Spending a long weekend in Dunedin? Discover the best of this historic city on this three-day trip down south.

Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere with gorgeous heritage buildings everywhere you look. Nowadays, these are filled with quirky cafes, boutiques and other attractions fit for days of exploration.

Dunedin
Vault 21, Dunedin

Day 1: Explore culture, history and art in the city centre

Start your Dunedin adventure with a leisurely breakfast at one of the many exciting cafes. Then take a trip back in time at Toitu Otago Early Settlers Museum and learn all about the colourful past of the city with interactive displays and exhibits. After a short walk from here, visit Otago Museum for a family-fun activity at one of New Zealand's oldest and largest museums, with a range of excellent collections featuring culture, science, history and archaeology.

Stop by for lunch at The Octagon which is littered with cafes and restaurants. Head off to explore the fascinating Dunedin Street Art Trail, where artworks from local and international artists have turned the city into a giant canvas. As you navigate your way through the trail, you will come across some of Dunedin’s older heritage buildings and cathedrals including St Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin Law Courts, and Dunedin Prison(opens in new window).

The next stop for the day is Emerson’s Brewery(opens in new window) for a tour of the highly awarded and hugely popular microbrewery. Sample the local brews after the tour and even enjoy a delicious dinner at Emerson's craft brewery.

Immerse yourself in Dunedin’s stunning heritage buildings, their colourful past and bright new future, with a guided walking tour by City Walks.

Dunedin
Larnach Castle, Dunedin

Day 2: Visit heritage homes, a castle and wildlife sanctuaries

Now, that you have explored the city highlights, allocate a day to visit the Otago Peninsula. Here you find historic period homes and unique wildlife encounters that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

First stop to visit is the exquisitely preserved Olveston Historic Home(opens in new window) for a peek at the home-life of a Dunedin family during Edwardian times.

Head to Larnach Castle next. New Zealand's only castle with beautifully kept grounds and gardens sits in grandeur on a hill overlooking the magnificent Otago Harbour. Only 20 minutes from Dunedin city, the castle is a must-do attraction when you visit Dunedin.

For lunch, head to Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe on the Otago Peninsula, one of Dunedin’s excellent restaurants in a peaceful green setting.

After lunch, experience eco-tourism at its best and encounter the rare and exceptionally cute wild inhabitants that reside around the Dunedin coastline and Otago Peninsula.

After a busy day, spend the evening listening to live music at a local bar and having a delicious meal.

Dunedin
Tunnel Beach, Dunedin

Day 3: Explore unforgettable coastlines and scenery

Take the day to relax and soak in the specular scenery Dunedin has to offer.

Only a short drive from the city is Port Chalmers, a popular cruise destination with plentiful heritage buildings, galleries(opens in new window) and cafes.

Another option is to cycle through the fascinating Dunedin hinterlands navigating the tunnels and historic viaducts of the Otago Central Rail Trail.(opens in new window)

Take some time out and explore Dunedin’s spectacular coastline and many beaches; Long Beach, Brighton Beach, Warrington Beach or St Clair Beach are just some of the many idyllic seaside spots.

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