Great Kiwi Escapes | Dunedin | AA New Zealand Travel Guide

Let the South give you a taste of spring magic!
Known for its creativity and vibrant atmosphere, Dunedin offers a host of amazing experiences to indulge in, from morning to night. The city's unique architecture, sights, local attractions, art galleries, exhibitions, museums and parks for families will entertain (it also has the world's steepest street). Bargain hunters can browse in designer and vintage boutiques, fuelled by coffee from local cafés. Head to the Octagon i-Site for information about tours to view Dunedin's wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. The city's authentic Chinese Garden comes to life in spring.

Morning

Known for its creativity and vibrant atmosphere, Dunedin is a city with a host of amazing experiences to indulge in. With coffee made from fresh, locally roasted beans to set you up for the day, decide over breakfast what to explore from the enticing attractions in the city.

For morning shoppers, visit local fashion designer boutiques and jewellery workrooms, just waiting for you to try on their latest collections. To find these hidden treasures, take a stroll around Moray Place or down George Street. The city also has an excellent selection of vintage shops, with bargains and one-off items to be shown off to your friends.

Fine-art lovers can wander around the city and visit a wide range of galleries and workshops, seeing work from renowned local artists, and tempting you to purchase a memento of your break away from routine.

Noon

Find some of the delightful cafés tucked away in the side streets for lunch or stroll around the Octagon and enjoy perusing the lunch menus. Decide which local boutique beers or Central Otago wines to taste first, or both!

A walking tour to explore the history of the city could be just the ticket after a lazy lunch. Wander around the Public Art Gallery to view their latest exhibition on Russian Art in New Zealand or stroll down to the city's captivating Railway Station. Take a short walk to the Otago Settlers Museum – entry is free and it's a fascinating visit for those with ancestors from Dunedin or wanting to learn more about the city's development during the gold-rush period.

Nearby, Dunedin's authentic Chinese Garden, the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere is worth a visit to see the spring blossom. You'll leave feeling relaxed, chilled-out and ready to experience more of Dunedin.

Night

Dunedin comes alive in the evening; enjoy live music, theatre, fine dining and a number of cosy bars and cafés in the city, all within easy walking distance of your hotel or accommodation.

The city offers a wide range of dining experiences to suit your budget. You can enjoy local jazz, the latest production at the Fortune Theatre or stay out till the small hours at some of the city's popular student bars and clubs. Cafés and restaurants on the nearby hills or by the beach offer a different perspective, with stunning harbour views and only a 10-minute taxi ride.

Once you have a taste for Dunedin, you'll want to share your experiences with your friends and explore more of the city and all that the surrounding regions offer. Unless, of course you want to keep it to yourself!

Glowworms - Dunedin

With access to bushwalks and glowworms for free, the Leith Valley is a great way to experience nature, and it's just a 5-minute taxi ride from the city or by local bus.