What is the main attraction at Larnach Castle?

The main attraction at Larnach Castle is the glimpse into Victorian life, with its medieval architecture and beautifully maintained antiquities.

What can be found along the Waitaki shoreline?

Along the Waitaki shoreline, you can find the fascinating natural phenomena of Moeraki Boulders, which are millions of years old spherical stones.

What activities can be done at Welcome Rock Trails in Southland?

At Welcome Rock Trails in Southland, you can walk or cycle on the cross-country trail, enjoy the scenic views, and stay overnight in backcountry huts.

What wildlife species can be seen on the Otago Peninsula?

On the Otago Peninsula, you can see albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, sea lions, and fur seals.

What attractions can be found in The Catlins?

In The Catlins, you can explore lush native forests, coastal grandeur, and historic sights such as Nugget Point, Cathedral Caves, and Curio Bay's Jurassic Forest.

Day trips from Dunedin

Go New Zealand 2 years ago

Dunedin is a fascinating destination to visit, with attractive downtown streets, forested hills, and secret coves to discover. With a variety of fantastic locations within a few hours' drive, it's also an excellent base for day trips. As the gateway to the Otago Peninsula, it offers a diverse range of wildlife encounters, including penguins, albatross, and seals. Some of the top day trips from Dunedin are listed here.

Larnach Castle

New Zealand's lone castle, built in 1871, provides a glimpse into Victorian life. The medieval architecture and antiquities have been beautifully maintained, making it a must-see for every tourist to Dunedin. Learn about the family's scandalous history while sipping high tea against a backdrop of spectacular city and harbour views, then wander the grounds, which are designated as a Garden of International Significance.

Larnach Castle

145 Camp Road, Larnachs Castle, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand

Moeraki title

These fascinating natural phenomena can be found along the windy Waitaki shoreline. Millions of years old, these massive spherical stones are easily accessible from the beach. These pebbles, according to Maori folklore, are gourds washed ashore during a canoe wreck. Lunch with sea views may be had at the visitors centre and café; alternatively, head to Moeraki village and dine at Fleurs Place on the wharf. Along the route, you can eat an ice cream or a walk on the Huriawa Peninsula in little beachfront communities like Karitane to get a taste of authentic Kiwi life.

Moeraki

Moeraki 9482, New Zealand

Southland Welcome Rock Trails

Welcome Rock Trails in Garston, Southland, is a single cross-country trail where you may walk or cycle, hand-build on one of New Zealand's longest water courses, and view scenery you've never seen before. Allow yourself a whole day to take in the infinite views of classic high country New Zealand, or stay overnight in back country huts to watch the sun set over the hills, relax in the outdoor bath, and absorb it all in.

Welcome Rock - Meet the High Country

Historic Southland Ski Hut Garston, Garston 9793, New Zealand

Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula is right on the city's doorstep, according to Sir David Bellamy, one of the world's best examples of eco-tourism. A day on the peninsula, which stretches out along the Otago Harbour, will take you past picturesque villages and colorful boat sheds, over vast sand dunes and steep sea cliffs, and to the further reaches, where uncommon wildlife species have taken up residence. Meet albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, sea lions, and fur seals before returning via Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle.

Otago Peninsula

Otago Peninsula, Otago 9077, New Zealand

The Catlins

You may enter a world of lush native forest, coastal grandeur, and historic sights just over an hour south of Dunedin. It's a terrific area to spend a day exploring before returning to the comforts of the city, from Nugget Point's lone sentry lighthouse to Cathedral Caves' magnificent sea-carved cavern or Curio Bay's 180-million-year-old Jurassic Forest.