Dunedin,NZ Travel Guide: Is Visiting Dunedin Worth It in 2023?

Dunedin, the Scotland of the South Island, after being overwhelmed by one wave of beautiful scenery after another from Tekapo, Wanaka, and Queenstown, I didn’t have too many expectations for Dunedin. But! Dunedin really didn’t disappoint!
🛎️ Larnach Castle
It is the only castle in New Zealand, built in 1871 by banker William Larnach for his first wife, Eliza, with 200 craftsmen taking 15 years to complete.

In 1967, the Barker couple discovered this castle during their honeymoon and bought it for restoration and maintenance; it is now open for visits. The castle has four floors plus a classical garden, and it’s well worth a visit at 45 NZD per person.
🛎️ Sandfly Bay
Four kilometers away from the castle, at Sandfly Bay, we saw a couple of sea lions resting, and there seemed to be three more on the distant beach.

Since it was getting dark and the soft sand made climbing up and down the slopes very tiring, we left after seeing the nearby ones. Those with more time can explore further.
🛎️ Olveston Historic Home
It is a famous historical building in Dunedin, built in 1904, and was once the residence of the Theomin family.

After the last owner, Dorothy, the youngest daughter, passed away in 1966, she donated it to the city government, which then opened it to the public. The historic home is like a small collection museum, displaying valuable oil paintings, furniture, and artworks collected by the owners, as well as many Chinese elements, such as a chair claimed to be from the Qing Dynasty, a jade ruyi related to Lin Zexu, and a Chinese mahjong box.

🛎️ Dunedin Railway Station
It’s great for photos. During the Spring Festival, red lanterns were hung at the Dunedin Railway Station, giving a sense of familiarity as if you haven’t traveled far from home. I took over 20 photos of the larkspur at the entrance; they are really beautiful.

In summary, Dunedin is worth spending a day exploring the city, admiring the Scottish-style architecture, and visiting Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world.

But! It’s difficult to see the penguins returning to their nests at the Royal Albatross Centre and the Little Blue Penguin Colony. I thought I could book on the same day, but they are booked until February 14th [crying emoji].