Sights in Dunedin
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Otago Museum
The modern and interactive Otago Museum explores Otago’s cultural and physical past and present, from geology and dinosaurs to the modern day. The beautifully designed Tangata Whenua gallery houses an impressive waka taua (war canoe), wonderfully worn old carvings and some lovely pounamu (greenstone) works. This is one of the richest repositories of Maori knowledge on the South Island. If you’ve already been out on the peninsula admiring penguins and albatrosses, the museum’s collection of ancient and contemporary wildlife will fascinate. Join themed guided tours ($10, see website for times and themes). Children can explore at the hands-on Discovery World (adult/child/f…
reviewed
-
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
The Orokonui Ecosanctuary occupies a 300-hectare nature reserve on Otago Harbour’s north shore. Its mission is to provide a predator-free refuge to repopulate species previously exiled to smaller offshore islands. It’s a good chance to see the tuatara, NZ’s iconic living dinosaur unchanged for 200 million years. At the time of writing, the ecosanctuary could only be visited on a 90-minute guided walk (tour $38; [hours] 10.30am & 1.30pm), but unguided visits were also planned. Check the Dunedin i-SITE for an update.
reviewed
-
B
Public Art Gallery
Explore NZ’s art scene at Dunedin’s expansive and airy Public Art Gallery. Climb the iron staircase for great city views. Works on permanent show are mainly contemporary, including a big NZ collection featuring local kids Ralph Hotere and Frances Hodgkins, Cantabrian Colin McCahon, and some old CF Goldie oils. Rotating exhibits include some European works and Kiwi masters.
reviewed
-
C
Temple Gallery
The Temple Gallery was Dunedin’s first synagogue (1863), and then for 30 years a Masonic temple. The building retains marks of both, and is a fabulous artspace. The Chills recorded their last album here, and Dunedin bands still launch new offerings here. Artists represented are predominantly Otago locals and include Ralph Hotere, Donna Demente and Anita DeSoto.
reviewed
-
D
Otago Settlers Museum
The eclectic collection at the Otago Settlers Museum gives insights into past residents, whether Maori or Scots, whalers or farmers. Petrol heads and trainspotters will love the old Buick straight eight and 1872-built steam engine; style hounds will love the original art-deco bus depot foyer.
reviewed
-
E
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
At the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame you can try and match bike-champ Karen Holliday’s average speed of 45.629km/h, or check out the high-stepping style of iconic All Black fullback George Nepia. You’ll also find out NZ continually punches above its weight in the sporting world.
reviewed
-
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Gardens date from the 1860s and spread across 22 peaceful, grassy and shady hectares. There’s also a playground and a cafe.
reviewed
-
Baldwin St
The world’s steepest residential street (or so says the Guinness Book of World Records), Baldwin St has a clambering gradient of 1 in 1.286 (19°). From the city centre, head 2km north up Great King St to where the road branches sharp left to Timaru. Get in the right-hand lane and continue straight ahead. This becomes North Rd, and Baldwin St is on the right after 1km. If you’ve any doubts about your brakes, park at the bottom. Alternatively, grab a Normanby bus at the Octagon ($1.90) and ask the driver to let you know when you’re there. The annual ‘Gutbuster’ race in February sees up to 1000 athletes run to the top of Baldwin St and back. Every July, 10,000 oversized Ja…
reviewed
