Dunedin & Waitaki

A little slice of Mars in Waitaki

This unworldly landscape of deep ravines and towering pinnacles has to be one of the most underrated attractions in Aotearoa. If it were overseas, there'd be queues, cafés and novelty shops; here, there's a hand-painted sign pointing towards the entrance and an honesty box. The Clay Cliffs are dramatic; it feels like Peter Jackson was behind its creation as part of an elaborate movie set. But this remarkable landscape was sculpted by Mother Nature over millions of years. Read more

Visit a grand Victorian castle

Larnach Castle would look at home in any European country. Two hundred men took three years to build the shell of the castle, and a European artisan spent a further 12 years agonising over every detail on the inside. And it shows — the castle is full of period drama, you can even walk right up to the turret. Today, you can go for a day visit, a three-course dinner, or even stay the night in a nearby lodge, stable or luxury stone manor – all on the castle grounds. Read more

New Zealand's most scenic bike ride

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which stretches for more than 300 kilometres between the Southern Alps and Ōamaru, is often touted as one of the most scenic multi-day bike rides in the country. In addition to New Zealand’s highest mountain, riders are treated to glass-clear glacial lakes, braided rivers, basins of golden tussock, bizarre fossilised rock formations, cute country towns and the boutique vineyards of one of New Zealand’s newest wine regions. Read more

The wildlife capital of New Zealand

More than 10,000 seabirds live at Taiaroa Head, at the very tip of the Otago Peninsula. The most famous resident is the northern royal albatross, and it's here you'll find the only mainland breeding colony in the world. Depending on the time of the year, you'll see parents feeding chicks or sitting on eggs - and learn more about these magnificent creatures. As well as these giant birds, the Royal Albatross Centre also does penguin tours. Pilots Beach is a breeding ground for fur seals and where sea lions rest. Read more

Take a self-guided street art tour

Following this street art trail connecting 30-odd murals is a great way to spend a couple of hours. The subjects and styles of the murals are as diverse as their international artists. You’ll see a tail-nibbling tuatara, a scribbly Haast eagle, sweet children, portraits, abstract, nature, history, fantasy and more, in vibrant colour and monochrome, all of them strikingly big. Many of them are tucked away down side streets and high up on buildings so grab a free map. Read more

The best times to be in and around Dunedin & Waitaki

There isn’t a really bad time to visit this part of New Zealand. Sure it gets a little nippy during the winter months but the city and surrounding areas have plenty to keep you occupied throughout the year. A craft beer festival attracts more than 12,000 people, while the largest multi-sport event in Aotearoa draws 5000 athletes. Also on the cards are celebrations dedicated to fashion, heritage, literature and sci-fi. Read more

Soak beneath the stars in Ōmārama

Once you've explored the Clay Cliffs, another local institution is the open-air Ōmārama Hot Tubs. Here you'll find ten private tubs scattered around a lake, all with views of the distant mountains. When checking in, you’re given a treasure-like map with your hot tub marked on it. We highly recommend booking for sunset; then you get to watch the mountains be painted a kaleidoscope of colours as night falls. Read more

Take a history lesson through fossils

The Waitaki region is home to an enormous collection of fossils which are best appreciated at the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon. It's a little terrifying to see what's been found on farms throughout Waitaki, like shark-toothed dolphins and four-legged whales that looked more like giant crocodiles. The centre has created a self-guided drive to a series of historical places around the region, including Māori rock art and the Valley of Whales. Read more

A world-class cycleway

One of the best ways to experience the sights of the region is on a network of cycleways around the Otago Harbour. Start with the spectacularly scenic coastal road winding along the Otago Peninsula, which has a dedicated cycleway to the cute little seaside town of Portobello. From there, pre-book a ferry to Port Chalmers, and cross over to the other side of the harbour where you can return to Dunedin. It was once named one of the world's best cycle routes. Read more

New Zealand's best hidden beach

Tunnel Beach has it all: history, mystery and beauty. Over thousands of years, the sea has sculpted a dramatic scene into the sandstone cliffs near Dunedin, creating an idyllic little beach in the cliffs. The founder of Otago settlement was William Cargill. His son, John, ordered a tunnel dug down to the beach in the 1870s - supposedly so that his family could have a private place to bathe. Today, you still access the seemingly unreachable beach through the hand-dug tunnel. Read more

All the gems between Dunedin and Ōamaru

The drive from Dunedin to Ōamaru only takes an hour and a half, but there's so much to see and do along the way that it’s worth taking your time. Spectacular coastal scenery, important historic sites, quirky shops, tasty pies and the freshest fish ‘n’ chips are among the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Arc Brewing Co is a neat little brewery where you can sit down and enjoy a pint; Karitāne is a laidback community with a popular surf beach, coastal track and sacred Māori site; and Shag Point/Matakaea is a prime location for seal spotting and visiting historic burial grounds. Read more

The great pyramids of Aotearoa

The Otago region was once home to enormous volcanic activity, which helped form two mysterious pyramids. The smallest is called Little Pyramid - Te Matai O Kia - and is of importance to Māori. Settlements have been discovered nearby, with human and moa bones that date back around 500 years. The little pyramid has a walking track to the top, with extensive views of Okia Reserve — home to sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins. Read more

Bathing with beanies

One of the most photographed pools in the world is the Bondi Baths – the ocean pool which sits at the southern end of Australia’s most iconic beach. Dunedin has one of those too. The St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool opened in 1884, and by the 1960s it took a giant leap for mankind and was heated. Dunedin's version of heaven is sitting in the 28-degree pool watching the wild sea on a blustery cold day. Read more

Destination restaurants worthy of a road trip

Some of the country's best produce comes from the wild landscape of Waitaki. Between the rugged coastline and wide-open plains are several award-winning restaurants, hauling ingredients straight from the garden and sea. A seasonal bistro next to a medieval-style castle and a shipping container serving crayfish right beside the ocean are just two of the destination restaurants worth popping into. Read more

Walk around a bean-to-bar chocolate factory

Filling the void left by the closure of the Dunedin Cadbury Factory, OCHO Chocolate is now one of the country’s largest craft chocolate makers, producing up to 10,000 bars a week. For $10, you can enjoy a 25-minute tour and tasting session and learn more about how the factory operates. Or for around the same price, pick up a block from the factory shop to take home. Read more

The best cheese roll in Dunedin

Since opening in 2018, Dunedin's Hungry Hobos has picked up a swag of national awards for its toasted sandwiches and cheese rolls. The menu consists of classic toasties and “flash fella” toasties. The signature cheese rolls are presented on a piece of cardboard, in place of a plate, in keeping with the hobo theme. The jumbo-size roll has a golden brown grilled top, and a pleasing amount of cheese ooze. Read more

Dunedin cafés that are loved by locals

Dunedin boasts a buzzing café scene, with coffee shops and brunch spots around every corner. Whether you’re after a flat white and a cheese roll, or a chai tea and a buddha bowl, there’s a café for every taste. In fact, there are so many to choose from it can be overwhelming. Tried and tested cafés loved by locals include a stylish spot with injectable doughnuts, an inviting wee coffeehouse near the Octagon, and an all-day eatery by the sea. Read more

The ice creams Dunedinites enjoy whatever the weather

Dunedin isn’t known for its tropical climate, but head to St Clair Beach on a weekend and no matter the temperature, you’ll find locals queuing for ice creams at the Patti’s & Cream truck. The little white truck doesn't scoop up your standard flavours. Pumpkin dulce de leche, honey & lavender, and lemon curd & marshmallow, are just a few seasonal offerings. For the not-so-sweet-toothed, the American-style burgers are reason enough to pay the truck a visit. Read more

A guide to Dunedin breweries

Wellington might be known as the craft beer capital, but Dunedin was brewing before it was cool. The city is home to the oldest working brewery in New Zealand, as well as one of the forerunners of the craft beer scene. Several more have since joined them. New New New draws crowds of adventurous beer drinkers for its lip-smacking sours and stouts, Steamer Basin is a brand new brewery and taproom tucked down a laneway, and Noisy Brewing Co is a bit of a hidden gem for those after flavour-forward, yet drinkable drops. Read more

A cronut worth travelling for

If you imagine a croissant and a doughnut had a baby, you'd be looking at a cronut. It has the fluffy, crunchy texture of a French pastry, combined with the gooey centre of a doughnut. In the charming town of Ōamaru you'll find a little European-style bakery serving exceptional cronuts. The sweet, flaky pastry gives way to a soft chewy centre filled with passionfruit coulis and thick vanilla custard. If you have a soft spot for pastries, Harbour Street Bakery is a compulsory pit stop. Read more

Classic luxury in the heart of the city

Make sure you cross the road and look at the facade of Dunedin’s Fable Hotel before heading inside – its elaborate Victorian Italianate frontage looks like something straight from the history books. Inside the city’s newest luxe hotspot, which tips its hat to the region's Scottish heritage, are 50 guest rooms and suites. The infamous Press Club bar and restaurant promises Southern flavours and an extensive whisky menu. Read more

The escape where you'll be treated like royalty

From the outside, Camp Estate looks like it could be a weekend retreat for the royal family. It’s just 500 metres down the road from Larnach Castle and pulling up to the grand manor you'll be greeted in royal fashion. If you stay the night, you get free access to the castle and the expansive grounds, which feels like you're walking through the set of Bridgerton. Inside, it's all chandeliers and plush furniture, with splendid views of Otago Harbour. Read more

Modern luxury and plenty of art

You’re unlikely to miss this architecturally designed steel and glass boutique hotel — it's a literal work of art. The entire facade of EBB-Dunedin is wrapped in a large-scale artwork by Simon Kaan depicting Polynesian waka arriving through the heads of the Otago Harbour. Elsewhere, corridors to the 27 rooms feature renowned New Zealand art and the bathrooms are decked out in striking marble. Read more

The best luxury hotels in Dunedin and Ōamaru

If you’re looking to spend some extra dollars on an unforgettable Kiwi adventure, there are plenty of accommodation choices in and around Dunedin that are worth splashing the cash for. The city is home to New Zealand's first "modernist boutique", as well as contemporary property The Chamberson slap bang in the middle of the city. If you want a good dose of history with your luxury accommodation then you could do a lot worse than Ōamaru's Pen-y-Bryn, one of the largest single-story timber dwellings in Australasia. Read more

A night on your own private island for $20

Tucked away in the Otago Harbour is a little slice of windswept paradise you can book for $20 a night. Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua has a fascinating history. It's believed Māori arrived on the island as early as 1300 and by 1863, early settlers had built a quarantine station. The accommodation is a little like a DOC hut, with sleeping space for 30, a communal kitchen and composting toilet. When on the island, you have free rein to explore three walking trails, take out kayaks, or jump off the jetty. Read more

Off-the-grid glamping with a view

Valley Views Glamping is an eco-friendly escape in the Waitaki Valley. The six geodesic domes allow guests to experience the beauty of the landscape in the foothills below Mt Domett. While the structures come with all the mod-cons and luxuries for a comfortable stay, wi-fi has been purposely cut off to encourage guests to immerse themselves in nature. And to really unplug, guests can soak in an outdoor bath in the forest. Read more

An adults-only luxury tree house

Less than an hour away from Ōamaru, near the tiny town of Kurow, is adults-only escape, Nest Tree Houses. The tree house is designed to reveal little bits as you walk in, like unwrapping a gift. You first wander through a forest before ascending a swing bridge. There, you're greeted with magnificent views of mountains and expansive high country. Then, a deep outdoor cedar bath comes into view. The best surprise is another tree house a short walk away. What looks like a wooden submarine suspended in the forest is the most spectacular sauna giving 180-degree views of the forest. Read more

For more information visit dunedinnz.com and waitakinz.com