Dunedin's got a little bit of everything, and I've put together my top picks: where to eat, what to see, where to stay, and day trips that show off the best of this amazing region. I've lived here for years, so these are my recommendations from my ho...
Sections
6
Travel Guides
Activities & Landmarks
Underrated
Food & Drink
Stays
What to Wear
Travel Guides
Everything I'd tell a friend visiting Dunedin for the first time. My go-to guides for planning your trip, seeing the highlights, and finding the good stuff.
Insider Tips from a Dunedin Local
Dunedin Travel Guide & Insider Tips — Her Nomad Eyes
Otago Peninsula Guide - Wildlife & Wild Beaches
The Best Things To Do on the Otago Peninsula — Her Nomad Eyes
Boutique, Budget, and Everything in Between
Dunedin Hotel Guide — Her Nomad Eyes
The Day Trips worth taking from Dunedin (Otago)
Day Trips from Dunedin (Otago) — Her Nomad Eyes
Activities & Landmarks
These are the spots that make Dunedin special - from wild coastlines to iconic city sights. All places I've explored myself and still love showing people.
Dramatic cliffs & secret beach.
Tunnel Beach Walk
On a clear day, this is one of my go-tos. I’ll walk the esplanade, grab a coffee at Long Dog Cafe, and walk along the beach — so good.
St Clair Beach & Esplanade
Unique walking experience
Walk up Baldwin Street (the world's steepest street)
This scenic rail tour is a great day trip option.
Taieri Gorge Scenic Rail Tour
A gothic revival masterpiece with lovely views & gardens.
Larnach Castle
Windy beaches & wildlife tours.
Otago Peninsula
Museum with stories of nature, culture and science (excellent rainy day activity).
Tuhura Otago Museum
Peaceful reserve with native birds & wildlife.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Underrated
These are the spots I always recommend when someone wants to see a different side of Dunedin. Quieter, cooler, and full of little surprises you won’t find on every list.
Walking the street art trail is one of my favourite ways to explore the city — you see so much colour and creativity you’d miss if you stuck to the main streets.
Dunedin Street Art Trail
Bit of a drive out to this beach but it feels wild and dramatic, and you often spot seals or sea lions.
Aramoana
This is one of those places even locals forget about. I love walking around the old gun emplacements at Harington Point - it’s a bit eerie, super interesting, and the views over the harbour are incredible.
Harington Point's Old Fortifications
Food & Drink
Where I actually eat and grab coffee in my hometown. From brunch to dinner and everything in between, these are my favourites.
The Farmers Market is open every Saturday Morning at the Railway Station in the city centre.
Otago Farmers Market (Every Saturday Morning)
A wonderful eatery with a central location in the Octagon - so handy!
Commons Eatery
Great coffee & lunch menu!
Vogel St Kitchen
Great spot for delicious food & craft beer. Easy and conveient with carparking.
Emerson's Brewery
The best japanese restaurant in town. I highly recommend.
Jizo Japanese Restaurant
An underrated spot for great coffee and brunch on the Otago Peninsula.
Cove Cafe, Portobello (Otago Peninsula)
Stays
Great places to stay in Dunedin. These are the spots I'd recommend to friends and family.
Boutique, Budget, and Everything in Between
Dunedin Hotel Guide — Her Nomad Eyes
elegant & sophisticated
Fable Dunedin - Luxury Boutique Hotel
boutique art hotel & central location
Ebb Luxury Hotel - Boutique Art Hotel
affordable & central location
The Victoria Hotel - Affordable Stay in the City Centre
self-contained units
Amross Motel - Centrally Located Motel
What to Wear
Dunedin weather changes fast, so what you pack really matters. These are the pieces I actually wear living here - practical, layer-friendly, and perfect for coast, city, and wildlife days.
A waterproof rain jacket will be a staple (yes, even in summer). Don't let the rain spoil your plans.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket (REI)
Perfect for layering on easy walk in the city or at a windy beach.
Warm Fleece Jacket (REI)
These are comfortable, lightweight, and have enough grip for every terrain.
