Things to do in Dunedin

Dunedin has a rich cultural heritage and a history that allows for many places of interest to be visited. This was once the richest city in New Zealand and its affluence can be seen in its beautiful buildings and the well-planned city.

Otago Museum

It would take many hours to go through all the items on display at the large Otago Museum, as it is one of New Zealands largest museums. The museum is renowned for its cultural Maori exhibits. There are a number of themed galleries here including the Southern Land, Southern People and Discovery World.

Otago Settlers Museum

More than just a museum, visitors at the Otago Settlers Museum can attempt to ride a penny farthing. The museum has a good collection of records and photographs of early immigrants and also several portraits. The museum gives a good idea of what life was like for the early immigrants to Dunedin, as it is considered one of New Zealands best social history museums.

Dunedin Public Art Gallery

The art gallery has a good collection of pre-Raphaelite and Renaissance works as well as colonial and modern paintings by New Zealand exhibitions. The building itself is very impressive, with the original iron spiral staircase hanging two storeys down into the spare foyer.

Dunedin Botanic Gardens

The hilly terrains of the Botanic Gardens make for a pleasant stroll. The gardens were established in 1863, and they have thick woods, grassy slopes and beautifully landscaped green areas. The stunning rose garden and Japanese garden are highlights, while the bird aviary is famed for its rhododendron dell, which is the site of Dunedin's Rhododendron Festival in November each year.

Taiaroa Royal Albatross Colony

About 20kms from Dunedin city lies the unique albatross colony. It is the only mainland albatross colony on earth. The birds themselves are magnificent and by visiting the colony, visitors will get to learn many unusual facts about the birds including the fact that they lay their eggs here and then circumnavigate the globe without visiting land until they return to the same spot.

Larnach Castle

The castle has 43 rooms and was once the home of Mr Larnach, who had three wives. The castle is believed to be haunted, as Mr Larnach committed suicide when his third wife ran off with one of his sons. The large castle is set on beautiful grounds and has lovely views of Dunedin and the surrounding areas. Inside the castle, there is an extensive collection of furniture and the only hanging Georgian staircase in the southern hemisphere.

Speights Brewery

The brewery was founded in 1876 and has become one of Dunedin and Otago's favourite and largest icons, for it is one of New Zealand's most loved beers. Visitors get the opportunity to visit the Speights Heritage Centre and participate in a tour that lasts for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. There are also opportunities to sample some of the six beers that are brewed here.

Cadbury World Chocolate Factory

If you are familiar with Willy Wonka or are a lover of chocolate, you wont want to miss a trip to Cadbury World. Visitors will experience an amusing, vibrant and exciting, educational chocolate tour of the factory, which includes theatre presentations and free sampling.