Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Dunedin?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Dunedin?

Many visitors spend one to three days in Dunedin during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the nightlife, the many shops, and the beaches.

Dunedin is a charming city that has both Scottish and Maori history. There's also a large student population and many outdoor parks, trails, and wildlife areas. It's a relaxed town with some interesting sights and experiences.

Do you have one or two days to visit Dunedin? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Dunedin?

With only one day, you might feel a bit pressed for time when exploring the main attractions. After all, Dunedin is a fun city that is somewhat popular with tourists because of its great list of sights and attractions. To fully embrace Dunedin, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to allocate one to three days to browse the museums, take advantage of the local nightlife, browse the shops, and relax at the beach. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.

How to spend a day in Dunedin

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Dunedin a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

Castle, Coast & City Small Group Tour (8 pax max) ($122)
Cruise Dunedin City and Castle Tour ($113)
Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle ($97)

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. 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.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Dunedin?

A weekend offers a good amount of time to enjoy much of what Dunedin has for visitors. In addition to the museums and landmarks and nightlife, visitors can enjoy the beaches, hiking, and food. By staying a night or two, you'll be able to take advantage of the most interesting activities found here.

Dunedin Train Station, Dunedin, New Zealand

How to spend 2 days in Dunedin

With a weekend (two to three days) in Dunedin, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Shopping in Dunedin is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.

Public transit in Dunedin is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Dunedin, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.