Places to Visit

EXPLORE WILD DUNEDIN AND BEYOND

Welcome to Wild Dunedin! Ōtepoti Dunedin is a place where nature, adventure, and community come together in Aotearoa’s wildlife capital. Here, you’ll find a story around every corner, in every hidden gem, along the stunning coastlines and beaches, and in the magical nature reserves and harbour.

Whether you’re exploring windswept beaches, joining a local wildlife tour, strolling native bush tracks, or meeting the passionate people behind conservation efforts, there’s something for everyone. Discover the wild places, meet the locals who love them, and stay in the loop with news, upcoming events, and inspiring tales from the heart of Dunedin. Discover what makes Dunedin truly WILD! Trust us, there’s always something new to explore!

Featured

Woodhaugh Gardens

Woodhaugh Gardens is at 1081 George St, bordered by the Water of Leith and forming part of the city’s Green Belt, linking up with the Botanic Garden.

Chingford Park

Chingford Park, with arguably the best collection of mature exotic trees in urban Dunedin, is very easy to find at 411 North Rd in the North East Valley.

Huriawa Pā

Spectacular Huriawa Peninsula at Karitāne just south of Waikouaiti was the site of a historic fortified Māori pā.

Sutton Salt Lake

You’ll find Sutton Lake, New Zealand’s only inland salt water lake, an hour’s drive from Dunedin, five minutes before Middlemarch.

Otago Peninsula Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial 1914-1918

Otago Peninsula Fallen Soldiers' Memorial - you will be rewarded by phenomenal views after a steep 10 minute walk.

Orokonui Estuary Walk

Orokonui Estuary - a peaceful place just 20 minutes drive from the city.

Monarch Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

Extinct volcanoes, a lighthouse, seal pups, a sea lion, albatross, spoonbills, the suction dredge, the science of flight, krill in the water – all this on an hour long cruise on the Monarch.

Larnach Castle's Native Plants

Native plant expert and compulsive weeder Fiona Eadie is Head Gardener at Larnach Castle.

Fur Seal or Sea Lion – How to Tell the Difference

Can you tell the difference between a New Zealand sea lion/rāpoka/whakahao and a New Zealand fur deal/kekeno? Amelia Saxby from the Dunedin based NZ Sea Lion Trust says that the best way to tell the difference is from the face.