Dunedin

Dunedin is a university town, cultural hub, and historic city with a compact walkable centre. Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South', it offers easy access to beaches, wildlife, and native forests. The city is home to the University of Otago and has a strong student culture.

Dunedin Airport (IATA: DUD) has flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Coolangatta. Airport shuttles cost $20-25. Intercity buses connect to Oamaru (1hr40), Christchurch (6hr), Queenstown, Te Anau (4.5hr) and Invercargill (4hr). Ritchies runs to Wanaka ($50, 4hr). Catch-a-Bus South goes to Bluff ($65, 3.5hr). The airport is 30 km west of town.

Dunedin's city centre is compact and walkable. Orbus buses connect suburbs and Palmerston. Bike hire is available: Dunedin iBike Hire ($35 for 4hr, $45/day) and Dunedin eBike Hire ($75 for 4hr, $85/day). Taxis and ride-sharing are also available.

Summer (Dec-Feb) is warmest (avg 18°C) but also quieter due to student holidays. Winter (Jun-Aug) can be cold with ice and occasional snow. Spring and autumn are mild. Accommodation may be harder to find during university orientation and graduations.

Dunedin has a wide range from hostels to upmarket hotels. Most accommodation is close to the city centre. Backpacker hostels include On Top Backpackers (dorm from $28), Chalet Backpackers ($30-110), UpTown Backpackers (bed $30). Motels are at the northern end of George Street near the university.

Dunedin has numerous reasonably priced ethnic restaurants, especially around Lower Stuart Street, the Octagon, and northern George Street. Local specialties include cheese roll. Cuisines include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Turkish, and more. Nightlife is vibrant due to the student population, with breweries Speights, Emersons, and Green Man. Coffee culture is strong at cafes like Strictly Coffee, Nova, and Mazagran Espresso.

Free attractions include Baldwin Street (steepest street), Dunedin Railway Station, Otago Museum, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and the churches. Paid attractions include Larnach Castle ($34), Royal Albatross colony ($52), Speight's Brewery tour ($45), Taieri Gorge Railway ($91-113), and the Otago Peninsula. For relaxation, visit Moana Pool, St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool ($6.70), or the Botanic Garden (free).

Dunedin is quite safe, but it's advisable to walk in a group on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights due to inebriated people. The police station is on Great King Street, next to Countdown supermarket.

Dunedin Public Library has free Internet terminals and Wi-Fi. The Octagon has free Wi-Fi. Internet access is also available at various cafes for a fee.

Backpacker budget: dorm beds from $28, cheap meals from $7 at Satay Noodle House, airport shuttle $20, attraction entry free to $52. Daily budget roughly $60-80.

Otago Peninsula for wildlife (albatross, penguins, seals) and Larnach Castle, reachable by bus 18. Blueskin Bay (30 min north). Oamaru (1hr45 north) for Victorian architecture and penguins. Tunnel Beach (seasonal) south of Dunedin.

Christchurch (5 hr north), Wanaka and Queenstown (4 hr inland), Invercargill (2.5 hr south), Oamaru (1hr45 min north), Blueskin Bay (30 min north).