Dunedin is a city that has a heck of a lot going on. While it is well known for its incredible heritage architecture, it also boasts a whole bunch of amazing wildlife sitting right on its doorstep.
An easy city to travel around, a rental car in Dunedin is ideal for getting you from a to b, and everywhere in between. So if you’re heading south for the winter (or anytime of year for that matter) grab your budget car rental, get out your map, and pop these ‘must-see’ attractions on your itinerary.
Visit Larnach Castle
It may not be home to a royal family, but it’s every bit of a castle as Windsor – it also comes with its own stories of scandals and tragedies of the past. Dating back to 1871, New Zealand’s only castle was built by 200 workmen over three years to construct the exterior, with European craftsmen requiring a further 12 years to complete the interior.
A day in Dunedin must be spent exploring Larnach Castle, from the tower to the ballroom, historic outbuildings and stables, and of course, it’s incredible gardens – rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance
Check out Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach is a fun day out for the whole family, where you can explore sandstone cliffs carved by the sea, rock arches and caves, and look for fossils (such as a brachiopod shell, echinoderm or bones of an extinct whale). And of course there are also stunning views from the top of the headlands.
A 2km walk down will take you to the coastline, through a rock tunnel that was hand carved in the 1870s to provide passage to a secluded and sheltered beach. Graded by the Department of Conversation as an easy walk, it is best visited at low tide.
Explore Otago Museum
There’s an incredibly rich history in this region of New Zealand – from people to places and the natural environment – so it comes as no surprise that the Otago Museum is a go-to for all things fascinating. Spread across seven free galleries, you can get a glimpse at what life was like for an early Southern Māori coastal village, see a bike-riding skeleton and even walk through an indoor Tropical Forest, home to a thousand rainforest butterflies.
There’s over 1.5 million objects on display here, and it’s also the only bicultural science centre in the world. The kids will be absolutely captivated by New Zealand’s largest science centre, Tūhara, with over 45 hands-on interactives, and you won’t be able to leave until they have had at least a couple of rides on the three-story high slide.
Meet the local wildlife
From little blue penguins to yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions, there is an array of beautiful wildlife to see on a trip to Dunedin. Many of these species are also rare, making a visit to them even more special.
A quick drive north from Dunedin’s CBD will take you to Orokonui Eco Sanctuary, where you can see Tuatara (whose ancestors roamed with dinosaurs), Otago Skinks and 17 species of native birds – including the flightless Kiwi.
Dunedin is also home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross, so make sure you book in for a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre.
Head back in time at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
The Toitū Otago Settlers Museum began collecting items in 1898 during celebrations of Otago’s 50th jubilee. Now, more than 125 years later, its collection includes computers and information technology, costumes and textiles, artworks, furniture, toys, transport and domestic and technical items, alongside an archival and photographs.
Its immersive, interactive experience takes visitors right through Dunedin’s history, from early Maori inhabitants to the arrival of European settlers and also provides a snapshot of more recent generations.
Take a heritage walk around the city centre
With streets of beautifully-preserved heritage buildings, you only have to wander the city to be able to see them up close.
You’ll also find many filled with cafes, boutique retailers and much more, making it a wonderful way to spend a day. And don’t forget to stop by the Olveston Historic Home to get a real-life look at what a home would have been like for a Dunedin family during Edwardian times.
On your walk you’re also likely to spot some amazing street art scattered across various building scapes, resulting in an eclectic mix of old and new.
There’s no question that Dunedin is a fantastic place to explore for your next holiday. And if you’re not only stopping there, make sure you check out some of these 10 locations around New Zealand which are definitely worth the visit too. And with a reliable rental car from NZ Rent A Car, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to see it all.
