Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities and there are plenty of attractions here. This city houses a large University and the iconic Canterbury Chocolate factory. This has since been closed and I believe a group has started a replacement factory but I don’t have any information on this.
To see and do as much as you can you will need a few days here, so don’t rush on. Dunedin is not a popular tourist destination but this is sad as it has so many wonderful attractions. From the old railway station to the Albatross Colony and the city centre you can spend may happy days exploring.
Make sure you book, especially around the end of February during orientation week for the University.
There is also the surf beach which is very popular.
During our last stay in Dunedin we stayed out near the beach where we enjoyed a leisurely walk and watched the surfers. From there we we rode our motorbikes along the peninsula summit road call High Cliff Road and we came out at the seaside village of Portobello. Next we headed out to the Albatross Centre where not only can you get to see these massive sea birds but also penguins and sometimes seals. The visitor centre has a large and interactive display along with a cafe’.
View from the Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula
The quaint village has restaurants and cafe’s so you can refresh yourself, take a walk around the craft shops or sit and look over the Otago Harbour. Another landmark is Larnach Castle, also located on the peninsula.
The northern motorway leading out towards Christchurch is a very steep and long climb, often closed due to snow and ice in winter. If you are towing make sure your vehicle is in top condition and not prone to over heating. After the initial climb when you think you’ve reached the top, think again as there’s more to come. Also there can be very strong winds in this region. As with anywhere in New Zealand, always check the weather forecast and plan ahead.
Just north of Dunedin is the very quaint seaside village of Moeraki. Here you can dine at the famous Fluers Restaurant or walk around the Eastern walkway to see seals and other wildlife, up close. Famous for the boulders just a few klm’s further north, there is much more to see and do here besides the boulders found on the beach.
The authors, standing on one of the many boulders at Moeraki
You can get up close with the wildlife, but do not get personal . It is illegal to get too close.
Going south from Dunedin, state highway 1 turns inland and is really just countryside with the odd natural attractions, one of which is Lake Waihola.
A new cycle trail (2023) has been built which heads south towards Milton. You can see more, here.
The next town is Balclutha which has a very old concrete bridge spanning the Clutha river. We turned left just past the town ship and followed the road out to The Caitlands. This region is very popular and has some amazing beaches. The road to Kaka and Nugget Points are sealed, but narrow and very steep in places.
The Caitlins are remote and exposed so always check the weather forecasts and take everything you need, like fuel, water, food and make sure you have puncture repair capabilities.
There are a few freedom camping spots as well as commercial campgrounds, and private holiday homes you can rent.
