Discover the Hidden Gems of Dunedin, New Zealand: A Must-Visit City Adventure
There are some cities that you just inexplicably fall in love with the moment you arrive, and Dunedin is one of them 🌊
Reflecting on the reasons, it might be the serene moments spent watching the sea under the warm sun, or perhaps the British-style architecture that perfectly complemented my trench coat. It could also be the bittersweet feeling of reluctance as I prepared to leave New Zealand.
Dunedin, the second-largest city on the South Island, often referred to as the Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere, is a charming blend of coastal beauty and British influence. It’s also a sister city of Shanghai. The streets are alive with vibrant street art, seamlessly integrating New Zealand’s rich culture into everyday life.
The leisurely pace from 10 AM to 5 PM meant I often missed store opening hours, so I found myself doing a lot of window shopping. Instead, I spent more time sipping coffee and chatting with friends, and gazing at the endless sea. By the seaside, adults were bundled up warmly, while children, undeterred by the cold, ran around in shorts. Dogs frolicked freely on the beach, unencumbered by the constraints of the city.
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📷 Worth a visit
Guinness World Record for the steepest street: 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭
At 350 meters long with a 35% gradient, challenge your companions to a morning climb race. The panoramic view from the top is simply breathtaking.
Scottish-style vintage train station: 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
A Flemish Renaissance masterpiece, this luxurious and elegant station boasts a main platform stretching over one kilometer, the longest in New Zealand. A must-visit for train enthusiasts and lovers of vintage architecture.
New Zealand’s first university: 𝐎𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬
Stroll through the campus in spring, where magnolias bloom in full splendor and mallards play in the water. Find a spot under a tree to read and relive the idyllic campus life.
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🍴 Worth a taste
Brewery with excellent stout: Speights Brewery Tour
Savor the rich flavors of their famous stout and take a behind-the-scenes tour.
Chinese restaurant to soothe a Chinese stomach: Golden Harvest Restaurant (Jinhé Gé)
Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine that will make you feel right at home.
Italian restaurant with a sea view: Esplanade
Indulge in delicious Italian dishes while enjoying a stunning ocean vista.
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🌊 Close to nature
Surfing beach: St Clair Beach
Catch the perfect wave at this popular surfing spot.
Cliffside coastal trail: Tunnel Beach
Explore the rugged beauty of the coastline along this scenic trail.
See little blue penguins and seals: Sandfly Bay
Get up close and personal with these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
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After bidding farewell to Dunedin, I look forward to sharing the healing scenery I encountered along the way next time.
See you then 👋
