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Planning a trip to Dunedin and looking for some fun day trips?
Well, look no further, because I’ve got you covered! I’ve lived on New Zealand’s South Island since 2018, and Dunedin is one of my favorite cities in New Zealand. I love exploring this severely underrated city, but one of the main reasons that I love it here is because it’s a perfect base for day trips to some of the South Island’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations.
So if you’re ready to get off the tourist trail and check out the South Island’s lesser-known landscapes and wildlife, then stay tuned. I’ve got the 10 best day trips from Dunedin right here!
1. Otago Peninsula
- Distance from Dunedin: 17 kilometers/10.5 miles
- Time needed: 4 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 10/10
The Otago Peninsula is a must for nature lovers like myself! With its rugged scenery and abundant wildlife, I fell in love with this place instantly, and I’ll bet that you will, too. There’s so much to see here, from the albatross colony to the herds of seals and sea lions lazing on the beaches, as well as little blue penguins.
I could go on about what to see at the Otago Peninsula for days, but I recommend visiting the Royal Albatross Center at Taiaroa Head, which is actually the only albatross colony in the world that can be found on the mainland! Pilots Beach is a must to see the Little Blue Penguins. Meanwhile, the Penguin Place Reserve and Allans Beach are great places to spot yellow-eyed penguins. I also saw tons of sea lions and seals at the latter!
If you want to visit the Otago Peninsula by yourself, you’ll need a car to get around. It takes about 25 minutes to drive there from the city center, but you’re looking at the best part of an hour to get all the way to Taiaroa Head at the very end of the peninsula. The journey here is very scenic, especially the section across Highcliff Road, but the roads are often winding and narrow, so do take care.
Alternatively, I think that this small group guided tour from Dunedin is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to drive. It’s run by a local family who are deeply involved in conservation work on the island, and their passion really shines through. The experience begins with an island tour and a visit to two secret viewpoints to glimpse fur seals and sea birds, including albatrosses. Then you get a tour of the private conservation area that the family owns, which means visiting vital breeding grounds for yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions!
This is one of the coolest wildlife tours that I have ever come across. I think it’s totally worth the $175 NZD price tag, as this includes transport, use of binoculars and waterproof jackets, and access to a part of the Otago Peninsula that very few others get to see! It’s definitely my top choice for tours around the Otago Peninsula.
Book this highly-rated wildlife tour to the Otago Peninsula here!
2. Larnach Castle
- Distance from Dunedin: 13 kilometers/8 miles
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 8/10
I love visiting Larnach Castle, not just because it’s beautiful, but also because it’s a ton of fun to discover the scandalous history of the Larnach family who once owned it!
It was initially built as a love letter by William Larnarch for his first wife, Eliza, and now it’s one of the top historic sites to visit in all of New Zealand. So yeah, I’d say it’s a must-visit while you’re in town!
This lavish castle has been lovingly restored to its former glory and boasts 43 bedrooms and stunning gardens, so there’s plenty to see. If you’re visiting by yourself, then it only takes about 20 minutes to drive here, and since this place is popular, I would recommend pre-booking these skip-the-line tickets for $45 NZD. It doesn’t cost any extra to pre-book and you also get an audio tour as a bonus, so it’s a win-win if you ask me.
However, if you don’t plan on renting a car, then I highly recommend this full day tour instead. It includes a guided tour of Larnach Castle and the itinerary also ticks off other must-visit sites around the city like the University of Otago, the botanic gardens, Baldwin Street, and the Dunedin Railway Station. You get to see a ton, and all of the driving is done for you! I also think this is ideal for those short on time in Dunedin, and the $179 NZD price tag is good since that also covers your entry to the castle.
Book skip-the-line tickets here or opt for this full-day tour instead!
Related Read: If you’re starting in Queenstown, check out my guide on getting from Queenstown to Dunedin!
3. Moeraki Boulders
- Distance from Dunedin: 76 kilometers/47 miles
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 8/10
The Moeraki Boulders are one of the most iconic natural attractions on the South Island. Since they’re only an hour’s drive from Dunedin, you really can’t miss the chance to visit them while you’re here. And if you end up driving between Dunedin and Christchurch, then this is one of the best stops to make along the way.
I wasn’t sure what would be so great about a few boulders scattered along a beach, but these aren’t just a couple of rocks we’re talking about! There are around 50 almost perfectly spherical boulders scattered on the beach. It really looks like someone deliberately put them there, but nope, they’re all natural. They’re old, too, as they originally started to form over 65 million years ago!
It takes about an hour to drive from Dunedin to the Moeraki Boulders, and my advice would be to go at either sunrise or sunset for a truly spectacular experience. I think sunrise is the best time if you can stomach the early start, as there will be fewer people around, which is perfect for photos!
As for parking, I parked at the cafe across the road from the boulders and accessed the beach there, for a small fee. Alternatively, you can park at the DOC lot nearby and get to the beach that way instead. There’s a suggested donation of $2 NZD, but this is totally optional.
4. Nugget Point
- Distance from Dunedin: 109 kilometers/68 miles
- Time needed: 5 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 10/10
Nugget Point is a dramatic landform on the Catlins Coast. With its historic lighthouse and surrounding rocky islets, it’s certainly photogenic, and it’s also a fantastic place to spot NZ fur seals, and even penguins if you’re lucky!
It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Dunedin to Nugget Point. I recommend stopping to enjoy the sandy beaches and dramatic coastal views at Kaka Point on the way there, and to grab an ice cream or coffee from the cute little village.
Then, once you arrive, it’s only a short walk to the lighthouse. Do take care, though, as it gets very windy around here. I strongly advise you to bring some layers with you, as you’re probably going to need them.
The lighthouse itself is one of the oldest in the country, and it offers fantastic views. When I looked down at the rocks below, I could see tons of fur seals, and the ocean views were magnificent. I recommend bringing some binoculars, as it’s also possible to spot lots of seabirds here, and even dolphins frolicking in the distance!
5. Otago Harbour
- Distance from Dunedin: 15 kilometers/9 miles
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Car required: No
- Rating: 9/10
I’ve already talked about the gorgeous Otago Peninsula, but the harbor is a different kettle of fish. It’s a natural harbor that separates the peninsula from the mainland, and to explore properly, you’ll need to take a boat trip!
And trust me, it’s worth your while to do so because this is an excellent opportunity to spot tons of wildlife, from sea lions and penguins to dolphins and even occasionally orcas and humpback whales. How cool is that?
My top choice for an Otago Harbour cruise is this small group wildlife cruise, which lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours. The $170 NZD price tag includes pickup from either Portobello or Port Chalmers, so you can either drive yourself to one of the two or take a bus from Dunedin.
Our captain and guide, Rachel, was so friendly and taught us a ton about the marine animals that call the harbor home. I also enjoyed complimentary use of the binoculars and got to see albatrosses, black swans, and even a cute little blue penguin! Warm, waterproof jackets were provided free of charge, too, which I was very grateful for as it gets windy out on the water.
Read all the 5-star reviews and book this cruise here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
6. Oamaru
- Distance from Dunedin: 113 kilometers/70 miles
- Time needed: 8 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 7/10
Oamaru is known for its penguin colonies, Victorian architecture, and general quirkiness. Well, I say known, but I actually think Oamaru is a bit underrated among visitors to the South Island. So my advice would be to visit before everyone starts to realize just how great it is!
I think that visiting the little blue penguin colony is a must while you’re here. It’s only a 5-minute drive from the center of town. You can take a tour of the sanctuary during the day for $20 NZD but to guarantee that you get to see them, I recommend getting grandstand tickets for $43 NZD and watching the penguins waddle home across the beach at sunset.
I also love exploring the public gardens here and wandering around the astoundingly well-preserved Victorian Precinct. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy dose of Oamaru’s aforementioned quirkiness – from traveling back to Victorian times with a tour of Whitestone City or paying a visit to Steampunk HQ. This is a must for sci-fi fans, as it uses art and lighting installations to create a parallel version of Victorian England. It’s so much fun to check out!
It took me about 1.5 hours to drive from Dunedin to Oamaru, and I’d say you’ll want to spend at least 5 hours there – maybe more! On the way there, I recommend stopping at Kātiki Point to try to spot the yellow-crested penguins. Then, on the way back to Dunedin, I like to reward myself with a pint at Arc Brewing Co., which is just 20 minutes outside of the city.
7. The Catlins
- Distance from Dunedin: 155 kilometers/96 miles
- Time needed: 10 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 10/10
The Catlins is the perfect South Island destination for those who truly want to get away from it all and immerse themselves in nature. It’s pretty much as far south as you can get on New Zealand’s mainland, and I absolutely love this wild area.
Hardly anyone lives here and it’s teeming with gorgeous walking and hiking routes, amazing wildlife, and pretty waterfalls. What are you waiting for?
I actually think that the Catlins is an ideal road trip destination for those with camper vans, but it works as a day trip from Dunedin, too. It takes about 2 hours to drive here, but trust me, it’s well worth it.
There’s so much to see in the Catlins that I have a full guide to check out, but I’ll quickly share some of my top recommendations. I personally love visiting the Cathedral Caves at low tide – just make sure to check the tide times!
Meanwhile, the Purakaunui Falls Walk is a must. It’s a flat and easy 10-minute walk each way, and it leads to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire country. In fact, chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do in the Catlins. McLean Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the unusual Koropuku Falls are among my favorites.
I also consider Curio Bay to be a must-visit! Here, you’ll find a petrified forest that’s over 170 million years old, and I recommend doing the Penguin Walk at dusk, as this is a fantastic way to spot both yellow-eyed penguins and dolphins.
Related Read: Need help planning your trip? I have customized 1-week South Island itineraries full of ideas!
8. Elephant Rocks
- Distance from Dunedin: 141 kilometers/88 miles
- Time needed: 6 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 6/10
Elephant Rocks is one of the South Island’s craziest rock formations – and yes, that’s saying something!
These giant limestone rocks resemble gigantic elephants grazing in the fields, and it’s so much fun to climb on them to snap some eye-catching Instagram pics. It was also really quiet when I visited, so this is another excellent place for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the South Island’s tranquility and charm.
It’s also a great place to visit for Narnia fans, as scenes from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe were filmed here.
I spent the best part of an hour checking out the area and clambering up the rocks. I would recommend wearing activewear or at least clothing you can comfortably move around in! The rocks are about a 2-hour drive from Dunedin, so I say bring a picnic and make a day of it. Just be aware that the rocks are on private land and there will be livestock roaming around, so be respectful.
Oamaru is also just a 35-minute drive from here, so you could always combine the two. I also like to stop for coffee at The Outpost in Waikouaiti on the way.
9. Roaring Bay Penguins & Seals Observatory
- Distance from Dunedin: 109 kilometers/68 miles
- Time needed: 6 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 9/10
If you’re keen to see wildlife while in Dunedin, a day trip to the Roaring Bay Penguins and Seals Observatory might be worth your while. It’s close to the Nugget Point Lighthouse I mentioned earlier and offers beautiful coastal views as well as the chance to see yellow-eyed penguins (which are super rare, just FYI!).
It took me about 1.5 hours to drive here from Dunedin. I parked up by the lighthouse and then walked to the observatory, which took about 15 minutes. The designated viewing area is absolutely beautiful although, unfortunately, there’s no guarantee of seeing penguins!
If you want to maximize your chances, then it’s best to go at dawn or dusk, when the penguins are on the move. However, I came at dusk and waited for two hours, but didn’t see a single penguin, so there are no guarantees. But hey, that’s nature for you, and it could be worth chilling out at this beautiful spot for a while if it means you get to see the rarest penguins in the world!
Plus, I did get to see tons of NZ fur seals, which is always cool, although this is far from the only place to see them. They’re everywhere! But nonetheless, it was still fun to grab my binoculars and watch them hanging out on the rocks.
10. Katiki Point Lighthouse
- Distance from Dunedin: 80 kilometers/50 miles
- Time needed: 4 hours
- Car required: Yes
- Rating: 8/10
Last but not least, another unusual day trip from Dunedin is the Katiki Point Lighthouse! It was completed in 1878 and restored in 2006, but it’s closed to the public. However, I think it’s still worth walking up to the lighthouse to snap some photos, and the surrounding area is suitably dramatic and beautiful.
I think that strolling along the Katiki Point Walking Track is the best way to enjoy the scenery around here. This 0.8-kilometer (0.5-mile) return track showcases the area’s gorgeous coastal views and goes right up to the lighthouse. But best of all, it also offers the chance to spot yellow-eyed penguins! These rare birds are known to hang around Katiki Point, although I wasn’t lucky enough to spot any.
What I did see, though, was tons of NZ fur seals around the area. And they weren’t just lolling on the rocks and frolicking in the water, either – there’s a good chance you might stumble across one while walking on the grass! Keep your eyes peeled and don’t get too close, as you don’t want to frighten them.
It takes just over an hour to drive from Dunedin to Katiki Point. The gates to the area are open from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm, and there’s plenty of free parking available. Unfortunately, these open times don’t really help your chances of spotting penguins, as they’re most active at dusk.
Where to Stay in Dunedin
Also known as New Zealand’s ‘little Scotland’ Dunedin is a great place to spend a night or two. First off, the city center isn’t too big but has everything you need and is easy to stroll around. Thankfully, there are also lots of fun things to keep you occupied, too. Plus, there’s a fantastic array of great restaurants.
Some great places to stay in Dunedin include:
On Top Backpackers – $
Just a few minutes walk from many of Dunedin’s attractions, On Top Backpackers is a great budget pick. With its very own café and bar with 19 pool tables, it’s a fun, comfortable, unique, bright, and sunny hostel with a relaxed vibe.
You can choose from shared dorms, single and double rooms with shared facilities, or our deluxe double private rooms with en suite. A bed in a dorm here starts as low as $36 NZD per night – you can check availability and book your bed online here.
538 Great King Motel – $$
A 4-star motel that’s within easy walking distance of the city, 538 Great King Motel offers clean and comfortable rooms, plus there’s guest laundry on-site. The building itself is pretty trendy, and I love how modern and tidy everything is here! I also have to make a note that the beds are suuuper comfortable – especially important after a busy trip.
Rooms here at 538 Great King Motel start from around $184 NZD for a compact studio, ranging up to around $385 NZD for a penthouse apartment. Of course, for the best prices, it’s always a good idea to check online and book in advance.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel – $$$
Once a post office, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel is historic and charming and has recently been renovated. This 4.5-star hotel has a restaurant and bar on-site, and the rooms are modern and luxurious. One cool feature is that you can choose to dine privately in one of the original vaults of Dunedin’s former Post Office!
While a stay here doesn’t come cheap, the hotel is located in a fantastic area in Dunedin and offers a host of rooms, from studios to junior four-bedroom suites. If you’re looking to make your stay in the city that much more special, then you really can’t go wrong with a stay here! Rooms start from $309 NZD per night and can be booked online here.
St Clair and Brighton
If you want a stay a little out of the city, then I love St Clair and Brighton. St Clair is one of my favorite areas in Dunedin, just an 8-minute drive from the city center. There’s a long white sand beach here, where you can spot sunbathing seals if you’re lucky. There’s a small but varied selection of great bars and restaurants too. Hotel St Clair is a great place to spend the night here.
Brighton Beach is an 11-minute drive from the city and boasts a white sand beach and a long ocean jetty. The jetty is a beautiful place to catch the sunset. Stay in School by the Sea is a lovely home accommodation option in Brighton.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you’re excited to see all the amazing places around Dunedin! There are so many great day trips from this city that I keep finding new favorite spots every time I’m exploring around here. If you have any questions about planning your own road trips from here, just let me know in the comments!
For more help with your travels in New Zealand, check out all my blogs on the South Island! From hidden gems to the best experiences, I’ll be your personal tour guide.
16 BEST Stops on the Drive from Dunedin to Invercargill (via the Catlins)
25 Most BEAUTIFUL Places to Visit in New Zealand (that You Can’t Miss!)
10 BEST Hotels in Dunedin – Where to Stay near the City & Beach