Travel Budget for Dunedin Visit Dunedin on a Budget or Travel in Style

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

Dunedin is a hilly city known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Dunedin and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Dunedin?

You should plan to spend around $126 (NZ$207) per day on your vacation in Dunedin. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $51 (NZ$83) on meals
  • $28 (NZ$46) on local transportation
  • $105 (NZ$173) on hotels

A one week trip to Dunedin for two people costs, on average, $1,760 (NZ$2,898). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $126
    NZ$207
  • One Week Per person
    $880
    NZ$1,449
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,760
    NZ$2,898
  • One Month Per person
    $3,771
    NZ$6,210
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,760
    NZ$2,898
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,519
    NZ$5,796
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,542
    NZ$12,420
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dunedin cost?

A one week trip to Dunedin usually costs around $880 (NZ$1,449) for one person and $1,760 (NZ$2,898) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Dunedin on average costs around $1,760 (NZ$2,898) for one person and $3,519 (NZ$5,796) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dunedin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Dunedin on average costs around $3,771 (NZ$6,210) for one person and $7,542 (NZ$12,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Dunedin expensive to visit?

Dunedin is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Dunedin can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $55 (NZ$91) per day, mid-range travelers spend $126 (NZ$207) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $258 (NZ$425) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dunedin.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Dunedin is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dunedin Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Dunedin?

The average Dunedin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dunedin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dunedin cost?

Dunedin on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$23
(NZ$37)
$53
(NZ$87)
$108
(NZ$178)
Local Transportation 1 $11
(NZ$19)
$28
(NZ$46)
$67
(NZ$110)
Food 2 $22
(NZ$36)
$51
(NZ$83)
$103
(NZ$169)
Entertainment 1 $7
(NZ$12)
$17
(NZ$29)
$37
(NZ$61)
Alcohol 2 $3-9
(NZ$5-15)
$7-22
(NZ$12-36)
$14-42
(NZ$23-69)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Dunedin on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $55 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Dunedin, including On Top Backpackers, Chalet Backpackers, and UpTown Backpackers. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most tourists in Dunedin are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $126 per person, per day.

The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Dunedin is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Motel On York is a solid choice for families, while Wains Hotel Dunedin also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Dunedin here.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $258 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Dunedin Intl Airport to Dunedin - Arrival Private Transfer - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Dunedin

The cost of hotels in Dunedin can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $94, but peak season (summer or fall) average prices jump to $175. Overall, prices range from $70 to $274. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Dunedin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $105 (NZ$173). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $53 (NZ$87) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $53
    NZ$87
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $105
    NZ$173

Hotels in Dunedin

Looking for a hotel in Dunedin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Dunedin

The average hotel room price in Dunedin based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $94 in the low season and $175 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dunedin include:

  • Amross Motel starting at $92
  • Aurora on George starting at $123
  • Adrian Motel starting at $99
  • Dunedin Motel and Villas starting at $97
  • Motel On York starting at $95
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Dunedin

If you want to save on accommodation in Dunedin, it has a good public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.

As a family-friendly city, Dunedin is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.

If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer or fall, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.

Lots of people prefer to explore Dunedin on foot, so consider booking a central location. Just keep in mind that this can often be pricier.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Dunedin

Public transit in Dunedin is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.

Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $28 (NZ$46) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dunedin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dunedin is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $28
    NZ$46

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Dunedin to Dunedin Int Airport (DUD) - Departure Private Transfer for $37 details
  • Dunedin Intl Airport (DUN) to Dunedin - Arrival Private Transfer for $37 details
  • Private Transfer from Chalmers Port to Dunedin Airport (DUD) for $44 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Dunedin
How much does it cost to go to Dunedin? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Dunedin
The price of renting a car in Dunedin will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Dunedin

The food in Dunedin is enjoyable, but not enough to draw tourists specifically for the restaurants. Be sure to seek out a few standout restaurants in the city. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Dunedin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dunedin is $51 (NZ$83) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $51
    NZ$83

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dunedin is around $51 (NZ$83) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $103. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Dunedin are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $15
  • Lunch: $8 to $20
  • Dinner: $15 to $35
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $8

You can find so many different kinds of food ranging from fast food to high class, five-star restaurants. If you are looking for a classic New Zealand fish and chips shop while you are in Dunedin, head over to Mei Wah. It is very reasonably priced and too tasty to be true. They also serve delicious Chinese food there. George Street has tons of options as well, just walk down the street and there will definitely be something that catches your eye. Caper's Cafe is a delicious place for breakfast or lunch; their French toast is to die for.

There is a farmers market on Saturdays at the Railway Station where you can try some Kiwi favorites like bacon butties, Whitebait fritters, and crepes. Etrusco is a great mid-range Italian restaurant no far from the city center.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dunedin

The appeal of Dunedin is evident, thanks to its museums and attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dunedin typically cost an average of $17 (NZ$29) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $17
    NZ$29

There are tons of things to see while visiting Dunedin. For all you chocolate lovers, be sure to check out Cadbury World. This chocolate factory is a must see as it teaches about the history of Cadbury, allows you to see chocolate being made, and of course, try the delicious chocolate at the end of the museum tour. After seeing how the chocolate is made, you could head over to the Speights Brewery and see how the local beer is made as well. At the end of the tour you have an hour to drink all you want (and can) of all the different types of Speights beer they make, from lagers to ales to ciders.

The Octagon, which is the city center, is a unique place to see. It is shaped as, believe it or not, an octagon and has tons of restaurants, bars, and shops. Near the city center is the Old Railway Station, where you can see true Victorian architecture. As mentioned before, Dunedin is a university town, so be sure to stroll through the campus, as there are beautiful buildings throughout, especially the clock tower.

For those interested in Rugby and Football (soccer), you will want to go see the futuristic Forsyth Barr Stadium that was opened in 2011. The stadium is fully enclosed, however, the roof is transparent which allows real grass to grow on the field.

Lastly, walk through the Dunedin Botanical Gardens, which span over 123 acres at the northern end of the city. There is an aviary in the gardens with tons of tropical birds, a large fountain with a marble pool, and tons of exotic plants all over.



Take a walk up Baldwin Street, which is the steepest street in the world. If you happen to be there during the annual chocolate festival (in the summer), you can witness over 15,000 chocolate-coated sweets being rolled down Baldwin Street. If you're up to it, you can also participate in the Baldwin Street Gutbuster, which takes place during the summer, and run up and then back down the world's steepest street.

There are a lot of hiking trails around Dunedin. Signal Hill, Mt. Cargill, and Nichols Falls are just a few. These are also great mountain biking trails for all you cyclists. The Taeri Gorge Scenic Railway ride is a great leisurely activity. Simply hop on the train and enjoy the beautiful views of central Otago.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in DunedinDunedin is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Shopping:
Shopping in DunedinShopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

A nice way to explore destinations in Dunedin is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide for $153 details
  • A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour for $67 details
  • Dunedin Adventure: Family Heritage & Nature Walk for $176 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Dunedin

In Dunedin, the nightlife buzzes with energy, and visitors love to spend their evenings enjoying the local bars, clubs, and parties. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $14 (NZ$24) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dunedin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $14
    NZ$24

Nightlife in Dunedin

Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Dunedin. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Speight's Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting for $27 details
  • Emerson's Brewery Tour for $24 details
  • Speight's Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting for $28 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Dunedin

  • In summer or fall, prices tend to soar, and the city gets pretty packed. If you want to save money and enjoy a quieter experience, plan your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Taking it easy while traveling can help you save some cash, letting you appreciate the area's beauty without the stress. If you rush through your days with nonstop activities, you'll end up spending more. Slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable trip and less money spent.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
Traveling in Dunedin
Dunedin Dunedin Train Station, Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin is the second largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the southeast coast and is largely Scottish in its heritage. It is part of the Otago region and has mild temperatures during the spring and summer, but extremely cold temperatures during the end of fall and winter. Dunedin is a university town; The University of Otago is the oldest in New Zealand, established in 1869. The students make up over a tenth of the entire city's population.



Neighborhoods & Around

There are so many places around and outside of the city that are truly incredible. The Otago Peninsula as a whole is a beautiful place to explore; the whole coastline is very scenic with hidden beaches throughout. If you drive far enough on the western coast of the peninsula (about an hour), you can visit the Royal Albatross Colony, which is the only mainland nesting site in the entire world. Albatross are mainly seen during the summer months; however, if you happen to be visiting during the winter it is likely that you will see other types of wildlife. You can drive or take a bus to the colony.

There are tons of beaches around Dunedin that are less than 25 minutes away by car. Tunnel beach is probably the top beach that you will want to visit. You have to walk through farmland, which brings you atop massive cliffs over the ocean. There is access to get you down to the beach as well. Long Beach is another amazing beach to visit (and even camp at). There is a massive cave at one end of the beach where you can stay overnight, just know that it is usually inhabited by large groups of students during the weekends. Sandfly Bay is full of sand dunes, seals, and sometimes even penguins! Aramoana Beach has beautiful views and is also great for rock climbers. The Moeraki Boulders are a bit further out, but definitely worth visiting. The boulders are perfectly round and make for a great place to get some pictures standing on top of the rocks!

The Catlins are an area about two hours outside of Dunedin. Here you can hike through the lush forest, visit waterfalls, surf, mountain bike, camp, and much more. The Catlins are often overlooked by tourists, therefore, giving it a "hidden gem" feel.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.