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Top 13 Things to Do in Dunedin, New Zealand

Aishwarya Karwa
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. Rightly called as ‘New Zealand’s Edinburgh’, Dunedin holds a Scottish patrimony where one can find many Scot-inspired architectures and monuments. Here are some of the best things to do in Dunedin. Find yourself entranced with its rich heritage and wonderful nature.

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Gaze at the Spectacular Southern Lights!
Catch the mesmerizing Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in Dunedin, New Zealand, particularly from the Otago Peninsula region, caused by solar wind's magnetospheric activity.

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Visit the Famous Tunnel Beach
Experience the enchanting Tunnel Beach: a dark tunnel leads to a breathtaking scenic beach with clear blue waves and majestic rock formations.
Stay at the Gorgeous Larnach Castle
Gothic Revival gem on Otago Peninsula, built in 1871. Offers year-round castle stays.

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Take a Picture at New Zealand’s Most Photographed Building
Dunedin Railway Station: Iconic Gothic architecture, famed as New Zealand's most photographed historic site, reflecting Scottish heritage.
Surf and Swim at St. Clair Beach
It is a popular spot in Dunedin for surfing and swimming enthusiasts. One can also enjoy water sports here. It is a great place to tootle around!

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Explore Port Chalmers and See the Historic Lighthouse
Popular harbor-side gem near Dunedin. Taiaroa Head, with its stone lighthouse, is a top historic spot in NZ.
Watch the Clocktower at University of Otago
University of Otago's Clocktower: Blend of Gothic and modern architecture, symbolizing Scots' education commitment and NZ heritage.
Tootle at the World's Steepest Baldwin Street
Located in the North East valley, Baldwin Street is famous for being the world's steepest residential street as named by Guinness World Records!

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Espy the Wonderful Moeraki Boulders
Experience Dunedin's coastal marvel: Behold giant boulders sculpted by millions of years of erosion on Koekohe Beach.
Visit the Beautiful Dunedin Botanic Garden
Explore New Zealand's oldest garden, rich with vibrant flora and fauna. Enjoy scenic strolls and colorful views.
Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Nicols Falls
It is about 10 minutes (via car) from the Dunedin City Centre, and its peculiarity is that the trail of waterfall resembles a 'horsetail'.
Board the Taieri Gorge Railway
Journey through Otago Hinterland to North of Dunedin. Marvel at New Zealand's engineering feats amid Taieri Gorge's scenic beauty.
Catch a Sight of Fascinating Wildlife
Dunedin's diverse fauna, including rare bird species like yellow-eyed penguins and albatross, amazes tourists along the Otago Coast.