Dunedin attractions
With rams bottom tours
The Dunedin region has so many attractions to see and do.
Whether you want to see historic castles or check out our amazing wildlife there is something for everyone!
Take a look below at what Dunedin has to offer.
The Best of Dunedin
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Nestled in the hills above Ōtepoti/Dunedin, Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Te Korowai o Mihiwaka is a 307ha fenced wildlife sanctuary. Home to some of the most threatened and special wildlife in Aoteaora NZ. Including tokoeka(kiwi), kākā, takahē, tuatara, moko kākāriki/jewelled geckos and many more.
Open Thursday-Monday each week, visitors can explore Orokonui on their own with self-guided walks or 1-2 hour guided tours.
View this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Baldwin Street
Baldwin Street, located in the residential suburb of North East Valley, Dunedin, is the world’s steepest street as certified by Guinness World Records.
Approximately 350 meters (1,150 ft) in length from top to bottom and rising from 30 meters (98ft) above sea level at the bottom to 100 meters (330ft) at the top it is certainly an attraction worth seeing.
Included on the Cruise Ship tour or view this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Dunedin Railway Station
Built in 1906 the Dunedin Railway Station is one of Dunedin’s most prominent architectural landmarks. From the clock tower to the station booking hall which features a mosaic floor containing almost 750,000 Minto tiles. No wonder it’s the most photographed building in New Zealand!
This is a must see when visiting Dunedin.
Included on the Cruise Ship Tour or view this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Dunedin Botanical Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s first botanic garden and holds the status of six star Garden of International Significance.
The Dunedin Botanic Garden celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2023, marking its position as New Zealand’s first botanic garden. It occupies 33 hectares in North Dunedin at an altitude of 25 – 85 metres above sea level. The Garden has hill views from sunny lawns, more than 6,800 plant species and the song of wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and tui.
Included on the Cruise Ship Tour or view this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Tunnel Beach
For centuries, the Southern Ocean, carried by salty winds, has shaped the sandstone coastline south of Dunedin. This process has resulted in a striking series of tall cliffs, natural arches, and rugged headlands, offering countless opportunities to enjoy awe-inspiring vistas.
Constructed in the 1870s, a tunnel provides access to a secluded and sheltered beach nestled at the foot of these cliffs.
As you walk along the path, take time to explore the rocks, where you might uncover shell fragments and possibly fossils like brachiopod shells, sea urchin remains, or even the bones of extinct whales.
The Tunnel Beach Walk boasts magnificent coastal panoramas, featuring a natural sandstone arch and a headland adorned with critically endangered native coastal vegetation.
View this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Signal Hill Lookout
Signal Hill (Te Pahuri o te Rangipohika) is a prominent landform of Dunedin reaching an elevation of 393 m (1289 ft).
At an elevation of 329 meters, a secondary peak of the hill features a monument commemorating the New Zealand Centennial of 1940. This imposing structure includes two prominent bronze figures representing “History” and “The Thread of Life,” affectionately dubbed ‘the buddhas’ locally due to their resemblance to the seated posture of Buddha figures.
Originally planned to mark the centenary of the Treaty of Waitangi, the monument faced delays and was ultimately built in the 1950s due to the constraints imposed by World War II. Notably, a significant stone from Edinburgh, Scotland, is integrated into the monument, symbolising the enduring bond between Dunedin and its sister city.
From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of our magnificent city.
Included on the Cruise Ship Tour or view this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
St Clair Beach
Overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean, St Clair Beach is renowned for New Zealand’s most reliable surf break, where local surfers enjoy its waves year-round, whether in summer’s warmth or winter’s chill.
The St Clair Esplanade has always been a favoured spot for leisurely weekend strolls and refreshing swims. Alongside, cafes and bars lining the promenade draw crowds, particularly during summer, making them a popular destination in their own right. Outdoor tables here provide an ideal perch to observe the bustling scene.
Nestled at the beach’s far end is the historic St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, established in 1884. It stands out as one of New Zealand’s few heated seawater pools, offering a unique aquatic experience.
Included on the Cruise Ship Tour or view this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Established in 2011, Forsyth Barr Stadium made history as the world’s first fully enclosed natural turf stadium. Its construction began in 2009, with the first pile driven into the ground on a winter’s day. The stadium was officially inaugurated by John Key in anticipation of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where 100,000 fans celebrated under its roof.
Since its inception, Forsyth Barr Stadium has been a venue for numerous major rugby matches and concerts, attracting over 2.5 million attendees to a diverse range of events. Over the past decade, the stadium has hosted performances by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Pink, and Queen.
In 2016, Forsyth Barr Stadium earned recognition as the ninth most impressive stadium in the world according to Popular Mechanics Magazine’s list of “World’s 20 Most Impressive Stadiums.” It also ranked 13th on a global list of top-50 outdoor stadium and festival site ticket sales in 2018, buoyed by three sold-out concerts featuring Ed Sheeran during that period.
Included on the Cruise Ship Tour for an outside view or view this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar
Arguably the best locally owned restaurant in the area The Black Sheep has something to offer for everyone’s taste.
The Catlins
The Captivating Catlins is a lesser-known treasure, renowned for its natural beauty featuring abundant wildlife, forests, sandy beaches, waterfalls, and expansive green farmland. Its remote location and breath taking landscapes make it an exceptional destination.
View this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now
Nugget Point
At Nugget Point Totāra Scenic Reserve, the wonders of nature are all around you.
The iconic Nugget Point (or ‘The Nuggets’ as referred to by the locals) is located near Kākā Point. Wave-eroded rocks, which are likened to the shape of gold nuggets, can be seen. The lighthouse was built in 1869-70, is 9.5 metres high and situated 76 metres above sea level.
Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks at sea level to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse, or the many seabirds that make The Nuggets their home. During the months of December – February elephant seals also make The Nuggets their stopover point.
View this attraction on a private tour with Rams Bottom Tours by clicking book now