‘Dunners’ is a city full of enchantment—just ask our city experts. Follow New Zealander of the Year Kiwibank Local Hero, Tahu McKenzie to Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a protected paradise of lush regenerating forest. Or catch a surf break of national significance with ice cream maker Olive Tabor of Patti's and Cream. If indoor experiences are more your speed, take a tip from local fashion designer Sara Munro and head off for a gallery crawl to soak in Dunedin’s eclectic art scene. Wander the gem-filled Warehouse Precinct with architect Damien van Brandenburg, and let local innovation champion Heidi Renata show you how to wind down with an evening of great jazz and espresso martinis.
Seven people. Seven ways to see a city. Find your Never Have I Ever.
What's your Dunedin Never Have I Ever?
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Olive Tabor
Owner of Patti's & Cream
Never been to John Z Robinson’s studio in Dunedin? Scoop shop owner Olive Tabor loves visiting the tiny studio gallery of this iconon painter, sculptor and jeweller. She says it's like being in the presence of a living legend.
Discover Olive’s Dunedin. -
Tahu MacKenzie
Bird conservationist & singer
Never been to The Void? It’s a multicultural experience at the Otago Museum that incorporates the Māori idea of nothingness and the theory of the big bang into a room of mirrors and lights. It’s one of the ways Tahu Mackenzie likes to experience natural wonders in Dunedin.
Discover Tahu’s Dunedin. -
Damien van Brandenburg
Architect
Never been through the 1860s smugglers tunnels under Dunedin? Architect Damien van Brandenburg loves this subterranean insight to a city that is rich in diverse, gold rush-era architecture.
Discover Damien’s Dunedin. -
Sara Munro
Fashion designer
Never hit the boutiques of fashion-forward Dunedin? Company of Strangers creative director Sara Munro says to get to know Dunedin, you need to see how Dunedin dresses and explore the natural beauty and underground culture.
Discover Sara’s Dunedin. -
Nadia Reid
Musician
Never met a friendly eel? Musician Nadia Reid finds inspiration and exercise soaking up nature at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Nadia’s Dunedin is full of nature - and great food and coffee.
Discover Nadia’s Dunedin. -
Josh Thomas
Bar owner
Never swum off the deserted boatshed at Pūrākaunui? Designer and bar owner Josh Thomas calls it “magical”. He likes to gather cockles here, too. Josh loves Dunedin’s deserted beaches and connected people.
Discover Josh’s Dunedin. -
Heidi Renata
Wāhinepreneur & business owner
Never explored the collections of skulls and skeletons at the Museum of Natural Mystery? This is a favourite haunt of “wāhinepreneur” Heidi Renata - when she’s not recharging on the region’s white sand beaches or cutting up the dance floor with her mates.
Discover Heidi’s Dunedin.
Stay & Play
67 Princes Street, Dunedin Central
Antipodes Travel creates intimate weddings in the beautiful surrounds of the Otago Peninsula. Take your vows into the wild and share them with the Royal Albatross, known to have a partner for life!
538 Great King Street, North Dunedin
Fresh, modern, 4-star comfort. Excellent service. Great location. Oaken Café in the car-park. Best breakfasts in Dunedin by room service, direct from Oaken's Kitchen. 538 - it all adds Up.
Larnach Castle 100 Camp Road, Larnachs Castle, Dunedin
Camp Estate is a luxurious country house situated on the Otago Peninsula, 500 metres from Larnach Castle. It has spectacular views and classically decorated rooms. The rate includes breakfast and entry to Larnach Castle.
50 The Octagon Dunedin I-Site, Dunedin
Come and see Yellow Eyed Penguins, the rare New Zealand Sea Lions, Royal Albatross and a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals, plus a variety of native birds along the way.
310 Princes Street, Dunedin Central
Beautifully appointed accommodation, elegant meeting spaces and a chic restaurant and bar greet you at newly refurbished Fable Dunedin, the first boutique luxury hotel in Dunedin’s CBD.
145 Camp Road, Larnachs Castle, Dunedin
Larnach Castle is a significant home, situated on the Otago Peninsula and completed in 1874. It is nestled in a garden of international significance. The Castle has a café and three different accommodation offerings. Open daily.
1265 Harington Point Road, Taiaroa Head, Dunedin
Natures Wonders offers a unique wildlife experience up close and personal to baby seals and penguins. Private property tours are taken on purpose-built 8-wheel drive off road machines Booking URL
42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin
New Zealand’s finest historic mansion was the home of Jewish merchants, collectors and philanthropists and is today furnished with all the original contents.
419 Great King Street North, North Dunedin
Otago Museum, more than you expect! NZ’s biggest science centre with a three-storey slide and hundreds of exotic butterflies, the only 3D planetarium in Australasia and eight incredible free galleries.
1260 Harington Point Road, Dunedin
Experience the world's only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony at the Royal Albatross Centre. Enjoy a bite to eat at the Toroa Café and browse their superb gift shop.
678 George Street, North Dunedin
Luxury accommodation located at 678 George Street, close to town, the University, the hospital and the Stadium.
30 Octagon, Dunedin Central
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery was New Zealand’s first Public Art Gallery and is renowned today for the richness of its collection and its close working relationship with major New Zealand artists.
Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden
39 Queens Gardens, Dunedin Central
Come and relax, drink tea, bring a picnic, try some puzzles and games or simply wander and soak up the tranquility of the only truly authentic Chinese Scholar's Garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
145 Camp Road, Dunedin
Learn about New Zealand's colonial past, explore the 6-star rated garden - Visit the Ballroom Café - Stay at one of the accommodation offerings.
42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin
Olveston was the home of the Theomin family. The house and the original contents are open to the public and show how the family lived in the early 1900s.
310 Princes Street, Dunedin Central
A modern and contemporary hotel with luxury amenities. Quintessentially-comfortable accommodation offering everything you could possibly need for a dreamy night’s sleep and in-room relaxation.