Dunedin in 3 days

A Scottish-heritage city with wildlife-rich peninsula coast and student energy. Best time to visit: December-March (summer) and shoulder months. Average daily budget: $100 to $170 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: The Octagon & City Centre, The heritage heart - cafés, galleries, bars and the cathedral.

Morning: Otago Peninsula wildlife. See royal albatross at Taiaroa Head, plus penguins, sea lions and seals along the coast.

Afternoon: Explore The Octagon & City Centre, The heritage heart - cafés, galleries, bars and the cathedral.

Evening: Larnach Castle. New Zealand's only castle, with gardens and harbour views on the peninsula.

Eat: Craft beer at Emerson's and the local breweries

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: North Dunedin, The university quarter, museums and the Botanic Garden.

Morning: Baldwin Street. Walk up the world's steepest residential street for the photo and the burn.

Afternoon: Explore North Dunedin, The university quarter, museums and the Botanic Garden.

Evening: Dunedin Railway Station. Tour one of the country's most photographed buildings and ride the scenic Taieri Gorge line.

Eat: Cabinet food and coffee in the Octagon cafés

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Otago Peninsula, The wildlife coast - albatross colony, Larnach Castle and beaches.

Morning: St Clair Beach. Surf, walk the esplanade and warm up in the heated saltwater pool.

Afternoon: Explore Otago Peninsula, The wildlife coast - albatross colony, Larnach Castle and beaches.

Evening: Tunnel Beach - a short, steep walk to sea arches and cliffs carved by the ocean.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Cadbury-era chocolate and local sweets

Hidden gems

Tunnel Beach - a short, steep walk to sea arches and cliffs carved by the ocean.
Sandfly Bay for sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins at dusk over big dunes.
Olveston Historic Home for a glimpse of Edwardian Dunedin.
Port Chalmers galleries and the craft-beer scene away from the centre.

Getting around

The compact city centre is walkable, and buses cover the suburbs and St Clair. But for the Otago Peninsula wildlife and Larnach Castle you'll want a hire car or a guided tour - the roads are narrow and winding and public transport is limited. Dunedin Airport is about 30 minutes from the centre.

Safety

Dunedin is safe and easygoing, with normal city awareness needed around the student nightlife on weekends. The southern weather is changeable and cool - pack layers and a windproof jacket year-round. On the peninsula, keep a respectful distance from sea lions and penguins, and drive carefully on the winding coastal roads.

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