Discover Dunedin: Your Ultimate Guide to Free and Easy Travel in New Zealand

Starting from Christchurch, we made our way through Oamaru to catch a glimpse of the penguins. Unfortunately, the experience was rather underwhelming; the darkness and the strict no-noise policy made it difficult to fully appreciate the few penguins that were present. Given the limited number of penguins and the town’s overall decline, it might not be worth a dedicated trip. After 5 PM, the streets are nearly deserted, adding to the sense of desolation.

As we drove towards Dunedin at night, we were captivated by the breathtaking display of stars in the sky. We quickly found a hill, parked, and turned off the engine. The starry sky, which I had only read about in my childhood textbooks and missed in Tekapo, finally revealed itself on the last night of our self-driving adventure.

The Milky Way was clearly visible, surrounded by complete darkness, and in that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of human insignificance. It was truly awe-inspiring, and I had never seen such a vast array of stars with my naked eye before.

Photos 3-6: The Milky Way, visible to the naked eye, with the surrounding darkness enhancing its brilliance. It was a humbling and unforgettable experience, leaving me in awe of the universe’s grandeur.

Photos 7-8: Baldwin Street, known for holding the Guinness World Record for the steepest street, was a thrilling challenge. As we drove up, reaching two-thirds of the way, the steep incline was genuinely nerve-wracking. If you don’t keep your foot firmly on the gas, you feel like you might roll back down. This is a must-try experience if you visit Dunedin, offering both excitement and a unique record-breaking sight.

Photos 9-12: Tunnel Beach, a one-hour round trip hike, is a hidden gem. With free parking and access, the journey to the beach is as beautiful as the destination. After passing through a short tunnel, you emerge onto a stunning beach below. The scenic walk and the picturesque beach make it a must-visit spot in Dunedin.

Photos 13-18: The charming streets of Dunedin are perfect for a leisurely two-day exploration. Renting a bicycle to discover the city is a delightful and relaxing way to see the sights. I highly recommend it for a laid-back and enjoyable trip.

Equipment: A7C + 24-70gm2, A7M4 + 720gm2

The only minor regret was not bringing a drone, as capturing the beauty from above would have been incredible. However, flying a drone here requires a prior application, which can be quite cumbersome, and getting caught without permission can lead to complications.