New Zealand|Is Dunedin really worth visiting? To be honest
The answer is: Absolutely worth it, I love it! I’ll come again next time!
When planning the trip,
I was always torn between going to Dunedin or Oamaru.
After checking many guides, opinions were mixed.
But after actually going,
if you're short on time, you can skip Oamaru (though it’s quite unique),
but I’d gladly spend an extra day or two in Dunedin!
Dunedin has stunning coastlines,
delicious Italian restaurants,
is very clean with a high green coverage,
has vintage architecture,
and at the end of the island, you can see little blue penguins.
Also, how can this place have an average of one pet dog per person?
I’m so jealous I could cry.
✅Recommended spots to check out:
📍Sanfly Bay - five stars recommended! (p5-9)
We arrived just as a heavy rain started. I thought I was so unlucky, but magically, after standing for a while, the rain stopped and a double rainbow appeared!! Such an unforgettable surprise from nature! Walk down the trail, with pastures and sheep beside you, and the endless sea in the distance. It’s breathtakingly beautiful!
🥣Long Dog - a breakfast spot loved by locals (p1-3)
The B&B host recommended Long Dog, a café by St Clair Beach with amazing sea views. Locals leisurely drink coffee, read newspapers, and soak up the sun—an ideal life for cows and horses. The sandwiches taste great.
🚉Dunedin Train Station (p11-13)
A very small train station, but vintage and full of character, with beautiful stained glass windows and photogenic platforms. A must-visit spot~
⛪️First Church of Otago (p14)
A towering church with vast green lawns where many people sunbathe. Very beautiful~
In the city, there’s also St Paul’s Cathedral and the Town Hall at Octagon Square. These spots are walkable, and nearby parking is available at the Botanic Garden.
🐧Royal Albatross Centre - the world’s smallest penguin returning home (p16-18)
At the tip of the Otago Peninsula, the coastal drive is stunning. We booked in advance to watch the little penguins return at night. After dark, staff organize viewing at designated spots! The little penguins are very brave and adorable. Watching them, you can’t help but marvel at nature’s wonders! But it’s very windy by the cliffs, so dress warmly~
I highly recommend strolling slowly around Dunedin city; it’s perfect for city walks. Also, set aside a day to visit St Clair Beach and the Otago Peninsula. Plus, fuel here is cheaper than in Queenstown~