Art, heritage, wildlife and history – from the Octagon in the heart of the city to the seaside suburb of St Clair and pretty Port Chalmers, we’ve picked five great things to do on your next trip to Dunedin.
1. Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Start in the eight-sided centre of Dunedin City and check out the famous Dunedin Public Art Gallery – a soaring atrium that leads on to a labyrinth of art-filled spaces, nooks and crannies where you can lose yourself in a world of creativity. Works from some of world’s most famous artists are on display here – from Monet to Machiavelli. In fact, the gallery’s collection is recognised as one of New Zealand’s best, with Western works dating back to the 15th century. The art of Dunedin-born painter Frances Hodgkins also features strongly. Alongside the historically significant collection are ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary art – from vibrant acrylics to photography and surreal video installations, and a wonderful, interactive kids area. Allow plenty of time to linger and soak up some visual stimulation.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery is full of surprises. © Jo Percival
2. Olveston
Historic houses may be perceived as stuffy relics, but Olveston, on Dunedin’s Royal Terrace, is anything but. Recognised as a Tohu Whenua – one of New Zealand’s best heritage experiences – Olveston is a perfectly-preserved snapshot of social history. Constructed for the wealthy Theomin family between 1904-1906, Olveston was a ferociously modern home for its time. No expense was spared on mod-cons to make life comfortable – from electricity (before it was even available in Dunedin) to central heating, in-house telephones, heated towel rails and service elevators. Today you can experience all of this on a guided tour of the house, taking in 18 of the 35 rooms left exactly as they were when the Theomins lived here, right down to the fine furniture and decorations. With no heirs to the family estate, the family had the foresight to gift the property to the city of Dunedin, so visitors today can have the surreal experience of stepping into the luxurious past.
Don't miss the incredible Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. © Jo Percival
3. St Clair
The pretty seaside suburb of St Clair is well worth the short detour from Dunedin City. Wander along the paved promenade that stretches along the ocean front, though be mindful that at high tide walkers are in the firing line for rogue sea spray. St Clair is a popular spot for surfers, so bring your board if you’re into catching waves, otherwise it’s a great spot to sit and observe the ocean. Pull up a pew at one of the excellent waterfront eateries – Esplanade does Italian-fare, great coffee and hearty breakfasts, or treat yourself at Titi, where you’ll have front row seats to the sea while enjoying a spectacular multi-course meal designed around intriguing local produce. In the summer months, the famous St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool provides a swimming option that’s warmer than the frigid Dunedin sea, and if you are looking to stay longer, the stylish heritage apartments at Majestic Mansions have been a St Clair fixture since the 1920s, and are a lovely place to rest your head.
Rainbows at St Clair. © Jo Percival
4. Darkest Dunedin Tour
The walk up the steep hill to Port Chalmers Cemetery is worth it for the stunning views over Otago Harbour alone, but simply admiring the vista would be a missed opportunity. Book a walking tour with Gregor Campbell from Darkest Dunedin to discover the tragic, dramatic and downright captivating stories behind the cemetery plots here. Gregor calls himself a ‘forensic taphologist’ – possibly New Zealand’s only studier of graves. He will take you on an informative amble of the cemetery, revealing the tales of tombs dating back to the first World War and beyond. Gregor’s stories focus on young lives lost – largely sailors and servicemen in this port-side spot – and accidental deaths, though rather than macabre, the tales reveal fascinating insights into bygone eras.
Port Chalmers Cemetery has great views and fascinating stories. © Jo Percival
5. Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Top tip: aim to arrive at Orokonui Ecosanctuary on the outskirts of Port Chalmers at around 11am. That way you’ll experience the full cacophony of birdlife being fed. On several raised feeding stands dotted throughout the lustrous native bush, you will be within touching distance of cawing kākā, iridescent tūī and flitting fantails, all unperturbed by viewers as they flutter and rush to get their share of nectar and special pellets. For a more subdued experience, you can play ‘spot the gecko’ in the open-air enclosures. Moko kākāriki / Otago Jewelled Geckos and mokomoko / Otago Skinks are masters of camouflage but are more likely to be spotted on sunny days when they’re basking on the warm rocks. The sanctuary, protected by 8.7km of predator-proof fencing, is woven with several walking trails that you can pick from to suit your fitness level. Other celebrity residents at Orokonui include breeding pairs of rare takahē and tuatara, both captive-reared and wild.
Spot the kākā at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. © Jo Percival
