Located on the South Island’s southeast coast, the city of Dunedin surrounds the head of Otago Harbour (the natural harbour of Dunedin).
Known as the “Edinburgh of New Zealand”, Dunedin is renowned for its Scottish heritage, historic architecture and The University of Otago which is ranked as one of the world's most beautiful universities whilst the adjoining Otago Peninsula is known for its quaint villages, dramatic landscape and rare wildlife.
There are many things to see and do within Dunedin, including riding the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Middlemarch, hiking to the summit of Signal Hill for panoramic views of the city, discovering Otago Museum and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, walking up Baldwin Street - the steepest residential street in the world - and visiting Dunedin Railway Station - New Zealand’s most photographed building!
On the Otago Peninsula, which stretches along the southern edge of the Otago harbour, you can visit the Royal Albatross Centre, see fur seals at Pilots Beach and sea lions on Te Rauone Beach.
Discover “The Pyramids” rock formation at Victory Beach and explore Larnach Castle and Gardens.
Visit the tiny village of Portobello, and join a wildlife excursion where you’ll see Royal Albatross soaring above the Taiaroa headland, rare yellow-eyed penguins waddling up a beach, Hooker's Sea lions dozing in the sun and a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony.
Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula experience mild summers and cool winters. During the summer, from December to March, temperatures range from 11°C-20°C, whilst the winter, from June to August, sees temperatures between 4°C-13°C degrees. Spring, from September to November, is a particularly lovely time to discover Dunedin - you can stroll through the Dunedin Botanic Gardens to the stunning Rhododendron Dell which transforms into a beautiful carpet of colour each spring.
If you’re keen to see albatross on the Otago Peninsula the best time to visit is during the summer from December to March when one parent constantly guards the young whilst the other delivers food. The Southern Lights (also known as Aurora Australis) can sometimes be seen from the beaches on the Otago Peninsula and the best chances of seeing them are between March and September.
We recommend staying at Fletcher Lodge in Dunedin. Built in 1924 Fletcher Lodge is a historic mansion which now operates as a luxurious B&B with five beautifully furnished guest rooms and two self-contained apartments. The property is set in secluded gardens in a quiet area of Dunedin, yet it is just a few minutes walk to the city centre. Guests can relax in the private garden, and take a dip in the hot tub!
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