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What to Do in Dunedin
In all honesty Dunedin is not the place to go if you are in search of a relaxing sun
soaked holiday and wish to spend your days lying on sandy beaches. Although there are nice clean
golden sand beaches and excellent surf, if you’re brave enough to get in, the weather is not this
South Island town’s main attraction. With a population of just over 100,000 people this town is
more famous for its student culture, its art scene, the local beer Speight’s, rugby and of course
the idyllic scenery.
The University of Otago is one of the most popular universities in New Zealand with
over 20,000 students flocking to the city each year to attend. However, gaining a university
degree is not always the main priority for these students who prefer to spend their days drinking
the locally brewed beer Speight’s at the famous student pub ‘Gardies’ and their nights having street
parties and burning couches on Castle Street. Attending lectures in your PJ’s is not uncommon and
the campus is surrounded by streets which have some of the most grotty student flats imaginable.
Immersing yourself in the student culture is a must for any trip to Dunedin, be sure to visit other
student pubs ‘The Cook’ with its famous garden bar and ‘The Bowler’.
If you wish to be slightly more civilised on a night out in Dunedin head to the Octagon which is jam packed with many different bars to suit your taste. ‘Di Lusso’ and ‘Pop’ are two small bars which often have local DJ’s playing and from there you can head to ’10 Bar’ which is Dunedin’s version of a club where you can dance the night away over the two levels. Be careful not to fall down the steep stairs in the entrance way or over the edge of the first level down to the dance floor…..both have been done before! Head along to ‘Bath Street’, not surprisingly on Bath Street, to finish off your night and don’t forget to grab a kebab from the street stall in the Octagon on your way home. For a more chilled atmosphere head to ‘Pequeno’ to sit next to the big open fire and warm up on a winters night. Slightly harder to find down a small alleyway this place has plenty of character and couches to relax on.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town when a rugby match is on head along to the sports ground ‘Carisbrook’ to watch the game live. Watching the local team the ‘Highlanders’ while standing in the terraces with the rest of the students and drinking your Speight’s from plastic cups is all part of the fun. Be careful during the Mexican wave, flying bottles and cans come raining down on you which can hurt!
Dunedin is a rather creative place with the local fashion, jewellery and art industries all booming with many artists being recognised nationally and internationally. Check out the local talents in shops on George Street and boutiques ‘Stir’, ‘Belle Bird’ and ‘Halo’, although not cheap it’s always nice to window shop! The music industry is also thriving after blossoming in the 1980’s check out Dunedin Music for more info on upcoming events.
Other must do things on a trip to Dunedin include driving around the peninsula for breathtaking views of the coast, heading to the esplanade on St Clair’s beach, running (or walking) up Baldwin Street (the world’s steepest street) and doing tours of the Cadbury’s chocolate factory and Speight’s brewery. It will be an unforgettable trip and you’ll meet some extremely friendly people along the way.
By: Victoria Bunton
February 2007
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