Making the most of Dunedin
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Most larger ships berth at Port Chalmers, around 9 miles or a twenty-minute drive from Dunedin. Taxis are generally available at the pier. The terminal, with tourist information and free WIFI, is a 5 minute walk away.
Smaller vessels dock in Dunedin itself, 1km from the city centre.
A shuttle links the dock with the Octagon in the city centre, taking 15- 30 minutes. The bay-side route also provides a short sightseeing trip. It costs 20 NZ one way or 35 NZ return.
Dunedin, the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh, is the Otago region's second-largest city on New Zealand's South Island.
Graceful, dignified Dunedin sits at the head of one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors. Scottish founders imagined it as the "Edinburgh of the South," and its Victorian and Edwardian buildings feature spires, gables and gargoyles. Street names and handsome stone buildings recall its Scottish heritage. Mark Twain, one of the city's best-known visitors, wrote: "The people here are Scots. They stopped here on their way to heaven, thinking they had arrived." In keeping with that heritage, Dunedin has the country's only kilt maker and whiskey…
Baldwin Street is in Dunedin's North East Valley suburb and, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the world's steepest street. Walk ten minutes to the top or drive up for the downward view. The Octagon is an eight-sided park at Dunedin's heart, expressing its Scottish heritage through a statue of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.
St. Paul's Cathedral is an impressive Anglican Church built from Oamaru stone, with fine interior woodwork and stained-glass windows. Completed in 1904, Edwardian Railway Station has stained-glass windows and a beautiful mosaic floor. The Otago Museum, among the country's finest, has notable Oceanic art, marine life and maritime collections, with further displays on the region's early settlers.
Getting around
Dunedin Bus Service is fairly average but inexpensive and gets visitors around. Its main St Clair-Normanby route runs every 15 minutes and serves about a dozen City attractions. Every bus on the Peninsula service is Wheel Chair Friendly.
The Taieri Gorge Railway is an excellent trip. There are 2 trains: a ship service from the Port Chalmers dock and a public service leaving Dunedin's most photographed train station in the world. In summer, public trains run Thursday to Monday, with fares from NZ$159 compared with US$230 cruise excursions. Additional scenic rail journeys are offered for exploring more of Otago; check the website for exact times and prices.
Nearby places
The scenery and wildlife around Dunedin are equally renowned. Nearby Otago Peninsula is a breeding ground for rare birds including the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. Its principal draw is likely the Taiaroa Head albatross colony, where these birds breed closer to human habitation than anywhere else on the globe. Visits to the colony are only possible on a pre-arranged guided tour.
Food and shopping
George Street is Dunedin's main street, near the Octagon, with plentiful shops, restaurants and some malls.
A New World supermarket stands on Port Chalmers' main street close to the port.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. A small number of traders, especially in tourist destinations, accept foreign currency. The approximate conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally called 'the hole in the wall', can be found in almost every town.
Staying connected
English is universal in New Zealand and uses Commonwealth (“British”) spelling; English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages.
New Zealand's emergency telephone number is 111.
Free Wifi is provided at Port Chalmers Wharf and in the Octagon, Dunedin city center.