Destination Dunedin
- Food & Drink
We are thrilled to share a carefully curated collection of our favourite eateries, bars and breweries in Dunedin—each one has been personally tried and tested by us!
Speight’s Ale House
Iconic Southern pub located at the historic Speight’s Brewery. It serves up hearty local dishes — we recommend the ribs, drunken rump, and blue cod — alongside a full tap-list of award-winning Speight’s ales. A must-stop for food, brews, and a classic laid-back Dunedin atmosphere.
Emerson’s Brewery
Iconic craft brewery with a lively taproom and restaurant. Known for its natural, unfiltered ales, it also serves excellent food — we recommend the popcorn shrimp, poutine, and sticky date pudding — all perfectly paired with a huge range of premium Otago wines.
Careys Bay Pub
Charming, waterfront pub located on the Otago Harbour, just a short drive from Dunedin. With a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great spot to enjoy hearty meals, local seafood, and a selection of drinks while taking in the scenic harbour views. Allow an hour or two to enjoy the experience. Do try the seafood chowder!
Sandymount Distillery
Boutique distillery on the Otago Peninsula. Small-batch spirits using native botanicals. Visit the distiller in his quarters. Allow a couple of hours.
Buddha Stix
Offers a vibrant mix of Thai and Vietnamese flavours in a relaxed, modern setting. Known for bold, aromatic dishes, fresh ingredients, and a great atmosphere—perfect for a casual meal, shared plates, or takeaway. Our favourite dishes are the pad thai, cashew chicken, and crunchy pork belly.
Spirit House
Beautiful Thai restaurant on St Clair Esplanade, serving modern Thai and Asian-fusion cuisine with moody, elegant ambience and panoramic ocean views. Perfect spot to enjoy classics like green curry, pad thai, gari puffs, and money bags.
Salt
Stylish waterfront eatery celebrated for its fresh, flavourful seafood and modern cuisine. Highlights include squid to die for and excellent fried chicken, making it a must-visit spot for casual dining by the water.
Etrusco
Warm, family-run Italian restaurant housed in the historic Savoy building. Menu full of traditional Tuscan favourites — wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, antipasti, and desserts. We recommend the classic carbonara and seafood pizza. Extensive wine list, BYO licensed.
Jizo
Long-standing Japanese restaurant, known for its relaxed, friendly vibe. Menu spans sushi, sashimi, ramen, donburi, with vegan and keto options. Recommended: chicken katsu curry, standard and keto sushi, hot sake or plum wine.
Vault 21
Stylish Asian-fusion restaurant and bar in the Octagon. Menu built around shareable plates and creative twists. We recommend sticky beef wontons and Korean fried chicken. Lively, contemporary vibe.
Arc Brewery
Laid-back craft brewery located about 20 minutes north of Dunedin in Blueskin Bay. Small-batch, family-run, with a cozy taproom and weekend food trucks. Relaxed coastal setting perfect for beer lovers.
Taste of Tandor
Warm, authentic Indian restaurant in central Dunedin. Wide range of curries, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options. Recommended: hot butter chicken or rogan josh with garlic naan.
Maharajas
BYO Indian restaurant in Dunedin North. Cozy, family-friendly, generous portions, and classic flavours. Recommended: hot butter chicken or rogan josh with garlic naan.
Destination Dunedin
- The Great Outdoors
Get out and about to enjoy the fresh air, wildlife and magic that Dunedin has to offer.
St Clair Esplanade
Picturesque coastal promenade with restaurants, cafés, and a historic saltwater pool. Perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy a long walk on the beach, but be warned—the ocean water is extremely cold, so only the brave swim! Excellent surfing and summer lifeguards.
Taiaroa Head
Taiaroa Head is a dramatic, windswept promontory at the tip of the Otago Peninsula, best known as home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. With its steep cliffs, historic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife, it’s a place where raw coastal energy and rich natural heritage converge.
John Wilson Drive
A continuation of the beach south from St Clair Esplanade, this road follows rugged cliffs and coastline, with seabirds and occasional seals. Relatively easy; allow 1–2 hours.
Smails Beach
Smaller than St Clair & St Kilda this is a picturesque beach on the Otago Peninsula. Calm waters, golden sand, ideal for a walk, beachcombing, or picnic. Allow 1–2 hours.
Sandfly Bay
The hint is in the name!
Golden sand, towering dunes, dramatic cliffs. Walking track from car park across dunes. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, and occasional penguins. Allow a couple of hours. Watch out for seals and sea lions—they blend into the landscape!
Tunnel Beach
Stunning coastal spot south of Dunedin with rugged sandstone cliffs, sea arches, and caves. Hand-carved tunnel from 1870s by John Cargill. Walking trail down through the tunnel to the beach. About 2 km return; allow a couple of hours.
Flagstaff Track
Scenic hill track climbing to Flagstaff (668 m). Sweeping views over Dunedin and Otago Harbour. Trail winds through native bush; allow a couple of hours. Continue onto Swampy Summit Track for extended hike.
Baldwin Street
World’s steepest residential street. Fun challenge and photo opportunities. Allow 30–60 minutes.
Orokonui Ecosanctury
307-hectare predator-fenced sanctuary just north of Dunedin. Spot kākā, takahē, tuatara, and Otago skinks. Visitor centre with café and scenic views. Allow half to three-quarters of a day.
Destination - Dunedin City
There's some cool stuff in our little town, grab a take away coffee and have a walk around.
Dunedin Railway Station
Built in 1906, its the city's most photographed building
The Octagon & main street
Have a drink in the lower Octagon or wonder the retail shops down the main street
First Church
Gothic Revival masterpiece with spire and ornate detailing
Otago Early Settlers Museum
From the first Maori inhabitance to European settlement, the gold rush to now
St Paul's
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
Botanic Gardens
Enjoy native birdsong and hillside views as you encounter more than 6800 plant species in Dunedin's beautiful 28 hectare botanic garden