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South Island · Explorer’s field notes

How to Dunedin

The Edinburgh of the South — Victorian stone, a lively student town and extraordinary wildlife.

Watch on YouTube What to avoid

Dunedin videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.

AVOID · Dunedin

What to avoid in Dunedin

  • Driving the van up Baldwin Street — walk it instead.
  • The Portobello Road after dark; it's narrow with no barrier to the harbour.
  • Getting close to sea lions on the beaches.
Do not make these mistakes

The top ten

Where to go, eat & take coffee

Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.

  1. Royal Albatross Centre, Dunedin1See & do

    Royal Albatross Centre

    The only mainland royal albatross colony in the world.

    1260 Harington Point Road, Otago Peninsula 9077
  2. Larnach Castle, Dunedin2See & do

    Larnach Castle

    New Zealand's only castle, with gardens overlooking the harbour.

    145 Camp Road, Otago Peninsula 9077
  3. Tunnel Beach, Dunedin3See & do

    Tunnel Beach

    A hand-carved Victorian tunnel down to a hidden sea-arch beach.

    Tunnel Beach Road, Blackhead, Dunedin 9076
  4. Baldwin Street, Dunedin4See & do

    Baldwin Street

    Climb one of the world's steepest residential streets.

    Baldwin Street, North East Valley, Dunedin 9010
  5. Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin5See & do

    Dunedin Railway Station

    A Flemish-Renaissance masterpiece and the city's most photographed building.

    22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin 9016
  6. Otago Museum, Dunedin6See & do

    Otago Museum

    A tropical butterfly house and natural-history galleries.

    419 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016
  7. St Clair Esplanade, Dunedin7See & do

    St Clair Esplanade

    A surf beach with a heated saltwater pool and seaside cafés.

    The Esplanade, St Clair, Dunedin 9012
  8. Otago Farmers Market, Dunedin8Eat

    Otago Farmers Market

    Saturday mornings: Southern produce, pies and coffee.

    Dunedin Railway Station car park, Anzac Avenue, Dunedin 9016
  9. No. 7 Balmac, Dunedin9Eat

    No. 7 Balmac

    A favourite with locals for long brunches and dinner.

    7 Balmacewen Road, Maori Hill, Dunedin 9010
  10. Morning Magpie, Dunedin10Coffee

    Morning Magpie

    A tiny, bright café with cassette-tape décor and excellent flat whites.

    46 Stuart Street, Dunedin 9016

Do not make these mistakes!

  1. 1. Approaching sea lions

    They are fast and protected. Keep at least 20 metres away, and never between them and the sea.

  2. 2. Visiting Tunnel Beach at high tide

    The beach disappears. Check the tide, and note the track can close for lambing in spring.

  3. 3. Underdressing for the south

    Even in summer, Dunedin can turn cold and wet quickly. Pack layers.

Continue the voyage

How to AucklandHow to RotoruaHow to NapierHow to WellingtonHow to NelsonHow to ChristchurchHow to QueenstownHow to KerikeriHow to WhangāreiHow to RaglanHow to CambridgeHow to Hahei & Hot Water BeachHow to TaupōHow to GisborneHow to New PlymouthHow to PictonHow to KaikōuraHow to Lake TekapoHow to WānakaHow to Te Anau

Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.

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