Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s most interesting cities, with its Scottish heritage, historic buildings and the well-known University of Otago.
You can still see the Scottish influence in the city, especially in its architecture. I found the mix of modern office buildings and old-fashioned brick buildings fascinating.
And if you head out of the city centre, there’s plenty of beautiful nature to explore, including beaches where you might spot wild marine animals.
I visited Dunedin and stayed for a couple of nights. It was about a five-hour drive from Christchurch, which sapped my energy a bit. But the drive itself was so enjoyable that I wanted to pull over every ten minutes just to take in the ocean and mountain views.
Here are five things I particularly enjoyed during my visit. I hope they give you a bit of food for thought when planning your New Zealand trip.
1. Baldwin Street – The World’s Steepest Street
Baldwin Street in Dunedin is famous for being the world’s steepest street.
It’s a residential street with an incredible gradient. Standing at the bottom and looking up, it almost looks like a towering wall!
I found it so odd when a car came down towards me. I could see its roof rather than its front. It felt as though I was looking down on it from the sky.
I actually walked all the way to the top.
The slope was ridiculously steep! As I made my way up, I couldn’t help thinking, “People actually live here!”
I was amazed that people had houses along such a steep road. I kept wondering what it must be like to live there every day.
The view from the top was fantastic. Looking down the street, I almost felt as though I was standing on top of a wall. That’s how steep it looked!
Walking back down was another experience altogether. I had to watch my step and be careful not to tip forwards.
The walk certainly gives your legs a bit of a workout!
There are plenty of other steep roads around Dunedin too. I find it quite amusing to imagine the challenges of parking or walking along these roads in everyday life.
I assume the locals must be much fitter than I am!
Location: Baldwin Street, North East Valley, Dunedin 9010.
2. Larnach Castle – A Haunted Castle?
Larnach Castle is one of Dunedin’s iconic beauties. It’s often described as New Zealand’s only castle.
You can purchase a ticket to explore both the castle and its gardens, or choose a gardens-only ticket. The gardens have been recognised as a Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. I highly recommend getting the full ticket, as I really enjoyed exploring the castle’s interior as well.
From the castle’s lookout, you can gaze out over a stunning landscape that includes Otago Peninsula and the harbour. Looking out over the bay and the surrounding green hills was wonderful. In fact, that’s what I remember most about my visit.
The interior is well preserved, helping you imagine how people lived there in the past.
There was one room with mannequins, curtains drawn across the windows and personal belongings on display to give visitors an idea of what life was like back then. I thought that particular room might feel a bit creepy at night!
When you take a wander around the gardens, which are beautifully maintained, you’ll notice all sorts of different plants, including native New Zealand species. I couldn’t tell you much about them, but I enjoyed looking around. The gardens are well worth appreciating in their own right.
As a little side note, apparently, Larnach Castle is known as a haunted castle.
I’d heard the rumours before visiting, so I went there feeling a little apprehensive. But to be honest, I didn’t find it spooky at all during the day!
That room with the mannequins, though? I wouldn’t fancy being in there alone at night.
You might get to have a bizarre experience while you’re here…!
Address: 145 Camp Road, Pukehiki, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Official Larnach Castle website
3. Sandfly Bay – Seeing Wild Seals Up Close
The coastal area around Dunedin is truly something special.
Sandfly Bay is one of the places where you may get the chance to see wild marine animals resting on the beach.
To get to the beach, I walked down a sandy slope.
It wasn’t a particularly long walk, and I didn’t find it difficult. Still, I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes with a good grip, as you’ll be walking on sand.
To be fair, I was so excited about the possibility of seeing wild seals that I practically skipped my way down to the beach!
And I wasn’t disappointed.
I spotted a few seals snoozing on the shore, while others were ambling and bouncing their way out of the waves towards the beach.
They were huge!
Even from about 20 metres away, I was surprised by how big and impressive they looked.
But at the same time, they were incredibly cute. Honestly, it was hard not to want to get a little closer!
Of course, they’re wild animals, and they come ashore to rest, so you have to give them plenty of space. As much as I wanted to get closer, I knew I had to resist the temptation.
I was so excited to see them in the wild. I kept my camera ready, hoping to capture a really good shot.
It’s not every day you get to see wild seals like that!
If you visit, please follow the latest wildlife-viewing guidance from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC). The distance I observed them from during my visit shouldn’t be taken as a recommended minimum distance. Never approach, touch or disturb wildlife.
View Sandfly Bay on Google Maps
Department of Conservation – Sandfly Bay Track
4. Sir Leonard Wright Lookout
Follow John Wilson Ocean Drive to reach Sir Leonard Wright Lookout.
You can get there by car, of course, but it’s also a lovely area for a walk along the coast.
My first impression was how stunningly bright the view was.
St Clair, St Kilda and Lawyers Head together make a truly breathtaking panorama.
I enjoyed looking out over the beaches and the wide-open sea. It’s a lovely spot to stop and take in the coastal scenery.
Address: John Wilson Ocean Drive, Lawyers Head, Dunedin 9013.
5. Beam Me Up Bagels – NEV
I’d heard that Beam Me Up Bagels was one of the best bagel shops in New Zealand, so I decided to give it a try.
The bagels were fluffy, soft and generously filled.
I tried two from the menu, and both were rich in flavour and very satisfying.
There were plenty of options to choose from, including different bagel styles to suit your taste.
The portions were generous too, so one bagel could easily make a decent lunch. It would be perfect for a picnic as well!
If you’re in North East Valley and fancy something to eat, this is a place worth looking into.
Address at the time of my visit: 9 North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin 9010.
Find Beam Me Up Bagels on Google Maps
Check the current location and opening hours before visiting, as business details can change.
A Little More About Dunedin’s City Centre
Apart from those five places, I also enjoyed strolling around the city centre and soaking up its Edinburgh-inspired architecture.
The Scottish influence is still very much part of Dunedin’s character.
You’ll find modern office buildings standing side by side with old-fashioned brick buildings, which makes wandering around all the more intriguing.
And when you’re knackered after exploring the city, why not treat yourself to a pint at a local pub?
Talking of beer, Dunedin is home to Speight’s, a brewery dating back to 1876.
It’s another little piece of the city’s history.
Find Speight’s Brewery on Google Maps
My Thoughts on Dunedin
I’m glad I spent a couple of nights in Dunedin.
Walking up the ridiculously steep Baldwin Street, looking out over the bay and green hills from Larnach Castle, and seeing wild seals at Sandfly Bay were all memorable experiences.
I particularly loved the chance to see the seals in their natural surroundings. They were so much bigger than I’d expected, yet so adorable!
Dunedin has an interesting mix of city life, history and nature, and I enjoyed discovering a bit of each during my stay.
If you’re travelling around New Zealand’s South Island, I’d say Dunedin is well worth considering.
And if you’re travelling south from Christchurch, you might also enjoy reading about my cycling trip to Sumner Beach and Scarborough Beach, another coastal experience I had in New Zealand.
