stunning photographs, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. I would recommend visiting early in the morning for softer lighting and fewer crowds, it’s a magical experience you won’t forget ✨ 📍Tunnel Beach Track, Dunedin, New Zealand We also visited Baldwin Street, famously known as the steepest residential street in the world 🌎 Walking to the top was a fun and rewarding experience, and the panoramic views made it even better 🙌 I’d recommend bringing your camera 📸 the quirky angles of the houses and the steep slope create some of the most unique photo opportunities in Dunedin. Sunset adds a warm glow to your pictures, but anytime during the day is worth it 😍 📍Baldwin Street, North East Valley, Dunedin, New Zealand We also explored the stunning Larnach Castle, a historic marvel with beautifully landscaped gardens 🌺 The intricate architecture and the lush greenery are perfect for picturesque moments 💯I would recommend spending a leisurely afternoon here; the lighting is perfect for photos 📸 and the tranquil atmosphere adds to the experience. Don’t miss the view from the tower, it’s absolutely breathtaking 😍 📍145 Camp Road, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand Another highlight of our visit was St. Clair Beach 🏝️ an iconic surf 🏄♂️ beach with picturesque views and a lively esplanade. We explored the area during sunset, and the reflection of the sky on the wet sand was simply unforgettable 😍 I’d recommend taking a walk along the beach or enjoying a meal at one of the nearby cafés ☕️ while soaking in the beautiful coastal views 💯 📍Esplanade, St. Clair, Dunedin, New Zealand We also explored the Otago Peninsula, a must-visit for nature lovers ✨The peninsula offers dramatic coastal landscapes and is home to unique wildlife like albatrosses and sea lions 🦭 We found the golden hour here to be especially captivating, perfect for photography enthusiasts 📸 I’d recommend planning a day trip to fully enjoy the scenic drives and lookout points. 📍Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand #newzealandtrip #Vacation #travel

8-Day New Zealand Tour: A Must-Read Guide for Seniors

Dear seniors, we have selected a New Zealand South Island tour guide for you! Blue and green lakes, twin glaciers, and a Milford Sound cruise. Enjoy a relaxing itinerary and the beautiful scenery and food of New Zealand! -------------------- 🛣️Route Suggestions Day 1: Avon River - Christchurch Arts Centre Stroll along the Avon River and enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Visit the Christchurch Arts Centre and experience the charm of art and culture. Day 2: Pancake Rocks - Fox Glacier Admire the unique landscape of Pancake Rocks. Head to Fox Glacier and experience the thrill of a glacier adventure. Day 3: Wanaka - Lake Wanaka - Cromwell - AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy Center - Arrowtown - Lake Wakatipu Travel through Wanaka and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Wanaka. Pass through Cromwell and experience the rural charm. Challenge yourself with extreme sports at the AJ Hackett Bungy Center. Visit the historical sites of Arrowtown. Finally, arrive at Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Day 4: Queenstown Skyline Gondola Take the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and enjoy the beautiful view of the city from above. Experience the tranquility and magnificence of the high altitude. Day 5: Milford Sound - Milford Sound Cruise Explore the magical beauty of Milford Sound. Take a sightseeing cruise and go deep into the fjord to experience the wonders of nature. Day 6: Dunedin Railway Station - Moeraki Boulders - Oamaru - Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony Visit the historic Dunedin Railway Station. Explore the mystery of the Moeraki Boulders. Head to Oamaru and experience the quaint architecture. Visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and learn about the life habits of these cute creatures. Day 7: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - Tasman Glacier Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and enjoy the magnificent scenery of alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. Head to Tasman Glacier and explore the mysteries of the glacier world. Day 8: Lake Tekapo - Church of the Good Shepherd Stroll along Lake Tekapo and enjoy the tranquility of the lake and mountain scenery. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and experience the harmony between religion and nature. -------------------- Travel Tips: 🛫 Airport Transportation: Taxis at New Zealand airports are expensive. We recommend taking the airport bus or booking a transfer service. 🍽️ Food: New Zealand seafood is delicious! Also, don't miss the local lamb chops and wine🍷! 📒 Visa Information: Don't forget to apply for a New Zealand visa in advance. You can apply online to ensure a smooth trip! ☁️ November Weather: The temperature in New Zealand in November is moderate. The days are warm and comfortable, but the nights can be a bit chilly. Remember to bring a jacket! -------------------- New Zealand is a travel destination that will make your heart flutter. Come and explore it and leave your own unique story!🌍✨