Dunedin, New Zealand. It's a beautiful city and as a local I feel it is my duty to share the best spots to get that perfect Instagram pic. With more and more cruise ships docking in Port Chalmers, there must be a need for a list like this! So here they are, my top 10 spots to snap a pic in Dunedin.
1. RAILWAY STATION
Built in 1906 it's no wonder this is said to be the most photographed building in the country, and the second-most photographed building in the southern hemisphere, right after the Sydney Opera House! Back in the day it was the countries busiest station, handling up to 100 trains in a day. This beautiful landmark is a must see if you are in Dunedin, and inside and out there are plenty of spots to get the perfect picture.
2. OTAGO FARMERS MARKET
Right beside the Railway Station, every Saturday from 8am until 12.30pm you will find the Otago Farmers Market. Always popular (unless it's pouring down) you'll want to get in as early as possible. There are vegetarian and vegan options as well as gluten free so bring some cash and stay for breakfast.
3. ST CLAIR ESPLANADE
St Clair is just a short drive from the centre of the city, or you could get the bus. The bus is super easy, it picks you up in the Octagon and drops you off a block away from the Esplanade. There are several cafes and restaurants that overlook the beach so you're sorted for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. If you want to have a swim you could try the Hot Salt Water Pool (open between October and March) or of course the beach, but be warned, water temperatures at the beach can get down to 7 degrees celsius! Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions bathing in the sun and annoying the surfers! On of the best spots for a photo is the old pier which is all but gone, but at low tide you can see a few logs sticking out of the sand.
4. LARNACH CASTLE
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle! Built in 1871 by William Larnach, this beautiful castle is open to the public 365 days a year. With concessions starting from $17.00 for Garden and Grounds entry, it’s fairly affordable. They also offer high tea, tours and accommodation. According to an article in the New Zealand Herald, as of November 2008, there had been close to 30 reported sightings of “cranky spirits”, “touches”, “pushing” and other “odd occurrences” at the castle, so if you’re into ghost hunting you should definitely check it out!
5. BALDWIN STREET
The Steepest Street in the World! Baldwin Street is fun and free, plus you can get some pretty cool optical illusion pictures. If you tilt your camera and use the footpath as the horizon level then it looks like all the houses are built on a huge angle. It’s a classic. If you aren’t into walking up to the top, you could try driving but wither way you should make the trip!
6. DUNEDIN BOTANIC GARDEN
The Dunedin Botanic Garden was New Zealand's first botanic garden and holds the status of six star Garden of International Significance. At over 150 years old, this garden is home to over 6,800 plant species and several native birds species. The Winter Garden Glasshouse is probably the most photogenic area on the gardens, and a popular spot for wedding photos. Or you could try the Rhododendron Dell with more than 3,000 rhododendrons. If you’re into feeding ducks at parks, you can also get free duck food from the Information Centre between 10am and 4pm!
7. STREET ART
Dunedin is home to over 30 walls of street art. Scattered around the city centre, these works of art are huge and eclectic. You can visit the Dunedin i-Site Visitor Centre to pick up a map, or download one here https://www.dunedinnz.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/504438/DunedinStreetArtMAP.pdf for a 90 minute self-guided tour.
8. CHINESE GARDEN
For less than $10 entry you can visit the Chinese Garden. Open in 2008, it was built with almost 1000 tonnes of rock from Lake Tai by about 40 workers, artisans and support staff from Shanghai. You can also enjoy Chinese teas, steamed buns and dumplings at the Tea House shop. It’s open seven days, 10am – 5pm.
9. TŪHURA TROPICAL FOREST
Found in the Otago Museum, this forest is the only three-tier live butterfly experience in Australasia! They keep it around 28 degrees and 75% humidity all year-round, so it’s perfect on a cold, wet, wintery, Dunedin day. With birds and butterflies, it’s a nice, chill activity that can yield a lot of colourful and beautiful photos. Entry is around $10.
10. TUNNEL BEACH
Last but not least is Tunnel Beach. Tunnel Beach is found off the Dunedin to Brighton road, just follow the track down to the coastline. At the end of the track you will find a very cool hand-carved rock tunnel. The tunnel was commissioned in the 1870s by John Cargill, so that the Cargill families could bath in privacy without having to go to a “public beach” like St Clair. Tunnel beach is now open to everyone, although you do need to cross private farm land to access it, so be respectful of that. Make sure you look at the rocks on your way through the tunnel, you might be able to spot some fossils or even the bones of an extinct whale!
So there you go! A mix of Instagram spots found in Dunedin New Zealand. Did we miss any? Have you been to any of them? We'd love to hear from you! let us know in the comments where you're favourite photo spot is in Dunedin :)
Eve
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