12 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Dunedin, New Zealand

| © Dunedin NZ
Thalita Alves

Dunedin is a New Zealand city full of contrasts and character. It’s an underrated gem on the South Island’s Otago region that all travellers should explore at least once in their lifetimes. Need more convincing? Then look no further than these 12 reasons for visiting.

The Beautiful Architecture

Dunedin is home to a trove of Edwardian- and Victorian-era buildings. A walk downtown is all it takes to get up close and personal to these impressive architectural wonders, which include New Zealand’s only castle, as well as the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, one of the most photographed landmarks—an impressive feat in such a picturesque country.

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GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

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1. South Korea

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

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2. Thailand

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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

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1. Morocco

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

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An Eco-friendly Setting

Natural Feature

Dunedin, New Zealand. 24th Feb, 2019. Northern Royal albatrosses are seen at the Royal Albatross Centre in Taiaroa Head, Dunedin, New Zealand, on Feb. 24, 2019. Every year over 40 pairs of Northern Royal albatrosses nest and breed at the worlds only main
© Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo
Dunedin is home to the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony, the Royal Albatross Centre, where you’ll also find sea lions, fur seals and rare penguins. All these critters reside in the Otago Peninsula and are the reason Dunedin is aptly hailed as New Zealand’s Wildlife Capital. Eco-tourism is well accounted for on the city’s shores—so much so that renowned environmentalist Sir David Bellamy has been quoted as saying that Dunedin is the finest example of eco-friendliness in the world.

Art in Every Corzner

Art Gallery

ATTRACTIONS_DPAG_Family_003_DunedinNZ
© Dunedin NZ
Dunedin’s Public Art Gallery is home to some of the country’s finest collections, showcasing pieces from New Zealand, Britain, Europe and more. A world of modern creativity also awaits outside the expansive exhibition walls. Recently, Dunedin began embracing street art, calling on local and international mural artists to colour the blank-walled canvases in their vicinity—a walk around town is guaranteed to unearth some cool artistic treasures.

A Strong Scottish identity

Here’s a fun historic fact: The name “Dunedin” comes from the Gaelic word for “Edinburgh,” which is why Dunedin is commonly called the “Edinburgh of the South.” This in itself should give an indication of the loud and proud Scottish identity found here. True to the heritage, Dunedin’s whisky production is renowned as some of the best in the world.

Sports Matches in a Glasshouse

Stadium

Logan Park, Forsyth Barr Stadium, and Otago Harbour, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand - aerial
© David Wall / Alamy Stock Photo
Forsyth Barr Stadium is New Zealand’s largest indoor events arena, affectionately known as “the glasshouse” because of the transparent arched roof, which allows plenty of sunlight to seep in while still shielding visitors from less-than-ideal weather conditions. Rugby is the arena’s mainstay, and some of the games at the 2011 Rugby World Cup were played here. The stadium also doubles-up as a music venue and has received a number of international superstars since its inauguration.

Dynamic Events Lineup

A chocolate jaffa race on the world’s steepest street, performances from the city’s competitive Highland Pipe Band, the Midwinter Carnival—Dunedin’s events calendar has something for everyone, from quirky attractions to cool artistic showcases and plenty of cheerful community spirit.

Thriving Foodie Scene

Walk across Dunedin’s downtown Octagon and Esplanade, and you’ll be welcomed by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. Enter some of the city’s hidden alleyways, and you’ll stumble across an eclectic range of restaurants and cuisines. Whether you’re on the prowl for vegan dishes or you’re looking for something with a contemporary New Zealand flair, Dunedin’s café and restaurant scene is sure to satisfy all taste buds and cravings.

An Iconic Brewery

Brewery

FOOD_Speight-sAleHouse_007_DunedinNZ
© Dunedin NZ
Beer lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Dunedin’s Speights Brewery. This iconic fixture was established by James Speight, Charles Greenslade and William Dawson in 1876 and is still in operation today. Visitors can take 90-minute guided tours, which cover the history of the local brewing industry and a sampling session. There’s an ale house next door for those who worked up an appetite during the expedition.

The Famous Otago Farmers Market

Farmers' Market, Market, Contemporary, Street Food

FOOD_OtagoFarmersMarket_022_DunedinNZ
© Dunedin NZ

Renowned as one of the busiest farmers’ markets in Australasia, the Otago Farmers Market livens up the Dunedin Railway Station every Saturday, rain or shine. Fresh produce, locally produced honey and cheese, preserves, homemade baked goods, and takeaway food stalls with just about every kind of cuisine imaginable attract the droves to this awesome community event. The market runs year-round from 8am-12:30pm.

The Stunning Southern Lights

On a cold, clear night, Dunedin’s skies will let you in on a very bright secret. The Southern Lights, also known as aurora australis, are only visible around some places in Antarctica and, as luck would have it, in certain corners of the South Island. To catch a glimpse of this incredible phenomenon, head to a south-facing beach in Dunedin, such as St Clair beach, Sandfly Bay and Hoopers Inlet.

A Remarkable Museum

Museum

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© Dunedin NZ
The Otago Museum is filled with interesting finds, many of which are perfect for those travelling with children. The Nature Gallery has a remarkable collection of butterflies and is quite a popular attraction for all ages. Other highlights include a Perpetual Garden Planetarium, the laser-activated Beautiful Science exhibition, and the weird and wonderful creatures that lie in the Animal Attic displays.

A Stunning Botanic Garden

Botanical Garden

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© Dunedin NZ
Head to the edge of North East Valley for peace, quiet and plenty of greenery. Discover the horticultural treasures hiding in Dunedin Botanic Garden, including the beautiful rhododendron trees, luscious herb garden, an aviary and a winter garden. There are also hidden picnic spots scattered throughout and an on-site café.
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