Sights and landmarks in Dunedin

Sights and landmarks in Dunedin

1. See

   Arc Cafe

   Opened in 1997 and closed in the late 2000s, Arc Cafe was a very popular place for music, art and alternative cultures in Dunedin. You can still view its building on the street (it is now used by a bakery shop called “Body of the Year”). You can also view paintings, photos and music from their website. The website is maintained by Elliott Young, one of the original founders of Arc Cafe.

2. See

   Baldwin Street

   Located in Dunedin's North East Valley suburb, it is recognised as the world's steepest street according to Guinness World Records with a centreline gradient of 34.8%. Take the ten-minute walk to the top to enjoy the view looking down! There is a drinking fountain at the top. Some people have tried, and a few have succeeded, cycling all the way up Baldwin Street – try it if you're a keen cyclist. That said, you will need to be careful coming back down – chances are the cycle's brakes will do little to slow a descent at such an incline! Only resident's cars are allowed to drive up the street.

3. See

   Blue Oyster Art Project Space

   Playfully named after the Blue Oyster gay biker bar featured in the 1984 comedy film Police Academy, this not for profit gallery run by the Blue Oyster Arts Trust began its life in 1999 and since then has been supporting experimental and innovative art practices.

   See the website·All exhibitions and events are free to attend

4. See

   Cargill's Castle

   The ruins of Cargill's Castle stand on a promontory overlooking the sea. This Italianate mansion was built for Edward Cargill, eighth child of city founder William Cargill. Called The Cliffs by its owner it was designed by the young architect Francis Petre. While designing the house, Petre fell in love with Cargill's daughter Margaret. After a difficult courtship (due to Petre's staunch Catholicism and the Cargill family's equally staunch Presbyterianism) the couple were eventually permitted to marry. It now lies in ruins and while plans have been made on several occasions to restore the building to its former glory, but none have yet borne fruit. There is no public access to the site and it cannot be accessed until stabilization of the site has been completed.

5. See

   Dunedin Botanic Garden

   Occupying 30.4 hectares (75 acres) in the north end of the city; an excellent place to stroll for several hours. Has an aviary along with many themed garden areas such as Rhododendron, Azalea and Rose Gardens.

   Dawn to dusk every day of the year, except as follows: Information Centre and Shop 10AM-4PM, closed - Christmas Day and Good Friday. Winter Garden Glasshouse 10AM-4PM. Alpine House 9AM-4PM·Admission is free to all areas of the garden

6. See

   Dunedin Chinese Garden

   A piece of serenity in the city. Constructed in Shanghai then dismantled and reassembled in Dunedin, the Chinese Garden is an example of a late Ming, early Qing Dynasty scholar's garden, the only traditional Chinese garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Try some amazing dumplings and Chinese tea.

   Daily 10AM-5PM, closed Christmas Day·Adult $11, child under 13 free

7. See

   Dunedin Prison

   This was the second Dunedin gaol to be built and was completed in 1898 with cells for 52 men and 20 women. It operated as both a men’s and women’s prison until 2007 when all prison services were shifted to the new Otago Corrections Facility near Milton. The structure was designed by government architect John Campbell. The prison was constructed with superb detail and the contrasting red and pale exterior colours are an example of Edwardian neo-Baroque. The property was sold to the Dunedin Prison Charitable Trust with the intention of transforming it into a tourist attraction. And it also hosts an escape room for escape game.

   Open Oct-Apr Sat and Sun 10:30AM for a one-hour guided tour which start at 10:30AM·Adult $15, school age child $5. Cash only

8. See

   Dunedin Public Art Gallery

   This gallery displays both local and international work in a modern building. Established in 1884, the Gallery was New Zealand’s first Art Gallery and is renowned today for the richness of its historic collection. Historical works by renowned artists such as Turner, Gainsborough, Claude, and Machiavelli feature alongside the only Monet in a New Zealand collection and master works by Derain, Tissot, Burne-Jones and internationally acclaimed Dunedin artist Frances Hodgkins.

   Daily 10AM–5PM except 25 Dec·Free

9. See

   Dunedin Railway Station

   Described as "the outstanding monument of Edwardian architecture in New Zealand" and designed by railway architect George Trup, nicknamed "Gingerbread George", this is the best-known building in Dunedin (apart, perhaps, from Forsyth Barr Stadium). Opened in 1906, it has an atmosphere and character unique to any public building in New Zealand. The main hall is particularly fine - look down on the mosaic floor from the balcony. The station is often quiet as regular passenger services ceased in 2002, but there are daily Train_excursions, although in the early 20th century there were 100 trains per day.

10. See

    Dunedin Town Hall

    Municipal Chambers

    Completed in 1880 and designed by R. A. Lawson in 1878, it is New Zealand's only surviving significant Victorian Town Hall. Of Italianate design and complete with Corinthian columns and an imposing staircase and balustrade, it is built of Oamaru stone on a base of breccia from Port Chalmers.In 1929 a town hall were added behind the Municipal Chambers, and in the 1980s a new administration building, incorporating a new public library, was added to the Octagon. The town hall is home to a symphonic pipe organ (with 3,500 pipes) affectionally known as 'Norma' that is still operational. The entrance to the town hall is from Moray Place.

11. See

    First Church

    One of the most impressive churches in New Zealand, looking like an English cathedral. Dunedin's primary Presbyterian church, built of Oamaru stone 1868-73. The spire is 56 m high, making it the tallest building in Dunedin.

    Services Sun 10AM, noon Cook Islands Service, 2PM Samoan Service, open most other days for viewing - enquire locally·Free, donations welcome

12. See

    Fletcher House

    This typical Edwardian villa was built in 1909 by Sir James Fletcher, founder of Fletcher Construction Company Ltd for Hubert Green and his wife. The double bay windowed villa with return verandah has views over Turnbull Bay. In December 1990 Fletcher Challenge decided to restore the Fletcher House and after restoration opened it to the public in 1992, making it the first villa in New Zealand to be opened for all to enjoy. It has been fully restored to its former glory and has been furnished in the style of the period by the Otago Settlers Museum.

    11AM-4PM for guided tours·10 adults, accompanied children free

13. See

    Fort Taiaroa

    This Armstrong disappearing gun at Fort Taiaroa was installed in May 1889 and was recommissioned during World War II. It is still in its original gun pit. Coastal fortifications were constructed in New Zealand in two main waves. The first wave occurred around 1885 and was a response to fears of an attack by Russia. The second wave occurred during World War II and was due to fears of invasion by the Japanese. The fortifications were built from British designs adapted to New Zealand conditions. The only public access to the fort is by a 30-minute guided tour.

    10:15AM to dusk·The Fort Taiaroa tour (adult $26, child $10, family $62) or the Unique Taiaroa Experience (adult $62, child $20, family $134) include the guns and the birds

14. See

    Gasworks Museum

    This old coal gasworks operated from 1863 until 1987. At its peak in the 1970s coal gas was provided to over 18,000 customers in the city. Much of the facility was pulled down during the 1980s, though many of the Edwardian buildings of the complex were saved by a trust and it is one of only a handful of preserved gasworks museums in the world. The main part of the museum is housed in the engine house. Other buildings which are included in the museum include the boiler room, boiler house, chimney stack, fitting shop, and blacksmith's shop. The museum includes five stationary steam engines, some of which are in working full order. There are also displays of domestic and industrial gas appliances.

    every Sun of the month from noon until 4PM

15. See

    Glenfalloch Woodland Garden

    Glenfalloch, Gaelic for ‘hidden valley’ enjoys a microclimate that extends the seasons and nurtures growth. There are walking tracks meandering throughout 30 acres of lush, well-tended woodland gardens, filled with flowers and swaying mature trees, including a 1000-year-old matai that you can enjoy at your own pace or you can also take a guided tour. Glenfalloch has been classified as a Garden of National Significance. There's also a good restaurant on site.

    Daily 9AM-4PM·$3 adult, $1 child

16. See

    Knox Church

    The largest church in Dunedin, used by a Presbyterian congregation. Built of bluestone and Oamaru stone, with a wooden ceiling between 1872-76 to design by Robert Lawson.

    8:30AM-5PM. Services Sun 10AM and 7PM·Free entry

17. See

    Larnach Castle

    Billed as "the only castle" in New Zealand, it's very pretty but it's actually a manor house. Lanarch Castle has a rich and interesting but rather unhappy history. It was built by wealthy businessman William Larnach and later cabinet minister in the New Zealand Government, holding various portfolios, over a period of 25 years. He took his own life in the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in 1898. After the home was sold by the family it became first a lunatic asylum, then a hospital for shell-shocked soldiers and a nuns' retreat. In 1967 it was purchased by new owners and restored.

    Castle Oct-Mar 8AM-6PM, to Apr-Sep 9AM-5PM. Garden Oct-Mar 9AM-7PM, to Apr-Sep 9AM-5PM·Castle, gardens & grounds adult $34, child (aged 5 - 14) $12, family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $80. Early bird special 8—9:30AM (Oct-Mar) adult $25.50, child (aged 5 - 14) $9, family $60. Gardens & grounds only adult $17, child $5. Guided tours $125

18. See

    Law Courts

    Designed by John Campbell, the law courts are one of the finest examples of Gothic civic architecture in the country. Constructed of dark Port Chalmers breccia (commonly called bluestone) ornamented with lighter Oamaru stone the complex was completed in 1902 on the site where the city’s first prison had been located. The building is still used as Dunedin’s law courts, and comprises four courtrooms as well as the local Law Society’s library.

19. See

    North Dunedin

    Not your traditional attraction but a stroll through the student accommodation-filled streets around the university can give you a real insight into Dunedin student life. Many of the often run down flats have their own names, and on the right sunny day the area comes to life as couches are dragged out onto the streets so the students can enjoy the sun and a few beverages. Castle St and Hyde St are two of the most famous flatting streets. The area does often get a bit rowdier in the evenings.

20. See

    Ocho Chocolate

    Ocho import their fermented and dried cacao beans from farmers in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Fiji. They then make the chocolate from scratch, roasting, grinding, conching and tempering the chocolate before molding it into bars. The beans are roasted and processed in small batches so some variations are possible from batch to batch. Unlike big industrial chocolate makers they use simple equipment and their processes are very hands-on because none of their equipment is automated. One hour guided tours are available of the factory during which visitors taste 15 different chocolates or compounds.

    Guided tours Mon-Sat at 11AM and 2PM·Guided tours cost $25 for adults, $15 for children and $70 for a family

21. See

    Old Bank of New Zealand

    This building was completed in 1882 and designed with a Venetian Renaissance style by architect W. B. Armson, one of the first professionally trained colonial architects to work in New Zealand. The Venetian Renaissance style exterior constructed in Oamaru stone features carving of New Zealand plants and landscapes. The building houses a law firm.

22. See

    Old National Bank

    This building which was designed by architect W. H. Dunning was completed in 1913 with a façade of Hobart Sandstone. The building features a domed glass ceiling and is set over a large public banking chamber.

23. See

    Olveston

    Olveston homestead provided the Theomin family with the perfect setting to entertain both professional and personal friends. Seven servants were employed to service the 35 rooms of the home and to manicure the acre of beautiful garden. The home is sited in the inner city and is within walking distance from the city centre.

    The gardens are open 9:30AM to 5PM. The house can only be entered on a 1-hour guided tour. These occur daily at 9:30AM, 10:45AM, noon, 1:30PM, 2:45PM and 4PM·Guided tour of the house adults $23, concessions $22, Dunedin residents $18, school age children $13, infants free. Entry to the garden is free

24. See

    Orokonui EcoSanctuary

    Home to some of New Zealand's most fascinating and rare wildlife and providing visitors with exceptional experiences while allowing native flora and fauna to live naturally in a safe haven. A 307-ha enclosure inside an 8.7-km pest-proof fence, it provides a chance to see Kaka, Tui, Bellbirds, Tuatara, Kiwi and more in a native setting. Offers daily guided tours and night tours twice a week. The visitor centre has free entry, but passengers on identified cruise ship tours are charged $5 for a mandatory tour.

    Daily 9:30AM-4:30PM

25. See

    Otago University

    Has some great old buildings to wander about and see; when classes are on it's a good place to sit, people-watch and take it all in, some good food/cafes/bars are nearby too.

26. See

    Royal Albatross colony

    The only mainland albatross nesting site in the world. It is an hour's drive along the western coast of Otago Peninsula on a road that skirts the water for most of its length without any guardrail. In places, the city buses which frequent the road are wider than the lanes (the local traffic is used to this, and drives very carefully), so if you don't trust your driving reflexes, take a coach instead. Albatrosses may be seen during the summer months, as well as other wildlife at all times of the year. Guided tours of the colony and the old fortifications on and under the headland are conducted daily.

    10:15AM to dusk·The Albatross Classic tour (adult $52, child $15, family $115). The Unique Taiaroa Experience tour (adult $62, child $20, family $134)

27. See

    Speight's Brewery

    Children under 15 require adult supervision. The brewery has been a Dunedin landmark since its founding in 1876. The guided tour takes you through the Speight's brewery, sharing the heritage and culture of beer, from the Babylonians to today. The tour's finale is a 25-minute beer tasting. You must be 18 years or over to join in on the tasting, and you must wear flat closed shoes for the tour. There is a tap on the wall of the brewery which provides free water from the spring used by the brewery.

    Shop hours: Mon-Thu 9:30AM-7PM, Fri-Sun 9:30AM-5PM. Tours daily at noon, 2PM, 4PM (Oct-Mar also at 5PM, 6PM, 7PM). Closed Christmas Day, Good Fri, Easter Sat and Sun, and shortened hours on ANZAC day·Tour $45, tour with lunch $79

28. See

    St Joseph's Cathedral

    Construction of this Gothic revival cathedral was started in 1878 to the designs of Francis Petre. It was completed in its unfinished state in May 1886. The original design, however, was for a much larger building, with a tall spire with a height of 60 m over the transept. The cathedral is located beside St Dominic's Priory. The Cathedral Chapel is situated behind the Priory. Behind the Cathedral is the Catholic Pastoral Centre, containing the Bishop's office and also the Catholic library.

    Free entry

29. See

    St. Paul's Cathedral

    Construction on this Anglican cathedral began in 1915 with funds for the project running out before the intended crossing and chancel could be built. In the end it was resolved that a temporary chancel should be constructed using material saved from the old St Paul’s. The new cathedral was consecrated in 1919. A new modernist chancel was added between 1969 and 1971.

    10AM-3PM·Free entry

30. See

    The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery

    This is a small private museum and gallery spread over three rooms of an old central city villa which is the home of Dunedin mural artist and sculptor, Bruce Mahalski. It houses biological curiosities, skulls, bones, ethnological art and unusual cultural artefacts. They include the bones of many different species of animal (including humans), 200 skulls, pinned butterfly collections, vintage books (especially medical texts), etc. The museum also contains a gallery where Mahalski exhibits his bone art and paintings for sale. Please be aware that the museum is part of a private house and entry is strictly at the discretion of the owner.

    Fri noon to 5PM, Sat 10AM to 5PM, Sun 10AM-5PM·Adult $10, children & students: $5, free for children under 6

31. See

    The Octagon

    In the city centre, it has an octagonal shape instead of the standard square and features a statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns. This statue was unveiled in 1887 and has been restored. It was cast by sculptor Sir John Steell of Edinburgh, Scotland, who made four other, nearly identical, statues, one of which stands in Central Park, New York. Several significant buildings are adjacent to the Octagon, including the Public Art Gallery, St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, the Town Hall and the Regent Theatre.

32. See

    The Organ Pipes

    Small columnar rock formation set in a hillside with splendid views. Pleasant hike up a steep bush track from a car park about 5 km out of town along North Road. The track continues up from the Organ Pipes to the peak of Mount Cargill 676 m which gives panoramic views across the city, Otago Harbour and Peninsula, and the surrounding countryside.

33. See

    Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

    First opened in 1908, this museum refurbished in 2013 is housed in the stunning, original Edwardian galleries and Dunedin's former art deco New Zealand Railways Road Services bus station next to the railway station. It focuses on the people and history of the region. The museum is a short walk from the Octagon and is between the Chinese Garden and the historic Railway Station, in the cultural heritage precinct. Wi-Fi is free throughout the museum and a free bag and coat check is available in the Josephine Foyer. A cafe is available in the entrance foyer.

    Daily except 25 Dec; Oct-Mar 10AM–5PM; Apr-Sep 10AM–4PM, open Thu until 8PM·Free

34. See

    Tunnel beach

    Often called the most romantic spot in Dunedin. In the 1870s local politician John Cargill excavated a tunnel down to a secluded beach so that the extended Cargill families could bathe in privacy away from the prying eyes of St Clair. The beach is sheltered by fossil filled cliffs, with massive sandstone boulders, mysterious graffiti carved into the cliffs and a dangerous rip that sadly drowned Cargill's youngest daughter. The 72 concrete steps through the tunnel is dimly naturally lit, while the path down to the tunnel is steep and can be very slippery following wet weather. The best time to visit is at low tide. To get there by private vehicle proceed to the car park at the end of Tunnel Beach Road, which is signposted off Blackhead Road in the south of Dunedin. From the car park it is easy 20-minute walk via a track through private farm land to the tunnel and beach. The track is open year-round except during the spring lambing season. Otherwise take the No 33 bus in the direction of Corstorphine and get off at the corner of Middleton Road and Stenhope Crescent. It is approximately 30 minutes’ walk from there to the start of the track.

    Closed for lambing 1 Aug – 31 Oct

35. See

    Tūhura Otago Museum

    Was founded in 1868 and has a collection of over two million artefacts and specimens from the fields of natural history and ethnography. There is also a (paid entry) "Discovery World Tropical Forest". This features a variety of flora and fauna from around the globe, as well as many species of butterfly from Asia and South America. There are around 1,000 butterflies flying at any one time, and the Forest also has tarantulas, birds, fish, turtles and geckos.

    Daily 10AM-5PM·Free but donations welcomed. Charges for special exhibitions

36. See

    Ōtākou Marae

    A Maori church and meeting-house, which gave the Otago Peninsula its name. Find it on a side-road near Harington Point, at the outer (north-east) end of the Peninsula.

37. See Not mapped

    Art Station

    Showcases work by members of the Otago Art Society, with changing temporary exhibitions in the main gallery and works for sale in the shop. Pieces donated by members over the course of the society's 140 years of existence are proudly displayed in the corridor connecting the two.

    10AM-4PM

38. See Not mapped

    New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

    The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1990 as part of the celebrations to mark New Zealand's 150 years of organized settlement. Generally, sports people need to have been retired for five years from active international competition to be eligible for induction. This small museum full of sporting memorabilia has been in Dunedin since 1999.

    Daily 10AM-4PM, closed Good Fri and Christmas Day·adult $6, concession $4, child $2

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Dunedin (CC BY-SA 4.0).