Dunedin

Dunedin's dramatic hills surround a long, natural harbour, which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. More recently the area was settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China.

Dunedin

Memorable for its historical architecture, Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. On the doorstep of the city, you can find incredible wildlife - the world's rarest penguins, a mainland albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions.

Dunedin in spring is resplendent with blossoms and buds. The city's public and private gardens are ablaze with colour. The Rhododendron Festival is held at the end of October. A spring tour of the Otago Peninsula reveals all kinds of new life. Newborn lambs on local farms, yellow-eyed penguin chicks, royal albatross chicks, baby fur seals and sea lion pups. Cuteness abounds – your camera will be very busy. The breeding season is also underway at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony – penguin activity is at its height.

Key Tips

  • Dunedin airport receives trans-Tasman flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Daily domestic flights arrive from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and other provincial centres
  • Dunedin is located on State Highway 1 approximately 400kms south of Christchurch, 350kms east of Queenstown and 250kms north of Invercargill
  • Dunedin is the northern entry/exit point for the Southern Scenic Route, a journey around the spectacular south eastern corner of the South Island
  • To view rare wildlife, you can drive from central Dunedin to the tip of the Otago Peninsula in one hour.

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