Dunedin
- Balclutha
- Invercargill
113 km (71 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway/Arterial
In the late 19th century, Dunedin acquired an impressive amount of ostentatious Victorian architecture. No expense was spared. Today you can enjoy the historic public buildings, imposing churches, palatial homes and ornate hotels. There’s even a castle. Eco-tourism is the other face of Dunedin – visit penguin, albatross and seal colonies.
Half an hour south you’ll come across tranquil Lake Waihola, a popular venue for picnics, yachting and waterskiing. The historic mill town of Milton is next – the slight kink in the main road is where two surveyors didn’t quite meet. Balclutha has a distinctive arched concrete bridge and a museum where you can see historic farming and household implements.
The area known as the Catlins begins just south of Balclutha. The winding road will take you to see seals and sealions, Hector’s dolphins, several species of penguin and the petrified forest in Curio Bay. Wilderness beaches, waterfalls, walkways, lakes and rivers provide non-stop scenery. Accommodation is sprinkled thorugh the area – farmstays, lodges and B & B establishments.
Scenic Highlights
Karitane
Walk, swim, surf, fish or simply relax in this picturesque village on the coast north of Dunedin.
St Clair Beach
Only minutes from the city centre, this sweeping surf beach is a place to walk, swim, surf or dine out.
Mount Cargill
Walk to the top of Mount Cargill and enjoy spectacular views of Dunedin, the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Tunnel Beach Walkway
Explore the sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves at Tunnel Beach; look for fossils as you descend through the pioneers' hand-carved tunnel.
University of Otago
Of all New Zealand's cities, Dunedin has the largest concentration of grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The university's clock tower is a particularly handsome architectural landmark.
Dunedin Railway Station
Marvel at the size, architecture and rich embellishments of Dunedin Railway Station - it's the grandest 'Gingerbread House' you'll ever see.
Dunedin's inner city heritage walks
Two inner city heritage walks make it easy to explore Dunedin's outstanding collection of Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
Middlemarch
Experience the Central Otago wilderness by making the charming town of Middlemarch your local base for hiking, biking and river fishing.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Enjoy native birdsong and hillside views as you encounter more than 6,800 plant species in Dunedin's beautiful 28 hectare botanic garden.
Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
Follow the trails around beautiful Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, which has been has been named a "Garden of Regional Significance" by the New Zealand Garden Trust.
Otago Peninsula
Put a day aside to explore Otago Peninsula, where eco-experiences range from penguin and fur seal colonies to the toe-tingling cliffs of The Chasm and Lovers Leap.
Pineapple Track
Hike along the Pineapple Track high above Dunedin and enjoy magnificent views of the city and Taieri Plains.
Activities
Dunedin - Coastal Otago
Museums (4)
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