Travel to Dunedin with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Dunedin with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

The second largest city on New Zealands South Island, Dunedin boasts the worlds steepest street, a 19th century castle, and the worlds rarest penguins. Originally settled by 344 Scots, who arrived in the area in March 1848, Dunedin (meaning Edinburgh in Gaelic) has kilt shops, New Zealands only whisky distillery, and a haggis-maker. Additionally, this is a university town, with plenty of energy to match

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Key Attractions

Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere. One of the city’s main attractions is Olveston, a famous stately home designed by London architect Sir Ernest George. It was built between 1904 and 1906 and has been so well maintained that it is virtually in its original state. The worlds steepest street is located just over a kilometre from the Botanic Gardens and is a unique sight.

Otago Museum, dating from 1868, is New Zealands fourth largest museum and contains more than 1.7 million items. Here, you’ll find ethnographic, natural history, and decorative arts collections, along with the best Pacific and Southern Maori collections in the country.

Out and About

The Otago Peninsula, a short drive from the city centre, is where you can see a colony of the worlds rarest penguins. It is also the only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross, and is also home to rare New Zealand sea lions. Another attraction here is the magnificent Larnach Castle. Farther south is Curio Bay, the location of the worlds finest fossil forests, which can be viewed at low tide.

Leisure options

There are several unspoilt, white-sand beaches offering relaxation near Dunedin. St Kilda and St Clair are famous among surfers; while there are great walks on Brighton Beach, a 20-minute drive south of Dunedin. For a glimpse of some strange bird landings, the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head is the place to go.

Safety

Be alert for pickpockets when visiting Dunedin, especially at night around the busy bar areas. Tourists are always more susceptible when in an unfamiliar environment. Driving is also a potential hazard and travellers should remain vigilant. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

Weather in Dunedin

South Island has a temperate climate with a 10C temperature variation between winter and summer. Except for the high country areas, snow is relatively rare and temperatures range between 10-15C.

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