Dunedin

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin, on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is a city of style and creativity. Officially founded in 1848 by the Free Church of Scotland, it's home to twenty five thousand students at the University of Otago, who mingle with the town’s landed gentry to create an eclectic destination that enthrals all who pass through. Surrounded by a deep blue harbour on one side and rolling misty hills on the other, Dunedin’s lush green dales and old world architecture pay tribute to the city’s Scottish heritage.

Population:

123,000

Currency:

New Zealand Dollar (NZD) = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police, Fire and Ambulance: 111

Opening Hours:

Generally shops are open from Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm and 9:30 am - 1:00 pm on Saturdays.

Newspapers:

The Otago Daily Times
NZ Herald

The City

The centre of Dunedin’s thriving buzz is the Octagon, an eight sided square lined with al fresco cafés and bars, in the heart of the city. You will find the grand architectural masterpiece of Dunedin’s original railway on the edge of the CBD, an impressive stately building made from basalt, limestone and granite with traditional clock towers. It is home to the city’s annual ID Fashion Week when the country’s fashionistas line the sides of the long railway catwalk.

Do & See

There is much to do and see in Dunedin. Drive the winding road of the Otago Peninsula through Macandrew Bay, a quaint harbour front coastal settlement, ten kilometres from town. Continue to the point of the Peninsula where the blue ocean and white sands meet, to discover yellow eyed penguin settlements, fur seals, sea lions and the elusive Albatross, with the only mainland breeding colony in the world.

Dining

Surrounded by water and farmland, Dunedin has access to some of the country’s best and freshest seafood, meat and vegetables. Not far from New Zealand’s oyster country, on the south coast, bluff oysters are just perfect around April. Whitebait is a comfort food favourite, dipped in batter and fried pancake style - found in any fish and chip shop. Dining is mostly casual in Dunedin with a handful of fine dining options.

Cafes

University towns rely on coffee to keep the students going. Combine this with an arty scene that relies on coffee to keep inspiration flowing and you get a Mecca for coffee lovers. Dunedin is no exception, with quirky unique cafes serving exquisite coffee beans. Most of Dunedin’s cafe society is found around the Octagon area, in the University George Street vicinity and in the swanky suburbs of St Clair, Roslyn and Highgate.