Dunedin

A city that captivates and enchants

"Dunedin ... architecturally rich with some of the best nightlife in the South Island. Cultured, graceful and lively for its size."
Lonely Planet 2002

Dunedin, New Zealand... a city that captivates and enchants…, it is a city in which to linger and explore…

Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula, is renowned for its albatross colony and various species of penguins, seals and pelagic birds. Dunedin is known for such tourist attractions as the Taieri Gorge Railway, recognised as one of the world's great train journeys, Heritage Tour at Speights Brewery, Cadbury Chocolate World or stately homes such as Olveston or the grandeur of Larnach Castle, standing as a sentinel atop the peninsula.

The long main shopping street of Dunedin, George Street, has a range of world class local designers and chain stores that entice travellers and locals alike, and the city-centre Octagon with its bars and cafes – and the statue of the Scottish bard, Robbie Burns - is the ideal place to relax after shopping.

The new blends comfortably with the old in Dunedin - the modern office blocks slipping in the cheek by jowl with the Oamaru Stone and granite grandeur of the commercial past, stately buildings that hear testimony to the solidity and wealth of their times. The old is something to be treasured rather than discarded in Dunedin.

The discerning visitor discovers all this and more… the Clock Tower at New Zealand’s first university, the University of Otago, stands as a reminder of the educational past, present and future; tolling the hours for generations of students who have graduated and made their mark around the world.
There are joys to be discovered throughout Dunedin; hidden delights that belie the city’s size and population.

Dunedin is much more than a one-night stay. It is a city which will reward you well when you take time to explore.

Location

Dunedin is located on the south east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a city nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a spectacular harbour. Dunedin is the centre of and gateway to the Otago region. Dunedin's geographic boundaries extend to Lake Waihola in the south, Waikouaiti in the north, Middlemarch in the west and Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula in the east.

Weather

There is no ‘rainy season’ in Dunedin. Summer temperatures average around 20 degrees Celsius but can reach up to around 30 degrees. In the Winter months, there are occasional snowfalls and frosts but these usually clear during the day, making way for clear, fine, sunny weather conditions.

Average temperatures in Dunedin are as follows (degrees Celsius):

Travelling to and from Dunedin

Travelling times to/from Dunedin by road are as follows (time allows for comfort stops but not sightseeing):

• Dunedin to Christchurch - 5 hours
• Dunedin to Oamaru - 1.5 hours
• Dunedin to the Catlins - 1.5 hours
• Dunedin to Invercargill - 2.5 hours
• Dunedin to Te Anau - 4 hours
• Dunedin to Queenstown - 4 hours

Visit Tourism Dunedin website

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