Dunedin Railway Station is a splendid piece of architecture that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles, and is often referred to as “one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world.” The dark-colored bricks, intricate stone decorations, stained glass, and tiled floors are striking, and the interior staircase, hall, and the garden in front of the station are all popular photo spots. The soft light in the morning and at sunset makes the building even more beautiful, providing great conditions for photography.
The Octagon is an octagonal-shaped square in the very center of downtown Dunedin and serves as the city’s iconic meeting point. It is surrounded by cafes, pubs, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and functions as a cultural hub where various events and performances are held. It’s also convenient for accessing major attractions in the city; if you book accommodation around here, you can reach most downtown sights on foot.
St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral located just above The Octagon, famous for its grand Gothic Revival exterior and beautiful stained glass. Climbing the steps up to the cathedral gives you a view over the city center, and inside you can feel a reverent atmosphere created by the high ceilings and the delicate combination of wooden and stone decorations.
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and is renowned for its beautiful campus, where Gothic Revival-style buildings line the river. Centered around the Clocktower, there are lawns, stone bridges, and riverside walking paths, making it a great place to enjoy a stroll and photography while soaking in the vibe of a “small European college town.” It is a representative spot that shows why Dunedin is called the “City of Education.”
Dunedin Botanic Garden is a large city garden with free entry, featuring well-designed themed areas such as a rose garden, Japanese garden, and bird sanctuary. In spring and summer, it’s popular as a picnic and walking destination when various flowers are in full bloom, and it’s also a peaceful space where you can quietly enjoy nature.
St Clair Beach is a surfing beach close to central Dunedin, popular for walks along its long stretch of sand and for brunch at beachfront cafes with the waves as a backdrop. When the weather is good, you can take surfing lessons, and the beach is famous for its gorgeous crimson sunsets, making it an ideal place to visit for a relaxed evening.
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle, a Victorian-era mansion located on a hill on the Otago Peninsula. You can see the peninsula’s scenery from its well-tended gardens and lookout, and explore the interior spaces that preserve elaborate decor and history. With afternoon tea and upscale accommodation options available, it is also a popular destination for honeymoons and special commemorative trips.
Highcliff Road is a representative scenic drive route that runs along the ridgeline of the Otago Peninsula, offering continuous views of cliffs and the sea. There are viewpoints along the way where you can park and take photos, giving you sweeping views over Dunedin city, the peninsula, and the Tasman Sea, making it perfect for a leisurely drive.
Signal Hill is a lookout hill located north of central Dunedin, accessible by car or a short walk. From the lookout near the summit, you can take in panoramic views of Dunedin city, the harbor, and the surrounding hilly landscape, which makes it a beloved spot for photography and watching the sunset.
Tunnel Beach is a uniquely shaped beach where you reach a small cove via a man-made tunnel carved through the cliff rock. A round-trip walk of about an hour along a steep hill from the car park brings you to a secluded landscape where dramatic cliffs, rock arches, and waves come together. Since the beach can be submerged at high tide, it’s best to visit around low tide, and as the sea breeze can be strong, it’s wise to bring an outer layer.
Dunedin is the central city of the Otago region on the southeastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. As a city founded by Scottish immigrants, it features Scottish-style Gothic architecture and a hilly harbor landscape. True to its nickname as the “City of Education,” the area around the University of Otago has a lively, youthful atmosphere. In the city you can enjoy European-style architecture and cultural facilities, while the surrounding Otago Peninsula, beaches, and lookouts offer opportunities to experience wildlife and a majestic coastline.
