In the morning you’re walking a beautiful beach, empty except for the fur seals sun-bathing in the shallows. Come lunchtime, you sitting in a hip café watching the city’s fashionistas sip their flatwhites. In the afternoon you’re exploring the city, seeing its street art, its boutiques and museums, while that night, you’re enjoying a pint of locally brewed ale in front of a roaring fire. Early next morning, you’re driving your Pegasus rental to the Otago Peninsula to watch the largest sea-bird in the world, the albatross, soar high over the Pacific.
Famous for its architecture, its scenery and wildlife, its vibrant, stylish inner city, and so much more.
Dunedin Sightseeing:
- Brooding, isolated and beautiful, the Otago Peninsula’s Allan’s beach is a little off the beaten track, but it’s a great place for penguin and seal watching.
- Sandfly Bay is a favourite with Dunedinites of all ages. The famously long sand dune leads to another beautiful beach. As with all the amazing beaches on the Peninsula, don’t be surprised if you come across a yellow-eyed penguin or a fur seal.
- Also on the Peninsula, you can visit some historic lime kilns; if feeling energetic you can walk to the dramatic Soldier’s Monument? And DO NOT leave this city without visiting Lover’s Leap and the nearby Chasm – massive vertical drops to the raging Pacific. Drive out to the car park, and enjoy the short walk through picturesque farmland, and have your mind blown!
Tunnel Beach – one of Dunedin’s best-kept secrets.
- Just 15 minutes drive from Dunedin and you are somewhere truly extraordinary. Tunnel Beach will take your breath away. The historic hand cut tunnel, the promontory that sits out into the Pacific like a huge piece of jigsaw puzzle – take your time, soak up this geological marvel!
- Be amazed at the size, architecture and rich embellishments of the Dunedin Railway Station – the grandest ‘Gingerbread House’ you’ll ever see, and is regarded as the most photographed in the country.
The icon Dunedin Railway Station. Construction began in 1903 and was officially opened in 1906.
Dunedin Sightseeing Activities:
- A 25 minute drive from the centre of Dunedin you will the Orokonui Ecosanctuary where you can explore the stunning native bush and an incredible population of native birds. Close your eyes, hear those Tuis sing!
- Surf’s up dude! Drive out to iconic St Clair beach, get a surfing lesson, and then share a pizza at The Esplanade.
- Needing a culture hit? Try the Dunedin Art Gallery, the Otago Museum or Toitu (the Early Settler’s Museum). Or what about visiting a nationally famous brewery? We have two! It’s Emerson’s for the craft beer lovers or Speights Brewery for those wanting to sample New Zealand’s most popular brew. Both also have restaurants open for lunch and dinner.
- The Dunedin Chinese Garden, located in the city of Dunedin, next to the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and close to other tourist attractions, including the Dunedin Railway Station. A perfect miniature of a traditional Chinese landscape painting, this Garden encapsulates the essence of nature. It was built to take you on a journey to a greater understanding of history, culture, heritage and tradition.
- Head out towards Andersons Bay and take Highcliff Rd out on the Otago Peninusla. Here you can pay a visit to New Zealand’s only castle at Larnach Castle, and out to the Royal Albatross Centre. Both are well worth a visit.
Dunedin Chinese Gardens.
Events:
- Want to run up or down Baldwin Street? It’s the steepest street in the world and every year competitors sprint from to top to bottom in a matter of seconds!
- In Dunedin in June? Then go on, try the Polar Plunge! That’s right, get into your togs with hundreds of smiling locals and hurl yourself into the Pacific!
- Otago Festival of the Arts Trust was established in 1999 to present a biennial arts festival in Dunedin to “celebrate the excellent and the extraordinary.” This event happens around September/October every second year. In 2018 it was on between 21-30 September.
- iD Dunedin Fashion Week blends emerging fashion from around the globe with high profile designers from New Zealand and abroad. During this high energy fashion week there are runway shows, exhibitions, designer talks, food events, fashion films, shopping experiences, and more.
- Connect with the historical precinct at the Vogel Street Party. Vogel Street in the Warehouse Precinct will transform into a family-friendly pedestrian space showcasing Dunedin’s talented creative communities. Enjoy the many and varied interactive activities, exhibitions, performances and installations on show. Be sure to check it out in October.
- Dunedin has a full calendar of events, so make the most of them!
Left: Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world.
Right: Glenfalloch, a beautiful restaurant, cafe and garden located on Dunedin’s stunning Otago Peninsula.
Eating and drinking:
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- Whether it’s fine-dining, pubs, or excellent cafes, you’ll find everything you need in Dunedin. Mazagran, in Moray Place, may be small in size, but their espresso coffee packs a stimulating punch! Set amongst fashionable boutiques, street-art, and historic architecture it’s just the place for your morning (or afternoon) pick-me-up. Nova in the Octagon is open early till late with a good selection of meals and sweet treats.
- A visit to Vogel St is worthwhile, not only for the heritage buildings but a great selection of places to eat including Precinct Café, Good Good Burger, Vogel St Café and Moiety.
- Out on the Peninsula? Glenfalloch Restaurant is set amongst thirty acres of beautiful gardens. Enjoy coffee, lunch, or dinner, at a restaurant that prides itself on presenting the highest
Pegasus Rental Cars Dunedin can get you exploring and finding the best Dunedin sightseeing in no time, check our Dunedin Airport rental car availability now.
View from Signal Hill Lookout over Dunedin.