Destination Dunedin
by Metropol | September 3, 2025 8:30 am
Rich in heritage and richer in a bounty of things to enjoy, Dunedin is an easy escape just hours away. Discover the city’s storied history with a four-day itinerary to take you back in time.
DAY 1: Stay at one of Dunedin’s beautifully restored heritage accommodations – Bell Hill (with views of First Church), Thomas Gregg Apartments (once a coffee roastery), or the boutique Fable Dunedin. Begin your journey with a guided city tour, exploring stunning heritage architecture before stepping back in time at Olveston Historic Home.
DAY 2: Board the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway for a full-day adventure through dramatic landscapes, soaring viaducts, and hand-carved tunnels. Return to Dunedin and dine at one of the vibrant eateries in the Octagon.
DAY 3: Take the scenic high road to the majestic Larnach Castle. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle’s halls and its internationally significant gardens. Indulge in high tea in the grand dining hall before checking into the castle itself for an unforgettable overnight stay.
DAY 4: Head back into town for a self-guided street art trail, before delving into the region’s past at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. For more cultural discoveries, wander to Tūhura Otago Museum or the Dunedin Public Art Gallery to experience inspiring exhibitions and collections.
TIP: Find everything you need and more to explore Dunedin at www.dunedinnz.com/visit.
Catch Ōtepoti’s top attractions
4 OCT: PORT CHALMERS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Set on the wharf & cruise ship terminal at Port Otago, the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival on 4 October is the perfect day out for seafood lovers who want to pair their tasty kai moana with high-quality beverages and entertainment for kids big and small. Head to the Culinary Pavilion to grab a bite of local seafood or experience a live cooking demonstration from celebrity chef Nadia Lim.
seafoodfest.co.nz
16-18 OCT: LINES OF FLIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL
The much-loved experimental music festival Lines of Flight is returning to Ōtepoti this October. A mandatory event on the musical calendar for many, the festival will be celebrating 25 years of sonic exploration and underground community building, and has gained an international reputation. Diverse and encompassing a range of genres including noise-rock, electronic, free-jazz, experimental-folk,
post-punk, ambient, the common theme is a willingness and openness to experimentation. The festival will be held from 16 to 18 October, with five shows spread between the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, the Port Chalmers Pioneer Hall and the Port Chalmers Town Hall.
linesofflight.co.nz
WANDER WITH WILDLIFE
Visit the Otago Peninsula Restoration Eco Alliance for a guided tour of their eco-sanctuary and encounter the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Continue to The Royal Albatross Centre for lunch and a tour of hidden gun and albatross nesting sites. Stay until dusk at Pukekura to witness little blue penguins returning to shore, while learning the indigenous stories of the land. Don’t forget Orokonui Ecosanctuary – enjoy a guided tour through native bird habitats and New Zealand’s unique cloud forest. dunedinnz.com/visit
17-19 OCT: DUNEDIN WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL
Book lovers and literary fans, mark your calendars – the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival will be back for 2025, running over the weekend 17 to 19 October. The multi-day festival will again offer a diverse array of events, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and engaging conversations spanning various genres and literary themes. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with their favourite writers and poets, discover new voices, and immerse themselves in the vibrant literary community that Ōtepoti, Aotearoa’s only UNESCO City of Literature, is known for. dunedinwritersfestival.co.nz
SATURDAYS: OTAGO FARMERS MARKET
Make sure you head to the famous Otago Farmers Market on Saturday to enjoy many local delicacies from cheese rolls, to fusion Indian condiments, locally made chocolate, gin and more. Pack up your treats for a picnic on one of the northern beaches where you can enjoy the ocean. otagofarmersmarket.org.nz
HOT OFF THE PRESS: OLVESTON
Commissioned by Olveston Historic Home and Published by Massey University Press, Olveston: Portrait of a Home is a richly illustrated tribute to Dunedin’s architectural gem. The book pairs Jane Ussher’s evocative photography with compelling storytelling by writer John Walsh, capturing the grandeur and warmth of the Theomin family’s historic residence. olveston.co.nz
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/destination-dunedin-2/