Location: Dunedin
Top Things to do in Dunedin
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The 7 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Dunedin, South Island
Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and the world's only mainland albatross colony share residence in Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city. When you're not watching wildlife, this South Island Otago Coast town also boasts impressive historic architecture from its days as a gold-rush mecca. Visit the 1906 Flemish Renaissance railway station or the country's largest center of higher learning, which resembles Glasgow University, thanks to the area's early Scottish settlers.
Restaurants in Dunedin
1. Dunedin High And District Court
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By LindainLakewood - Lakewood, United States
We just saw the outside of this building from across the gardens at Anzac Square in Dunedin. It was built in 1902 and makes a nice reflection of the train station. Flowers were blooming which added to the square’s beauty. It’s still an active court house so I’d advise you to be on best behavior to avoid seeing the inside.
2. The Royal Albatross Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,053 reviews
The only chance to see... the world's only mainland Royal Albatross Breeding Colony. A unique experience to access the nature reserve to see giant albatross court, mate, raise their chicks and show off their three metre wingspans. Taiaroa Head/Pukekura is alive with wildlife species, many of them scarce nesting seabirds. Our jewel in the crown is the Northern Royal Albatross. Experience it for yourself by taking a guided tour through the Nature Reserve into the viewing Observatory. The 2012 latest Lonely Planet publication "1000 Ultimate Sights" features the Royal Albatross Centre alongside the Taj Mahal and Grand Canyon. They say of us: Here at one of New Zealand's hottest attractions the draw card is the bird life. Taiaroa Head is the site of the world's only mainland royal albatross breeding ground, where you can observe the spectacle of the albatrosses with wingspans of up to 3m coming in to land like a succession of 747s. The Royal Albatross Centre is located on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, about a 45 minute drive from Dunedin. We are operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable trust formed in 1967 for the protection of the local natural environment. The Nature Reserve on Taiaroa Head is managed by the Department of Conservation. Taiaroa Head is also famous in New Zealand history. From a small Maori camp in the 1300s to a fortified pa where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from a wooden flagstaff to 1864 lighthouse to radar entrance for Otago Harbour; from an 1880s underground fortress to a large defence base in WWII. Taiaroa Head is today a Nature Reserve and an iconic wildlife attraction.
Reviewed By FourTravel2013 - Auckland, New Zealand
We did the Unique Taiaroa tour which allowed plenty of time to view the albatross chicks and also a couple of the adult birds flying close by in the strong wind. James was our knowledgeable guide who was informative and happy to answer any questions. The history of the 1889 Armstrong Disappearing Gun and underground tunnels was interesting. A great way to spend a couple of hours even if it’s raining.
3. Bellamys Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
4. JA 1274 Steam Train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
Sitting in a huge glass building (box), is this beautiful, steam train, in perfect nick, we love how it has been put on display with loving care rather then left in a yard somewhere left to rust. Probably not a standalone attraction, however definitely, worth a look when visiting the railway station.
5. Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,848 reviews
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Baldwin Street is officially the steepest residential street in the world! Make your mark and conquer Baldwin Street today! Check out baldwinstreet.co.nz for more information about this amazing world icon. There's lots of neat things you can there such as taking a virtual tour or checking out our live street cam! You can even book yourself a private Zoom Tour! Stuck at home? Fear no longer! BOOK NOW and make your mark!
Reviewed By LilyChak - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Its always exciting to visit Baldwin Street. Enjoyed walking up to the top where water fountain is there for you to have a drink and chair to have a rest.
6. The Octagon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By klvmar
Located in the city center of Dunedin, the Octagon was a shady oasis on a hot sunny day. Several people were enjoying picnic lunches under the trees, while others were taking advantage of the numerous cafes and restaurants which ring the park. Impressive buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Municipal Chambers, and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery surround the Octagon, with First Church and other notable structures just a few blocks away. Given the city's historical link to Edinburgh, it was appropriate to see a statue of Robert Burns prominently featured in the park.
