Dunedin’s Culture and Wildlife

Dunedin, a scenic city nestled among hills and valleys by Otago Harbour, boasts rich culture and heritage. From Northern Royal Albatross sightings to the Emerson’s Brewery tour, there’s something for everyone in Dunedin.

Dunedin Highlights

Dunedin is home to New Zealand’s oldest university – the University of Otago. With one-fifth of the population comprising students, Dunedin is a lively place and has over 400 cafes, restaurants and bars. Dunedin is also home to Baldwin Street, which, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the steepest street in the world. Its gradient is 1 in 2.9.

The Otago Farmers Market is every Saturday morning 8am-12.30pm where you can purchase a range of fresh produce. It is situated in the north car park ajoining the magnificent Railway Station building, Dunedin’s world famous architectural icon.

Weather in Dunedin

Dunedin’s weather from April to June, late autumn, is unpredictable. Come prepared for temperatures in single figures and the low teens. Buildings are adequately heated. For those travelling from north of New South Wales be prepared for a drop in temperature of around 20 degrees. Suitable woollen clothing is essential to cope with the wind chill factor. You will be likely to experience cold southerly winds, frosts and snow over the course period.

Location of the Course

Dunedin, New Zealand

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, near Australia. The total population of New Zealand is just over 5 million.

Dunedin is the main city of the Otago region in the South Island. Queenstown and Wanaka are just three hours away and are known for their beautiful lakes, mountains and adventure activities.

Central Otago is a rapidly developing wine region with over 180 vineyards and an international reputation for Pinot Noir.

Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula, stretching along the southern edge of the Otago Harbour, is an easy drive from central Dunedin. A wonderfully scenic drive will see you passing by lush green pastures, small bays and inlets, sandy beaches, rugged hills and volcanic landforms.

Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco tourism areas. There are unique opportunities to view a remarkable range of wildlife including Royal Albatross, rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, Seals and Sea Lions, water and wading birds.

To explore this area you can either join a tour, such as Elm Wildlife Tours, or you could hire a car from the likes of Pegasus Rental Cars.

Dunedin Attractions and Amenities

Dunedin Links

Attractions

Gyms & Group Fitness Classes

Activities

Religion

Swimming Pool

Dunedin-Course-Restaurants

A variety of restaurants and cafes is available in Dunedin to suit most palates. The range of cuisine available in Dunedin is vast from the traditional Scottish foods through to Asia and the more contemporary New Zealand gourmet style.

Central Dunedin

St. Clair Beach Area

Affordable Options

Takeaway Outlets

Explore Otago

Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier lake and alpine resort. Bungy jumping, high speed jet boating, tramping, paragliding, parasailing, sky diving are just some of the activities you will be able to do. Enjoy skiing during winter in Queenstown and Wanaka or summer time relax by the beautiful lakes or do a winery tour.
Queenstown
Wanaka is situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, adjacent to the outflow of the lake to the Clutha River. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Wanaka is primarily a resort town but has both summer and winter seasons and is based around the many outdoor opportunities.
Wanaka
The famous Moeraki boulders lie scattered along a beach about an hour’s drive north of Dunedin. According to Māori legend, the boulders are gourds washed from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall some 1,000 years ago. Scientists explain the boulders as septarian concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Crystallisation of calcium and carbonates around charged particles in muddy undersea sediments gradually formed the boulders in a process taking as long as 4 million years.
Moeraki Boulders
Situated off the beaten track on the east coast about 90 minutes drive from Dunedin, the Catlins is a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route. Winding between Fortrose and Kaka Point, you will travel through farmland, forest and coastal areas. There are many walking tracks and byways – discover the sometimes peaceful, sometimes savage treasures of the Catlins. Allow five hours if you follow the whole trail and include all the walks, better yet stay overnight and really enjoy this amazing place.
Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail