Dunedin is a quiet, scenic little town on the east coast of the south island of New Zealand. Settled by Scots, Dunedin boasts lovely Victorian and Gothic architecture and its town square, known as the Octagon, is a hive of fashionable restaurants, shops and bars. Dunedin is also known as New Zealand’s hippest college town, with the University of Otago seeing more than 20,000 students enrolled from all over New Zealand, Australia and the rest of the world.
The Octagon
So named for its 8-sided shape, the Octagon is Dunedin’s main town square and the bustling center of Dunedin life. 
Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon in a cute cafe, a shop selling famous New Zealand wool, a wine bar or even an evening of theatre, the Octagon is likely where you’ll find activities in Dunedin. Be sure to get a look at the statue of famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, which sits proudly in the Octagon.
University of Otago
Founded in 1871, the University of Otago is the oldest college in New Zealand and contributes about one-tenth of the city’s entire population in students and faculty. Its lovely Queen Anne Style British Baroque architecture nods to the founding Scots who, with gritty determination, erected the oldest series of buildings on campus, known as the Clocktower Complex. On campus here, you can also visit the impressive Otago Museum, which boasts a stellar collection of New Zealand artifacts.
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
The lush landscape of New Zealand’s south island is captured here, in the Dunedin Botanic Gardens – a 50-hectare facility in the northern end of the city. Several themed gardens here include a rose garden, azalea garden, an alpine house and a winter garden glasshouse built in the iconic Edwardian style. The popular aviary here is full of rare species of New Zealand birds and makes for a delightful afternoon among the local flora and fauna.
Baldwin Street
Billed as the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street rises at a 35% grade (1 meter in elevation for every 2.86 meters forward). The street is the subject of much pride for Dunedinites and is the site of many a hilarious festival, where crazy cyclists, runners and even unicyclists attempt to beat the street at its own game. Take the harrowing walk up and enjoy delicious view of the entire city from the top.
Tunnel Beach
Dunedin has a multitude of spectacular beaches, but Tunnel Beach is one of its more unique coastal areas. In order to reach the beach, which is located in southeast Dunedin, you must use a hiking track that crosses through private farmland and then pass through a spooky tunnel that leads to the beach. Plenty of legends exist about the tunnel – one such says that the old farmer that once owned the land had the tunnel carved out so that his daughter could reach the beach, only to have her drown once she did.
