Lonely PlanetSep 21, 2026
The Ultimate Weekend in Dunedin and Ōamaru
Plan your long weekend exploring in and around the South Island towns of Dunedin and Ōamaru with this itinerary.
25 things in this story
- Bell Hill ApartmentsHotelImmaculate with an impressive book collection and whisky decanter.
- Chapel ApartmentsHotelHoused within a 1863-era church, the city's oldest.
- Ebb DunedinHotelModern with clean lines, calming hues, and contemporary artwork.
- 858 George Street MotelMotelAward-winning motel near the university, feels upmarket.
- Robbie Burns statueSightStatue of Scottish poet in Dunedin's main plaza.
- NobleRestaurantLight and airy cafe serving reinterpretations of breakfast classics.
- WhittakersPlaceIconic New Zealand chocolate brand.
- Dunedin Street Art TrailTrailMap to explore some of the city's best street art.
- Dunedin's historic railway stationSightFilming location for Netflix's East of Eden adaptation.
- Buster GreensCaféRestaurant on George Street for lunch.
- Museum of Natural MysteryMuseumPrivate collection of oddities and curiosities in a Victorian villa.
- Baldwin StSightSaid to be the world's steepest street.
- Tunnel BeachSightSecret cove accessed by a hand-dug tunnel through limestone.
- Ocho Chocolate FactoryPlaceFactory hosting tastings of chocolate with native ingredients.
- Woof!CaféPopular student hang-out for pre-dinner drinks and specials.
- The SwanRestaurantSlightly more upmarket bar for sharing plates.
- PequeñoBarSpeakeasy-style bar with expert mixologists.
- Commons EateryRestaurantServes black pudding and Doris Plum French toast.
- Tales from Darkest DunedinPlaceGuided cemetery walks sharing stories of early Dunedin residents.
- Otago PeninsulaMotelScenic farmland curving north parallel to Dunedin's coastline.
- Larnach CastleSightBuilt in 1871, offers high tea and guided historical tours.
- Pukekura/Taiaroa HeadSightMainland nesting colony for northern royal albatross.
- Dunedin Craft DistillersRestaurant
- Elsewhere
- The Old ConfectioneryHotelŌamaru, New ZealandHistoric building transformed into luxury accommodations.
- PoshtelHotelŌamaru, New Zealand16 themed rooms paying homage to NZ's South Island.