Dunedin and Surrounds: The Scotland of New Zealand
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The Octagon and surrounds in the center of Dunedin, the Edinburgh of New Zealand
Destinations > Oceania > New Zealand > Dunedin: The Scotland of New Zealand
Dunedin, the second largest city on the South Island, gets its name from the Scots Gaelic for Edinburgh, reflecting its history as a Scottish settlement. This university town is a center of culture and the arts, and in 2014 it was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. The city is also home to three marae, or Māori meeting grounds.
This article explores the various highlights from our drive down from Christchurch and Akaroa, our adventures in Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, and our journey onward towards Queenstown. Learn more about those other places in these articles:
Christchurch and Akaroa
Queenstown and Te Anau
For a more profound travel experience on this road trip, we highly recommending reading this short culture guide for New Zealand, which provides insight into the country's national identity and values from the Māori cultural influences.
Continue reading to learn about some of the must-see spots in and around Dunedin.
Where to Stay in Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin isn’t terribly large, so regardless of where you stay you’ll likely find that most everything is easily accessible. However, if you look farther down in the article, there is a recommendation at a Castle that is really amazing!
Milford Sound. Photo by paul (dex) bica from toronto, canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
National Geographic’s New Zealand Journey
Explore New Zealand’s most iconic locations on a 12-day adventure across both islands:
Wander around Auckland and take a boat trip to the Waiheke Island Wineries
Enjoy an underground boat ride to see the infamous Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Explore Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village, go white-water rafting, or take a Hobbiton Tour
Visit Tamaki Maori Village to enjoy a Maori folklore performance and a traditional meal
Talk with a Maori elder and learn about the community’s traditions, myths, and legends
Take a free day in Christchurch to explore the highlights that fit your preferences best
See verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains aboard the TranzAlpine train
Helicopter to the top of Franz Josef Glacier and take an unforgettable hike on the jagged ice; or enjoy other exciting options like kayaking, a glacier valley hike, or quad biking
Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson and see waterfalls in the rainforests of the West Coast
Experience an unforgettable Fiordland National Park Overnight Wilderness Cruise in Milford or Doubtful Sound - seeing waterfalls, towering cliffs, dolphins, fur seals, and blue penguins
Try Bungee Jumping or jet boating on one of your free days in Queenstown
Cruise lake Wakatipu on the Earnslaw Steamship Cruise or take a Vineyard Tour on the next day
There is no better 12-day adventure across New Zealand, so if you’re looking to pack the most in on a 2-week trip, this one will have you remembering your trip forever!
Seals lay on the rocks during the day at the Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve, South Island New Zealand
Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve
As you drive down toward Dunedin from Christchurch, a visit to the Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve is a great way to take in the unique flora and fauna found on the South Island. The Yellow-Eyed Penguins have their nesting grounds here and their adorable families are just one of the many forms of wildlife you will be able to catch a glimpse of here. The volcanic geology makes for scenic views along the easy walk of the Bushy Beach Track. There are no dogs allowed and no toilet facilities in the reserve, though, so plan in advance.
We stopped at Bushy Beach to try to see the Penguins; However, we found out that they only come in around sunset. If you want to see them, plan in advance to make sure you are there around the correct time.
Moeraki Boulders Beach, New Zealand
Moeraki Boulders Beach
Traveling south along the coast you will definitely want to make a stop at Moeraki Boulders Beach. The spherical boulders scattered over the beach are one of the many intriguing geological features of the island nation. Concreted mudstone exposed by erosion, the boulders are now protected in a scientific reserve. They feature in Māori tradition as the petrified remains of a legendary canoe wreck.
There are quite a lot of these boulders along the beach and you will likely find plenty of people taking pictures and standing on them while you are there.
Speight’s Ale House, Dunedin, New Zealand
Speight’s Ale House and Brewery
An icon of the historic town, Speight's Ale House & Brewery offers visitors to Dunedin a look at the craft and culture of brewing in the area.
Brewery tours guide guests through over 140 years of history, and the Ale House located onsite serves a range of local favorites to accompany the freshly brewed ales and beers. The shop has variety of gear and beverages that lets you take a piece of your visit with you.
Find some delicious food and great atmosphere at the Speight’s Ale House as well!
Walking up Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand
Baldwin Street
A visit for pictures of Baldwin Street, in the North East Valley of Dunedin is a must. The short street was for a time recognized as the steepest street in the world, though a road in Wales stole the title in 2019. Despite being only 350 metres long, it rises from 30 metres above sea level to 100 metres at the top.
The Baldwin Street Gutbuster, a yearly race up and back down the steep street is not for the faint of heart, but it your visit falls in the summer, you should stop by and cheer on the racers.
A visit to Baldwin Street is included with the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour - which we highly recommend as it will bring you to most of the highlights in the city, as we’ll note at the bottom of each place that’s included on that tour.
View from the garden area of the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin
Olveston Historic Home
A visit to Olveston Historic Home gives guests a view into the Edwardian past of the city. An architectural gem, this family home was opened to the public in the 1960, when it was gifted to the city along with its contents.
Open daily, hour-long guided tours are necessary to enter the home and take you through the everyday life of a wealthy merchant in the first half of the twentieth century. Specialized tours dealing with the art, architecture, or gardens are also available at the door if that’s where your interests lie.
The Robert Burns Statue at the Octagon in Dunedin
The Octagon
The Octagon, an eight-sided plaza in the city centre, is central to several of Dunedin’s significant sites. The grassy portion of the upper octagon is home to a statue honoring the Scottish poet Robert Burns, highlighting the cities connection to Scotland. A weekly market takes place on the paved lower portion of the octagon.
This is another one of the amazing stops on the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour.
The Flemish Renaissance styled Dunedin Railway Station building and gardens
Dunedin Railway Station
From the plaza you have a clear view down Lower Stuart Street to the Dunedin Railway Station, an architectural delight of the revived Flemish Renaissance style.
Additionally, you can enter the Railway station and see some historic railway cars lined up on the rails in the back. The gardens out front make for a relaxing and peaceful stroll.
This is another one of the amazing stops on the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour.
Entrance to the Dunedin Lan Yuan Chinese Garden
Dunedin Chinese Garden: Lan Yuan
A short walk to the southwest takes you to the Chinese Garden, commemorating the contribution of the Chinese people to the history of the city with “an authentic example of a late Ming/early Ching Dynasty Scholar's Garden.” Additionally, it sits just next to the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.
Sadly, you won’t find this gem on any of the tours as most tourists are only interested in the Scottish heritage throughout the city. However, it is highly recommended and gives you an otherworldly experience unlike anything else that you’ll find in New Zealand! Learn more at the Lan Yuan Chinese Garden official website.
Clocktower at the University of Otago in Dunedin
University of Otago
The University of Otago is central to life in Dunedin. Thomas Burns, the famous poet’s nephew, was a founding figure of both the city of Dunedin and the University of Otago.
Established in 1869 and accepting its first students in 1871, it’s the oldest university in New Zealand. The lovely campus architecture and gardens put it amongst the ranks of the most beautiful university campuses in the world.
This is another one of the amazing stops on the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour.
View of Otago Harbour from the Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe and Restaurant in Dunedin
Otago Peninsula
Dunedin spills out on to the Otago Peninsula, a hilly stretch of land that shows off the area’s volcanic origins.
Once one of the more densely populated areas for Māori settlements, the peninsula is now home to several archeological sites. Now sparsely inhabited, the rugged landscape is a trove of wilderness preserves, home to seals, penguins, and albatross.
One very interesting stop is the Sandfly Bay Track. Although there are no sandflies here, you may see some New Zealand fur seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach, as well as an endangered yellow-eyed penguin colony - a very exciting highlight!
This is another one of the amazing stops on the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour.
Larnach Castle, photo by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle, on the peninsula at the edge of Dunedin, was built in the 1870’s from materials imported from all over the world in the Gothic Revival style as a private residence. Since it was purchased by the Barker family in the 1960s, the property has undergone extensive restoration and is now open to the public.
The family also developed the extensive gardens into an internationally recognized showpiece. Open year round, there are a range of tours and events.
You can even book accommodations here if you want to stay in these historic surroundings!
This is another one of the amazing stops on the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour.
View of the cliffside and of Taiaroa Head Lighthouse from the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula
Royal Albatross Centre
The Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross in the world. The Royal Albatross Centre offers tours to observe and learn about these amazing birds. In addition to the unique albatross experience, the Centre has evening tours to view kororā, little blue penguins that are absolutely adorable. The funds from tickets go towards the continued preservation of the magnificent wildlife in the area. The visitor centre also offers a café and gift shop.
This is another one of the amazing stops on the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenery Tour.
Drone shot of the Strath Taieri area near Dunedin
Strath Taieri
To the west of Dunedin, in Middlemarch on the way towards Queenstown, the glacial valley and river plateau of Strath Taieri stretches inland. Once a principal Māori route inland, today there are several Archaic Māori sites along the plateau.
A key spot in the gold rush era, the vast open landscape has inspired artists and poets since that time. From the mid-twentieth century, the area has become a traditional farming district. The rural, pioneering atmosphere of the district has remained through various advancements and setbacks, and entertains visitors today.
Recently though, it has been used as a filming location for the Hobbit films. Do you recognize the landscape? It’s when Thorin's Company is attacked by Orcs riding Wargs and Radagast the Brown mounts his sled and provides a distraction for them to escape. Learn more about Middlemarch, the Strath Taieri, and tours on the Middlemarch website.
Drone shot of the Rock and Pillar Range between Dunedin and Queenstown
Rock and Pillar Range
The Rock & Pillar Range rises inland from Strath Taieri. With its unique cloud formations, it’s another source of inspiration for artist and authors. The range has several advanced tracks and trails, and a public trekking hut for overnight stays. The hikes offer spectacular views and up-close looks at the high wetlands on the summit.
Although we didn’t have time to do the hike, we could see parts of the Rock and Pillar Range from the roadway, quite a distance away. An attempt with a drone was only able to get so close as it is further away from the roadways than it appears!
View of Otago Harbour from the roadway near Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula
Must See Places Around Dunedin
The eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand offers visitors a beautiful backdrop for experiencing nature. The unforgettable vistas and fascinating culture will make your visit a once in a lifetime experience.
We would highly recommend trying out the Dunedin City, Wildlife, and Scenic Tour while in the city, and then stopping by the Olveston Historic House, Speight’s Brewery, and the Chinese Garden. Note that there is also a train and bike path that lead out to Middlemarch that we wish we had time to do. For those who love hiking and biking, that will be the route to take to explore the Rock & Pillar range and the Strath Taieri.
Continue your adventure by heading up to Christchurch or westward to Queenstown!
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading your short Culture Smart! book today!
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to visit Larnach Castle and what are the opening hours?
Larnach Castle is a historic mansion on the Otago Peninsula that offers stunning views, gardens, and a cafe. The entry fee to the castle and gardens is **$45** for adults and **free** for children aged 5 to 14¹. The castle is open year-round from **9:00 am to 6:00 pm** daily, with the last entry at 5:00 pm². The gardens are open from **9:00 am to 7:00 pm** in summer and **9:00 am to 5:00 pm** in winter². The ballroom cafe is open from **9:30 am to 4:30 pm** daily².
What are some of the best places to eat Scottish cuisine in Dunedin and what dishes should I try?
Dunedin has a strong Scottish heritage and offers a variety of restaurants and pubs that serve Scottish cuisine with a modern twist. Some of the best places to try are:
- Scotia Restaurant & Whisky Bar: This restaurant showcases traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, smoked salmon, and lamb shank³. It also has an impressive collection of over 200 single malts and a cosy atmosphere with tartan and kilts⁴.
- Albar: This pub is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering Scottish-inspired pub food such as bangers and mash, Scotch pies, and fish and chips⁵. It also has a range of craft beers, whiskies, and live music events⁵.
- Speight's Alehouse: This pub is part of the Speight's brewery, which has been producing beer in Dunedin since 1876⁶. It serves hearty meals such as steak and ale pie, lamb shank, and venison burger, along with a selection of Speight's beers and ciders⁶.
Some of the dishes that you should try are:
- Haggis: This is a savoury pudding made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, spices, and suet, cooked in a sheep's stomach or an artificial casing⁷. It is usually served with mashed turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties), and sometimes with whisky sauce⁷.
- Cullen Skink: This is a thick soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream, originating from the town of Cullen in Scotland⁸. It is a warming and filling dish that can be enjoyed with bread or oatcakes⁸.
- Cranachan: This is a dessert made from whipped cream, toasted oats, honey, whisky, and raspberries, layered in a glass or a bowl⁹. It is a simple but delicious treat that can be served on special occasions such as Burns Night or Hogmanay⁹.
How can I get to the Otago Peninsula and what are some of the wildlife attractions there?
The Otago Peninsula is a scenic and biodiverse area that extends from the city of Dunedin along the southern edge of the Otago Harbour. It is home to many rare and endangered species of birds, marine mammals, and plants. To get to the Otago Peninsula, you can:
- Drive: The Otago Peninsula is about 20 minutes drive from the city centre, following the Portobello Road along the harbour. There are many scenic spots and attractions along the way, such as the Glenfalloch Gardens, the Macandrew Bay, and the Larnach Castle.
- Bus: There are regular bus services from the city to the Otago Peninsula, operated by the Otago Regional Council¹¹. The bus route 18 goes to Portobello, while the bus route 19 goes to Harington Point, passing by the Royal Albatross Centre and the Penguin Place¹¹.
- Tour: There are several tour operators that offer guided tours of the Otago Peninsula, including wildlife cruises, bus tours, and bike tours¹². Some of the popular tour companies are Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours¹³, Elm Wildlife Tours¹⁴, and Otago Peninsula Trust¹⁵.
Some of the wildlife attractions that you can visit on the Otago Peninsula are:
- Royal Albatross Centre: This is the only place in the world where you can see the northern royal albatross, the largest seabird, in their natural habitat¹⁶. The centre offers guided tours, a cafe, a gift shop, and a viewing platform¹⁶.
- Penguin Place: This is a conservation reserve that protects the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, the rarest penguin in the world¹⁷. The reserve offers guided tours, a visitor centre, and a rehabilitation facility¹⁷.
- Monarch Wildlife Cruises: This is a cruise company that takes you on a boat trip around the Otago Harbour and the Taiaroa Head, where you can see fur seals, sea lions, dolphins, albatrosses, and other seabirds. The cruise also includes commentary, binoculars, and jackets.
(2) Larnach Castle & Gardens. http://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/.
(3) Larnach Castle & Gardens - Prices and Concessions. https://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/Plan-your-visit-to-Larnach-Castle/Prices-and-Concessions-for-Larnach-Castle.
(4) Larnach Castle & Gardens - Opening Times. https://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/Plan-your-visit-to-Larnach-Castle/Opening-Times-at-Larnach-Castle.
(5) Explore Larnach Castle on a tour with The Castle Cruiser - Must Do New .... https://mustdonewzealand.co.nz/tours/explore-larnach-castle-on-a-tour-with-the-castle-cruiser/.
(7) Albar. https://neatplaces.co.nz/places/dunedin/eat-drink/albar.
(8) Speight's Alehouse. http://www.thealehouse.co.nz/.
(9) Scotia Restaurant & Whisky Bar - First Table. https://www.firsttable.co.nz/otago/dunedin/central/scotia.
(10) Kilts, haggis and whisky: A taste of Dunedin's only Scottish ... - RNZ. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018835025/kilts-haggis-and-whisky-a-taste-of-dunedin-s-only-scottish-restaurant.
(11) scotia bar and bistro - Dunedin. https://dunedin.infodats.co.nz/card/scotia-bar-and-bistro/122437.
(12) The Scottish History Of Dunedin New Zealand - Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/new-zealand/articles/the-scottish-history-of-dunedin-new-zealand.
(14) Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours. https://www.wildlife.co.nz/.
(15) Wildlife Cruise with Transport 2023 - Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula. https://www.viator.com/tours/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula/Otago-Peninsula-Wildlife-Tour/d758-195993P2.
(16) Otago Peninsula - Otago Rail Trail. https://www.otagorailtrail.co.nz/places/off-the-trail/dunedin/things-to-do/otago-peninsula.
(17) Wildlife - Ōtepoti | Dunedin New Zealand official website. https://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-and-do/wildlife.
At the top of Baldwin Street in Dunedin
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