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 dock at Port Chalmers. It is about 9 miles or a twenty-minute drive to Dunedin. Taxis are generally available at the pier. The terminal is 5 minute walk away, with tourist information and free WIFI.
Smaller ships dock in Dunedin itself, 1km from city center.
There is a shuttle bus service from the dock to the Octagon in the city center, a 15- 30 minute drive The road follows the bay side, so you'll get a short sightseeing trip, as well. The fare is 20 NZ one way, 35 NZ return.
Dunedin, old Gaelic for Edinburgh, is the second-largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, located in the Otago region.
At the head of one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors lies gracious, dignified Dunedin. It was envisioned by its Scottish founders as the "Edinburgh of the South." The city boasts a wealth of fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings, complete with spires, gables, and gargoyles. Its Scottish heritage is evoked in street names and the sturdy appeal of its handsome stone buildings. Dunedin's unique charm prompted one of its most famous visitors, Mark Twain, to write, "The people here are Scots. They stopped here on their way to heaven, thinking they had arrived." True to its heritage, Dunedin boasts the country's only kilt maker and whiskey…
Baldwin Street. Located in Dunedin's North East Valley suburb. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the steepest street in the world. Take the ten-minute walk to the top or drive up to enjoy the view looking down! Octagon This eight-sided park in the heart of Dunedin reflects the city's Scottish heritage with a statue of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.
St. Paul's Cathedral This impressive Anglican Church is constructed with Oamaru stone. It features fine interior woodwork and stained-glass windows. Edwardian Railway Station Completed in 1904, the station is decorated with stained-glass windows and a beautiful mosaic floor. Otago Museum Noted as one of the finest museums in the country, the Otago features a remarkable collection of Oceanic art, marine life and maritime exhibits. Other displays portray the history of the region's early settlers.
Getting around
The Dunedin Bus Service is fairly average but cheap and does get you around. The main line service, St Clair-Normanby, runs every 15 minutes and is handy to about a dozen of the City's attractions. All Buses on the Peninsula service are Wheel Chair Friendly.
The Taieri Gorge Railway trip is excellent, There are 2 trains, one for the ship that leaves from the dock at Port Chalmers and one for the public from the most photographed train station in the world at Dunedin. During the summer, public departures run Thursday to Monday with fares starting at NZ$159 versus the US$230 cruise excursions. For those interested in exploring more of Otago by rail, additional scenic journeys are available. Check their website for exact timetables and pricing.
Nearby places
Dunedin's surroundings are equally renowned, boasting magnificent scenery and wildlife. Only a short distance away, the Otago Peninsula provides a breeding habitat for such rare birds as the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. The biggest attraction is probably the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head. Nowhere else on the globe do these birds breed so close to human habitation. The colony can only be visited as part of a pre-arranged, guided tour.
Food and shopping
The main street in Dunedin is George Street close to the Octagon with plenty of shops, restaurants, and some malls.
There is a New World supermarket on the main street in Port Chalmers close to port.
Money
The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximate US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.
Staying connected
English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is universal, and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.
Free Wifi is available at Port Chalmers Wharf and in the Octagon, Dunedin city center