Delightful Dunedin

DUNEDIN IS THE OLD GAELLIC WORD FOR EDINBURGH AND NAMED BY SCOTTISH MIGRANTS WHO ARRIVED HERE IN 1879. THERE IS MUCH TO DO IN THIS HISTORIC ENCLAVE.

Dunedin highlights

THE OCTAGON This eight-sided plaza occupies the very heart of Dunedin. From this focal point, the city disperses outward and the main street cuts straight through the middle.

DUNEDIN RAILWAY STATION With mosaic floors, Flemish Renaissance-style architecture and immaculate gardens, Dunedin Railway Station is more palace than transport hub.

MARKETS Dunedin Railway Station also hosts the much-loved Otago Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning. For arts and crafts, Port Chalmers Community Market pops up in the seaside suburb every third Saturday of the month.

First Church, Dunedin © Getty Images

BREWERIES Both Speight’s and Emerson’s are well-established breweries offering behind-thescenes tours and tastings, while new kid on the block, New New New is the city’s quirkiest arrival. Pop by the taproom and try a beer flavoured with smoked eel, reassuringly (or not) called ‘Fear Not’.

TUNNEL BEACH Enveloped by sandstone caves and coastline, you can only access Tunnel Beach via a narrow, 140-year-old tunnel, opening onto a small bay. For swimming, you can’t beat Brighton Beach, whereas Long Beach has caves to explore.

STEEP STREETS After a formal review, Baldwin St is once again the world’s steepest. Wales stole the title in 2019 but a 2020 probe revealed the truth.

MĀORI HERITAGE Taiaroa Head is one hour from Dunedin and named after a 19th century Māori chief. There are excellent Māori heritage displays at both the Otago and Toitu museums, and the stories of local tribes feature in many of the city’s tours.

University of Otago, Dunedin © DunedinNZ

Walk this way

STRETCH YOUR LEGS ON ONE OF THESE FABULOUS WALKS.

• Art buffs love the Arts & Culture Self Walk which takes in the CBD’s Blue Oyster Art Project, Artist’s Room, public art gallery, public library and Reed Gallery.

• For views of Dunedin’s skyline and the Taieri Plains from Mt Cargill, take the Pineapple Track.

• The Rock and Pillar Range is one of Otago’s iconic features. Hike to the summit ridge to see these distinctive rocky pillars.

• Admire the sandstone sea arch at Tunnel Beach and theman-made tunnel dug for the Cargill family in the 1870s so they could swim at their own private beach.

• Dunedin is a UNESCO designated City of Literature and has its own writers’ walk complete with brass plaque quotes.

Located very aptly at the mouth of Dunedin Harbour, don’t miss the Harbour Mouth Molars. These three six-foot giant teeth are made from Ōamaru stone.

Broad Bay © Tourism Dunedin

Must-see history

OTAGO MUSEUM This world-class collection of exhibits covers every worldly topic. Move between interactive science experiments to the planetarium and Animal Attic. There are seven free galleries to explore, while a handful incur a fee. The huge butterfly house is always a big hit with kids and the extensive Māori and European items are exceptional.

Butterfly at Otago Museum © DunedinNZ

OLVESTON HISTORIC HOUSE is a window into our past. This perfectly preserved mansion is frozen in all its 20th century glory. Built in 1906 and gifted to the City of Dunedin in 1966 by the last surviving member of the Theomin family, the house is a time capsule of fine art and furnishings. The one-hour tour is as close to stepping back in time as you’ll get.

TOITU OTAGO SETTLERS MUSEUM How did a Scottish community come to thrive in Otago? This museum covers everything from their gruelling journey to how Scottish daub cottages were built. It also details Māori settlement. Externally, things are decidedly cutting edge and the foyer is particularly striking. Entry is free but a gold coin goes a long way to maintaining this marvel.

LARNACH CASTLE New Zealand’s only castle was built in 1871 by Dunedin banker, merchant and Member of Parliament William Larnach. Overlooking Otago Peninsula, expansive views can be enjoyed from its tower whereas lower floors feature a regal ballroom and antique furnishings. With beautiful gardens too, it’s a great day out.

Olveston Historic Home © DunedinNZ

Glorious gardens

DUNEDIN BOTANIC GARDENS: New Zealand’s first botanic garden and a Garden of International Significance, covering 65ha at the northern end of the city.

DUNEDIN CHINESE GARDEN: Handcrafted by Chinese artisans using traditional techniques, it’s the only authentic Chinese garden in the southern hemisphere and an example of a late Ming, early Ching Dynasty Scholar’s Garden.

GEORGE STREETORCHARD: Now offers tours to share its secrets with other gardeners. This inner-city oasis has over thirty species of fruiting trees, shrubs and vines to admire.

Other gardens include blissful GLENFALLOCH WOODLAND and tranquil WYLDE WILLOW, both are Gardens of National Significance. There are also many private gardens open to the public.

Dunedin Botanical Gardens © DunedinNZ