🚢Cruise Port Guide to Dunedin, New Zealand
Welcome to Dunedin!
Table of Contents:
* Dunedin Information
* Dunedin Weather
* Dunedin Cruise Terminals
* How to Get to Dunedin from Dunedin Cruise Port
* Best Dunedin Tours from the Cruise Port
* What to See and Do in Dunedin
* Iconic Dunedin Experiences for First-Time Visitors
* Dunedin for Nature Lovers
* Dunedin's Best Art Galleries and Museums
* Best Gardens to Visit in Dunedin
* Fun Things to Do in Dunedin with Kids
* Popular Day trips
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Dunedin
* Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Dunedin
Dunedin Information
Dunedin's Māori Name:
Dunedin's Māori name is Ōtepoti (pronounced Oh-teh-poh-tee), meaning "place of steep ridges."
Population:
Dunedin's population is approx 130,000. Around 20% of the city's population are students, with around 25,000 attending the University of Otago alone.
History:
Dunedin was founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers, and its name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. The city grew rapidly due to the gold rush of the 1860s, becoming a major port and commercial centre with a boom in construction and institutions and become one of New Zealand's wealthiest cities. Today, Dunedin is known for its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture, reflecting its rich historical heritage.
Geography:
Located on the southeastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Dunedin is nestled around a long, natural harbour and surrounded by rugged hills and volcanic formations.
Currency:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Most places accept credit cards.
Language:
English is the primary language in New Zealand, but Māori is also an official language, and you'll encounter plenty of Māori place names and cultural references throughout the city.
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) and observes daylight saving time.
Emergency Services:
The emergency services number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Tipping:
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but appreciated for exceptional service.
Dunedin Weather
Summer temperatures in Dunedin are relatively cool compared to other New Zealand cities, often ranging between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
The city is known for its rapidly changing weather, often experiencing four seasons in a single day due to its coastal location and varied topography.
Despite its reputation for variable weather, Dunedin enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, especially during the summer months, with around 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
Dunedin Cruise Terminals
The majority of cruise ships berth at Port Chalmers, which is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) northeast of the city centre. Smaller ships may berth right in the heart of Dunedin.
How to Get to Dunedin from the Cruise Port
* Shuttle from Dunedin Port
The shuttle buses from Port Chalmers to Dunedin city centre are typically not free, and the cost can vary depending on the cruise line. The shuttle service from the cruise dock at Port Chalmers to Dunedin city centre takes about 20-30 minutes.
* Uber and Taxis
Kiwi Cabs taxis (approx. $50 each way) or Uber are the best options.
https://kiwicabs.nz/
* Bus Transport - Bus #14
A cheaper option is to take Bus Route 14 from Port Chalmers to the centre of Dunedin. View the timetables here. If you want to use the bus to get around Dunedin, you need to pay the fare in cash or with a Bee Card.
Tours from the Cruise Port
When you dock in Dunedin, you are 20 minutes from Dunedin City Centre so booking a cruise excursion directly from the port will save you time and be the most convenient way to get around, especially if you want to get out on the water and view the wildlife.
What to See and Do in Dunedin
Start by strolling around the Octagon itself, which is the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It’s surrounded by historic buildings, public art, and lively cafes.
* Dunedin Railway Station
Dunedin's iconic Railway Station, opened in 1906 and was once the busiest railway hub in the country. Inside the station, you’ll find a large mosaic mural depicting the Otago region’s natural beauty. This is also where the Taieri Gorge tourist train departs.
* The Octagon
The Octagon is named for its eight-sided shape, which is quite unusual for public squares. Surrounding it are several historic buildings, including the Dunedin Public Library and the Municipal Chambers and where you’ll also find the statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns, who was the uncle of the city's founder.
* St Paul’s Cathedral
Construction of the St Paul’s Cathedral began in 1915 and was completed in 1925. It has one of the largest grand organs in New Zealand, with over 3,000 pipes!
* George Street
George Street runs parallel to The Octagon and is one of Dunedin's oldest streets. The street is lined with a mix of historic and modern buildings, and a vibrant area with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
* Queens Gardens
If you're walking from The Octagon to the Warehouse Precinct, you will pass by Queens Gardens, established in 1863 andone of the oldest public gardens in Dunedin
* Warehouse Precinct
The Warehouse Precinct features a collection of historic warehouse buildings and early 20th-century architecture. The precinct is a hub for art and culture, with galleries, studios, and street art.
Iconic Dunedin Experiences for First-Time Visitors
* Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle, built in 1871. The castle is set on a 35-acre estate that includes beautifully landscaped gardens, a historic ballroom, and impressive views of the surrounding countryside.
* Baldwin Street
Baldwin Street is known as the world's steepest residential street, with a gradient of 35 degrees. It's a bit of a challenging climb to the top and there is a water fountain at the top.
* Speight's Brewery Tour
The Speight's Brewery Tour offers a glimpse into the brewing process of one of New Zealand's most famous beers that was founded in 1876. The tour includes tastings of their signature beers.
Dunedin for Nature Lovers
* Penguin Place Conservation Reserve
This is a private conservation effort focused on the protection and rehabilitation of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho). Penguin Place offers guided tours where visitors can observe these penguins in their natural habitat and learn about their conservation efforts.
* Royal Albatross Centre
The Royal Albatross Centre is the world's only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross and is dedicated to the conservation of the albatross species.
Art Galleries and Museums
* Dunedin Public Art Gallery
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of New Zealand's oldest public art galleries, founded in 1884. It holds over 7,000 artworks, including significant collections of New Zealand and international art, and has frequent special exhibitions. Entry is free.
* Otago Museum
The Otago Museum in Dunedin, housed in a historic building with a glass dome, features over 8 million items, including a tropical butterfly house, a planetarium, and interactive exhibits on natural history and Māori culture. Free general admission, with some special exhibitions having a fee.
* Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a regional history museum that tells the story of Dunedin’s early settlers and includes a replica of a historic settlers' cottage. Entry is free.
* Dunedin Street Art Trail
The Dunedin Street Art Trail features over 30 large-scale murals created by both local and international artists. The artworks are primarily located in the city's central area, stretching across the Warehouse Precinct, the Octagon, and the surrounding streets.
* Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin was built between 1904 and 1906 for the wealthy Theomin family and remains fully furnished with its original art and antiques. The home showcases 35 rooms, including a grand ballroom, and offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century lifestyle of Dunedin's elite.
* Museum of Natural Mystery
The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery is a quirky museum showcasing a collection of rare and odd items, including taxidermy specimens and exhibits often described as "mysterious"!
The Best Gardens to Visit in Dunedin
* Dunedin Botanic Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Gardens, New Zealand's oldest, were established in 1863 and span 30 hectares. The gardens include a diverse range of plant collections, aviaries, and a stunning Rhododendron Dell. There are a variety of scenic walking trails, ranging from easy strolls through to more challenging paths that take you up to viewpoints overlooking the city.
* Lan Yuan Chinese Gardens
Lan Yuan Chinese Gardens in Dunedin is an authentic Chinese garden built in partnership with Dunedin's sister city, Shanghai. The garden features traditional Chinese architecture, koi ponds, and over 1,000 tonnes of rock shipped from China.
Fun Things to Do in Dunedin with Kids
* Dunedin Gardens Playground
The current playground has been removed with a new range of structures for both younger and older children expected to be open in time for the 2024/25 cruise season.
* St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool
The St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool sits on the rocks at the end of the beach. It opened 1884, heating was added in the 1960s.
* St Clair Playground
St Clair small playground is a fun spot near the beach with plenty of play equipment and nearby facilities for convenience.
Popular Day Trips
* St Clair Beach
St Clair beach is just a 15-minute bus ride from Dunedin's Octagon. It's a long stretch of white sand and is popular for swimming and surfing with surf patrols during the summer. Cafes and bars line the Esplanade.
* Taieri Gorge Railway
The Taieri Gorge Railway line is over 100 years old and features some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes as the train journeys through the stunning Taieri Gorge, much of which can't be seen from the road.
Other Useful Information
* Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre
There is also a i-SITE container at the wharf.
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Dunedin
Dunedin has one gigabit per second (1Gbps) broadband services rolling out across the city.
Some of these locations are:
* The Octagon * Dunedin Railway Station* Dunedin City Library* Toitu Otago Settlers Museum* Lan Yuan Chinese Gardens* Port Chalmers Library* Dunedin Botanical Gardens* St Clair* Dunedin Public Art Gallery
* Markets on Cruise Ship Days
During October to April, you'll find markets at the Port Chalmers Town Hall. I believe they take foreign currencies too.
* Supermarket and Grocery Store
This Four Square is close to the port in Port Chalmers.
Was this guide helpful?
Hopefully, this guide saves you hours of planning and helps you make the most of your visit to Dunedin!
If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out.
Happy cruising to Dunedin!
Anna @ New Zealand Cruises
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