Dunedin Travel Guide | Railway Station, Baldwin Street & More

A photo-packed guide to Dunedin’s best sights from a guy who actually lived there

What if a city felt like Edinburgh, but was sitting at the bottom of the world?

That’s Dunedin. In fact, it’s often called the “Edinburgh of the South.” The name “Dunedin” itself comes from a Gaelic term meaning “Edinburgh,” and the city was originally founded by Scottish immigrants.

I lived here around 2010, and these photos and memories are from that time — about 15 years ago. Although some things have changed, the beauty of this city hasn’t.

The City Center: The Octagon

The heart of Dunedin is an octagonal plaza — hence the name, The Octagon. At its center stands a statue of Robert Burns, the beloved Scottish poet.

On sunny days, this was my go-to spot for lunch or a coffee. Furthermore, it’s surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to get your bearings when you first arrive.

Tips:

• Central location — most major sights are within walking distance
• Free to visit, open 24/7
• Surrounded by cafes and restaurants — great for a lunch stop

The World’s Most Beautiful Station? Dunedin Railway Station

If there’s one landmark that defines Dunedin, it’s this. The Dunedin Railway Station is a stunning example of Flemish Renaissance architecture — ornate, grand, and almost impossibly beautiful for a small city.

Even so, you don’t need to take a train to enjoy it. In other words, it’s absolutely worth a visit just to admire the building and the mosaic floors inside.

Tips:

• The Farmers Market is held here on Saturday mornings — highly recommended
• Address: 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin
• Free to enter and look around

New Zealand’s Oldest University: University of Otago

On the north side of the city is the University of Otago, founded in 1869 — the oldest university in New Zealand. Moreover, its iconic Clocktower building is impressive enough to make you feel like you’ve walked into Hogwarts.

As a result, the whole area has a wonderful campus atmosphere. When I lived there, it was always buzzing with students. In addition, the surrounding streets are full of cafes and second-hand bookshops — great for a leisurely walk.

Tips:

• Best visited on weekdays when the campus is lively
• The Clocktower and grounds are free to walk around

The Steepest Street in the World: Baldwin St.

Baldwin Street is certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest residential street in the world.

In photos, it almost looks like trick art — the perspective makes it seem impossibly vertical. In reality, however, it’s just as steep as it looks. Consequently, climbing it will leave you out of breath, but the view from the top is worth it.

Furthermore, back when I lived here, there was an annual event called the Jaffa Race. Thousands of Jaffa candies were rolled down from the top of the hill in a chaotic, joyful “race.” It was wonderfully absurd.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes — it’s a real workout
• Address: Baldwin Street, North East Valley, Dunedin
• Free to visit
• Best in the morning before it gets busy

Pride of the South: Speight’s Brewery

When you think of Dunedin, you think of Speight’s. This iconic beer — nicknamed the “Pride of the South” — has been brewed in Dunedin since 1876, and as a result, the brewery is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

The brewery tour takes you through the history of the beer and the brewing process. However, the best part: sampling fresh beer straight from the taps. It tastes completely different from the bottled version — smoother, fresher, and honestly worth the visit just for that.

Tips:

• Non-drinkers can also enjoy the tour (non-alcoholic options available)
• Address: 200 Rattray Street, Dunedin
• Tours run daily — check current times and prices on their website
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer

[Closed] The Cadbury Chocolate Factory — A Fond Memory

When I lived in Dunedin, the Cadbury Chocolate Factory was one of the city’s most beloved attractions. The iconic purple silos were visible from all over town, and the tour had a wonderfully Willy Wonka-esque atmosphere.

Although the factory itself still operates (chocolate is still made there), the public tours are gone. Nevertheless, the site has since been partially redeveloped. If you’re a chocolate lover, it’s a piece of Dunedin history worth knowing about — even if you can’t visit anymore.

Getting to Dunedin

• By Air: Dunedin Airport (DUD) has direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The airport is about 30 minutes from the city center by taxi or shuttle.
• By Bus: InterCity buses connect Dunedin with Christchurch (approx. 5–6 hours) and Queenstown (approx. 4 hours). (Please check current schedules and prices)
• By Car: Dunedin is about 3.5 hours south of Christchurch on State Highway 1.

Getting Around Dunedin

The city center is compact and very walkable. In fact, most of the sights mentioned in this article can be reached on foot from the Octagon. Baldwin Street is about 3–4 km from the center — walkable, or you can take a local bus.

Wrap-Up

Dunedin isn’t the kind of place that hits you over the head with obvious attractions. It’s a city that rewards you for slowing down — for wandering down side streets, sitting in the Octagon with a coffee, climbing Baldwin Street just because, and discovering that one of the most beautiful train stations in the world is in a small city at the bottom of New Zealand.

I lived here for a while, and I still think about it often. It has a quiet kind of magic that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it yourself.

Next up: I’ll be sharing Dunedin’s wildlife side — yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the dramatic scenery of the Otago Peninsula.