Dunedin has some pretty cool things to see and do, some of which require a bit of money to partake in.
There are also some cool things you can experience without spending anything – great if you’re a traveller (or local) on a budget!
Dunedin is big enough to have a lot of interesting things for you to see and do, while also small enough to walk around without feeling fatigued. A lot of the free things involve some considerable walking but you know – walking is a great way to explore the city where you’ll often find unexpected things in your journey (often cool artwork!). You can also get around using the local bus as a means of cheap transportation.
Here are the recommended free things you can see and do in Dunedin.
Visit the Dunedin Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden in New Zealand (established in 1863), the Dunedin Botanical Garden is a local favourite to walk around and explore the many paths where it often feels like a maze! The botanic garden occupies 30.4 hectares and features over 6,800 plant species. You’ll find a lot of wild native birds that have made the garden their home, along with other exotic birds being looked after in the botanic garden’s aviary.
You’ll also find a warm glasshouse full of exotic plants, along with a relaxing cafe, an information centre, and toilets.
View great exhibitions at Otago Museum
With a collection spanning 1.5 million objects, there is a lot to see and interact with at the Otago Museum.
Established in 1868, the museum is full of objects from around the world and is full of great natural wonders for those curious minds. It has plenty of exhibitions and galleries about different cultures, time periods, wildlife, plants, interactive science displays, and more.
It is also home to a planetarium and a large, immersive tropical butterfly rainforest environment that you simply must see!
Explore local history at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a great place to visit to learn and see Dunedin’s past and the social history of the Otago area as well. It’s fascinating to see how far the city has changed from its early settler beginnings to present.
Spread across over 14 galleries, you can learn more about local society, culture, technology, art, fashion, and transport that has shaped Dunedin over the past few centuries.
Immerse yourself in art at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery
New Zealand’s first Art Gallery, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery houses a varied collection of international and New Zealand artworks covering the period from 1860 to the present, featuring some great art from local artists (such as Frances Hodgkins) and international art, such as historical European art and Japanese prints.
It probably isn’t the most extensive art collection you have seen but it’s still great seeing some amazing art you may not have seen before.
With regular new and creative exhibitions, you can find something new to discover at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
See amazing street art
Dunedin is full of amazing and unique art scattered across the city centre (and outskirts as well) by talented artists, giving the city greater vibrancy and colour.
Dunedin NZ has created a Street Art Trail map for you to find and view the awesome art.
Walk along St. Clair and St. Kilda beaches
One of the great things about Dunedin is having great beaches nearby to escape the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the city centre.
Strolling along the beaches of St. Clair and St. Kilda is relaxing and calming with sand on your feet and with the soothing sounds of waves ebbing and flowing – plus you’ll often see a lot of cute dogs roaming about!
You could start from St. Clair beach and walk towards Lawyer’s Head beach, or vice versa.
If you see any sea lions chilling at the beach, remember to keep your distance.
Special Mention:
See the sunrise from St. Clair beach
If you can manage to get out of bed early in the morning, head to St. Clair beach (or St. Kilda beach) on a clear early morning – you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sunrise on the horizon, casting a beautiful golden glow over the area that is sure to relax your mind and appreciate life just a little bit more.
Have you visited Dunedin and found some other cool things to see or do for free?
Comment below to let others and I know.
If you know a friend or two (especially if they’re a budget traveller) who is planning to go to Dunedin or is already there, share this helpful post to them today.