Things to do in Dunedin
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s hidden gems and a place that is begging to be explored. It’s often not the first destination on people’s itinerary when they are planning a trip to New Zealand, often overlooked for sexier destinations like Queenstown and Christchurch, however, for those who do venture further south, you are rewarded with a destination packed full of amazing things to do, things to see, and spectacular wildlife. In this guide, we are going to give you some insider tips on the best things to do in Dunedin and hopefully by the end of the guide, Dunedin will be firmly planted on your list of places to visit in New Zealand.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Dunedin, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Dunedin branch is conveniently located near the city centre, however, we also offer a contactless airport pick-up and drop-off service, so if you are flying in or out of Dunedin airport, we’ve got you covered.
Dunedin Activities
Dunedin and the surrounding Otago Peninsula offer up some pretty amazing activities for people of all ages. Home to New Zealand’s only castle, as well as some spectacular wildlife, Dunedin is a city just waiting to be explored. In this guide, we are going to give you some of the top tips from our team based down in Dunedin so as well as discovering the biggest and best activities in Dunedin, we’re also going to give you some hidden gems that you might not find elsewhere. We will take you beyond Dunedin’s city centre and let you explore the open roads in your RaD rental car with some great tips for things to do around the Otago region.
Here are five activities in Dunedin and the surrounding area for you to add to your itinerary:
Evening Penguin Viewing
Experience the magic of seeing Little Blue Penguins (kororā) return from the sea at dusk on the Otago Peninsula, especially at Takiharuru/Pilots Beach and the Royal Albatross Centre. Guided evening tours offer close-up views from purpose-built platforms, with expert commentary on penguin behaviour and conservation. This is a must-do for wildlife lovers, and the experience supports local conservation efforts. Amazing to see!
Explore the Doctors Point Sea Caves
For most visitors to Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is one of the highlights of their trip and for good reason. Discovering a beach hidden down a low tunnel cut into the rocks is very cool. However, if you want something a little less crowded, listen to the locals and head to Doctors Point Sea Caves. These picturesque sea caves are a short walk from the car park and offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Best visited at low tide, they provide a peaceful and scenic experience away from the crowds.
Take a Tour of Dunedin's Underground Tunnels
Discover Dunedin's hidden history by exploring its underground tunnel network, built in the 1860s. Guided tours offer insights into the city's architecture and history, providing a unique perspective on Dunedin's past. There is a current project underway to restore the tunnels, creating a 15km walking and biking trail between Dunedin and Mosgiel which promises to be a very cool experience.
Visit Larnach Castle
OK. So this is one of the big highlights that you will find in all your guides but it is still a very cool experience and a great way to explore the stunning Otago Peninsula. Larnach is New Zealand's only castle and is a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning architecture. Located on the Otago Peninsula, it offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Victorian grandeur. Once you have taken a tour of the castle and gardens, make sure you carry on down the peninsula to discover the albatross colony.
Hair Raiser Tours
Join Dunedin’s original ghost, crime, and cemetery tour for a spine-tingling journey through the city’s haunted history. Led by award-winning guides, these evening walking tours explore Dunedin’s gothic architecture, eerie laneways, and infamous sites, blending historical facts with chilling tales. Hair Raiser Tours are highly rated for their engaging storytelling and unique perspective on the city.
Dunedin Places to Eat
Deciding where to eat when you are exploring a new destination can be one of life’s hardest choices, especially if you are with a group! What sort of food do you fancy? What’s your budget? How close is it? All of these questions can muddy the waters a little bit, so we chatted to the team in Dunedin and got them to recommend some of the best places to eat out in Dunedin to take away the stress for you. Easy as. Dunedin has lots of great places to eat out and caters to all budgets, so we’ve pulled together our top five picks that cover all sorts of different cuisines and caters to all budgets – here you go:
Mosgiel Tavern
· Cuisine: Bar, Pub, New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Craving a Southern Fried Chicken burger? Our team reckon this is the best ever! The Mosgiel Tavern is a family-friendly tavern in Mosgiel with a homely atmosphere and a menu featuring classic Kiwi pub fare like homemade beef pie, salmon, and chicken skewers. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. It’s a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, known for its hearty portions and friendly service.
Luna Bar & Restaurant
· Cuisine: Modern New Zealand, European, Contemporary
· Budget: Mid-range to High-end ($$-$$$)
· Features: Perched in Roslyn Village, Luna offers stunning harbour and city views and a menu blending premium local produce with global flavours. It’s a top choice for lunch, dinner, or brunch, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The ambience is ideal for date nights or special occasions, and outdoor dining is available.
The Station (Cobb & Co. Dunedin)
· Cuisine: Bar, New Zealand
· Budget: Affordable to Mid-range ($-$$)
· Features: Located in the historic Dunedin Railway Station, this restaurant is loved for its classic Kiwi dishes, including seafood chowder, roast pork, and steaks. Known for excellent service and value, it’s a family-friendly spot with a nostalgic setting and a menu that caters to a variety of dietary needs. Our team down in Dunedin also love their bagels so give them a try!
Starfish Café & Bar
· Cuisine: Café, Contemporary, Brunch
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Situated at St Clair Beach, Starfish is a local favourite for all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Their menu features creative dishes like fried chicken waffles, pork bao buns, and Korean cauliflower tacos, alongside classic options like eggs benedict and fish & chips. The café uses seasonal produce and offers vegetarian and vegan choices. Oh yeah, and the views are to die for!
No7 Balmac
· Cuisine: Modern New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range to High-end ($$-$$$)
· Features: Nestled in Māori Hill, No7 Balmac is renowned for its inventive use of local ingredients and a menu that excels at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes, house-baked breads, and impressive wine list make it a Dunedin dining staple. Set-course menus are available, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet refined.
Dunedin Accommodation
One of the first things you usually do when planning a trip to any new destination is sort out your accommodation, and choosing where to stay can be just as challenging as deciding where to eat. Dunedin and the surrounding area is not short on options when it comes to places to stay, from luxury hotels to simple motels and everything in between. Of course, Airbnbs are also a popular choice these days too, but if you are looking for some ideas for places to stay in Dunedin, make sure you check out these five options below:
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
· Location: Central Dunedin
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: A highly rated downtown hotel located in a historic building offering spacious, modern rooms with kitchenettes, including washer and dryer facilities. Guests praise its cleanliness, comfortable beds, excellent breakfast buffet, and attentive staff. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to Dunedin’s main attractions, making it ideal for couples and business travellers.
Hotel St Clair
· Location: St Clair Esplanade, Dunedin
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: Offering breathtaking oceanfront views, Hotel St Clair is perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity and proximity to the beach. With elegant rooms and easy access to the attractions of the St Clair Esplanade, it’s a top choice for a luxurious seaside stay. St Clair is one of the team’s favourite places in Dunedin. It’s a great place to grab a morning coffee or afternoon beer, as well as taking a stroll on the beach so basing yourself at the Hotel St Clair is a great way to really explore this stunning suburb or Dunedin.
Ebb Hotel
· Location: Central Dunedin
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: Stylish boutique hotel known for its luxurious furnishings, comfortable king beds, and spacious bathrooms. The hotel features a popular café serving an excellent breakfast and coffee. It offers on-site parking and is within easy walking distance of city sights. Guests appreciate the combination of artful design and relaxed luxury.
Alhambra Oaks Motor Lodge
· Location: Near Dunedin city centre
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: A well-appointed motor lodge offering self-contained units with kitchen facilities, free parking, and WiFi. It is conveniently located close to the city centre and Otago University, making it a practical choice for families and longer stays.
Larnach Lodge
· Location: Otago Peninsula
· Budget: Mid-range to High-end ($$-$$$)
· Features: Set within 35 acres of award-winning gardens near Larnach Castle, this lodge offers uniquely decorated rooms with private facilities and dramatic sea views. Guests enjoy an included breakfast, complimentary entry to Larnach Castle, and the opportunity to dine in the castle’s dining room. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful, scenic stay away from the city bustle.
Dunedin Sights
As well as some great activities in Dunedin, there are also some fantastic sights to see, most of which are free to enjoy. From the stunning Otago Peninsula to the amazing local wildlife, hopefully you will find some little gems to add to your Dunedin itinerary below. You also can’t forget that Dunedin is home to the steepest road in the world which tends to attract a lot of visitors to see if they can run to the top…our team reckon running down is a lot easier!
Here are five sights to see in Dunedin and the surrounding area:
Otago Peninsula
· Location: East of Dunedin
· Features: The Otago Peninsula is renowned for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. You can also spot little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and sea lions along the coast. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the harbour and ocean.
Tunnel Beach
· Location: South of Dunedin
· Features: We’ve already touched on Tunnel Beach, but we wanted to make sure you knew a little more about it. Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and rock arches, Tunnel Beach is accessible via a historic hand-carved tunnel. The beach offers stunning coastal views and is a great spot for walking and exploring. Be cautious of the steep path and slippery conditions.
Dunedin Railway Station
· Location: Central Dunedin
· Features: This iconic station is one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings due to its stunning Victorian-era architecture. It hosts the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and offers guided tours, making it a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
St Clair Open Water Pool
· Location: St Clair Beach, Dunedin
· Features: Situated on the picturesque St Clair Beach, this saltwater pool is perfect for swimmers who enjoy the ocean but prefer a safer environment. The pool is naturally filled with seawater and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Moeraki Boulders
· Location: North of Dunedin, near Hampden
· Features: These large, spherical boulders are a natural wonder located on Koekohe Beach. They are a popular stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts, offering a unique and scenic experience along the coast. The boulders are easily accessible from the beach, making them a great day-trip destination from Dunedin.
Renting a Car in Dunedin
If you’re looking to rent a car in Dunedin, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Dunedin looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the South Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Dunedin branch.