A Trip to Dunedin - the Most Scottish City in New Zealand
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the capital of the Otago region. The city can also be reached via an experiential cruise around New Zealand. Cruise passengers have access to regional tours that include port pick-up and drop-off:
♦ Guided tours for cruise passengers in Dunedin from Viator:
Including port pick-up and drop-off:
The city has nearly 120,000 residents, who, together with the surrounding villages, make up more than half of the region's population. What makes Dunedin unique is its preserved Scottish heritage, thanks to the many immigrants from Scotland who arrived in the 19th century. They established the University of Otago here, which to this day is considered one of the leading universities in New Zealand and attracts many students from across the country and Europe. Today, over 20,000 students reside in the city, giving it a youthful and vibrant character.
The highlight of a visit to Dunedin and the primary reason drawing visitors in New Zealand to such a distant destination is watching yellow-eyed penguins up close.
Recommended tours in Dunedin and its surroundings from Viator:
A recommended guided nature tour is conducted by Elm Wildlife Tours. Particularly recommended is an approximately 6-hour tour called the Encounters Tour + Royal Albatross Centre Tour, where you will observe yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, sea lions and fur seals, albatrosses, and an abundance of other wildlife up close. The tour includes fascinating guidance and viewing the animals from a minimal distance in a private reserve on secluded beaches that are inaccessible to other companies or independent travelers.
Recommended Hotels in Dunedin:
A 5-star hotel in a central location, featuring a restaurant, bar, fitness center, sauna, parking, and free internet.
A 4.5-star hotel in a central location, featuring a restaurant, bar, fitness center, parking, and free internet.
Or more affordable:
♦ Roslyn Sanctuary Hereford St Dunedin
A 4-star 2-bedroom apartment with a living room and kitchen, located slightly outside the city center, offering free internet and parking.
A walking tour in the city center: Visit the city's historic and impressive Dunedin Railway Station. The station has two floors and is over a hundred years old. It features an abundance of mosaics displaying images and emblems of the New Zealand Railways Department. The second floor of the complex is dedicated to an art museum and the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. The station is still active today, serving both modern trains and vintage trains that run on tourist routes along the surrounding mountains.
From there, continue on foot to the vibrant city center, "The Octagon". Dunedin has several interesting museums, such as the Otago Museum, which displays the flora and fauna of the Otago region alongside galleries and interactive exhibitions about the Maori culture that existed in the area prior to the arrival of Europeans, and the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.
Afterwards, it is nice to take a drive to the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street (according to the Guinness World Records). The street is only 350 meters long. Its lower section sits at 30 meters above sea level, while its upper end reaches 100 meters above sea level. The street is located in a residential neighborhood called North East Valley, about 3.5 km northeast of the city center.
Additional tourist attractions in Dunedin:
A visit to the beautiful Dunedin Botanic Garden, located at the corner of Great King Street and Opoho Road. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.
A walk along Tunnel Beach, located at the end of Tunnel Beach Road. The beach features interesting rock formations, graffiti, and sea caves.
A visit to Larnach Castle & Gardens, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire city and harbor.
A sweet treat to wrap up the city visit is undoubtedly a trip to the Cadbury World chocolate factory, where 75-minute guided tours are conducted through the factory, including tastings, of course.