From new eateries and restaurants to beachside saunas and marvellous museums, Insiders Dunedin shares what’s new this spring in the city. Check out the hidden gems, latest hot spots, key events, and top tips for discovering a Dunedin you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Oranga Saunas
In Māori, “oranga” signifies life, wellbeing and good living, and Oranga Saunas does this by making their hot and cold therapy accessible to everyone. This mobile sauna parks up at scenic waterfront locations in Dunedin. After 20 minutes or so, the staff poke their heads in to stoke the fire and that’s your cue to dash into the chilly Dunedin sea for the ultimate shock to the system. The magic of hot and cold therapy is so much better in a stunning natural setting. The sauna currently tours three locations: Brighton Beach, St Clair Beach and Macandrew Bay with an eye on expanding to other locations. events.humanitix.com/host/oranga-saunas @orangasaunas
Bike House hire
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Dunedin, consider renting a bike with Bike House for an unforgettable exploration of the city’s mountain bike trails and picturesque harbour. With flexible options for a 3-hour or full-day hire, they offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and diverse terrain that Dunedin has to offer. bikehouse.co.nz/pages/rentals @bikehousedunedin
Street Art Guide
As a UNESCO Creative City, Dunedin has a rich history in the arts and making it freely available to enjoy. Home to NZ’s first public art gallery and art society, it was only a matter of time before Dunedin’s art jumped out of the galleries and into the streets. Now the city has more than 50 pieces of commissioned street art in Central Dunedin alone. Experience these vibrant, whimsical artworks by following a self- guided Dunedin Street Art Trail with the brand new pocket guide. Venture down laneways, past heritage buildings, find hidden microbreweries, boutique shops or grab a coffee (or two) along the way. www.dunedinnz.com/street-art
Taieri Gorge Train
Passengers can once again experience the full glory of the Otago Central Railway line on the train trip that put Dunedin Railways on the global map: The Taieri Gorge Train. The route has returned after four years, allowing travellers on the Dunedin to Pukerangi route an unforgettable journey through the Taieri Gorge, renowned for its dramatic scenery and engineering marvels. The 5-hour return trip travels through hand-made tunnels and crosses the Wingatui Viaduct, the tallest wrought iron structure in Australasia, while an onboard commentator provides information on the area, route and engineering. dunedinrailways.co.nz/journeys/the-taieri-gorge-journey @dunedinrailways
RELICS: A New World Rises
This extraordinary event invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a futuristic world where LEGO® Minifigures have taken over and built intricate
civilisations from the remnants of human artefacts. Created by Australian LEGO® Masters Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, this exhibition showcases stunning creations, including a grandfather clock turned time machine, a cryonics facility nestled inside a vintage refrigerator, and a retro arcade converted into a futuristic spaceport. Each display offers a unique glimpse into the inventive world of LEGO®. Coming December 1 to Tūhura Otago Museum.
Maritime Museum reopens
The Port Chalmers Maritime Museum has reopened in October 2024 after a major upgrade and extension. The 1877 Heritage Category 1 listed building is now filled with light – thanks to the refurbished clerestory windows, a new glass extension and a wide internal laneway linking the museum to the Port Otago Annex where you can watch operations from the mezzanine. The interior walls are covered in story-filled panels and there are countless artefacts – big and small – on display. Within the laneway is a wonderful ABCedarium, which is a series of photos, artefacts and information, built around each letter of the alphabet.
portmuseum.co.nz/
Guns at Boiler Point
After more than a century, two coastal defence guns were returned to the Otago Harbour, albeit 5 nautical miles (9km) inland from their original spot at Taiaroa Head. They are now positioned at the far-end corner of the Boiler Point Walkway in Port Chalmers.
The two guns were originally installed at Fort Taiaroa in the late 1800s to defend the harbour from a potential Russian attack. They remained in place until 1911 and were then displayed in Dunedin’s Queens Gardens. In 1936, the two guns were dismantled and their barrels buried in the gardens. They were exhumed in 2006 for restoration and volunteers have worked away – on and off – behind the scenes for the past 18 years.
Why were the guns buried?
Paraphrased from the Star Newspaper, 11 May, 2006: By 1936, it was felt the display guns around the city would “excite thoughts of war in the young”. However, it was too costly to remove the large, heavy gun barrels, so they were buried where they were.
Rams Bottom Tours
What sets Rams Bottom Tours apart from other operators is the sheer variety of tour options on offer. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore the city’s highlights, they have a tour tailored to your interests.
From guided walks through historic streets to scenic drives along the coast, their diverse range of tours ensures that there is something for everyone. This is also one of the only operators that includes a visit to Saddle Hill Brewery and viewing points of Cargills Castle.
ramsbottomtours.co.nz @ramsbottomtours
Loci eBike Tours
Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and a dash of exhilaration? If so, then Loci small group eBike tours are perfect for you. Starting from the charming Port Chalmers, their eBike tour whisks you away on a journey straight out of a postcard. Glide along scenic routes that take you to Dunedin, where architectural delights and historic charm await. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, their brand new eBikes make the ride both easy and enjoyable.
loci.one/loci-ebike-tours/
Eat and Drink
Graze & Glow
In lower Stuart Street, just down from Dunedin’s Octagon, you’ll find Graze & Glow, a modern restaurant where everything on the menu costs $9. Aptly named, this place is all indulgent small plates and neon-lit interiors. The popular tapas
restaurant often has a line out the door and the inside is always humming…or maybe that’s just the in-house DJ. The menu is top to toe small bites from pretty much every cuisine on the planet, from tacos and croquettes to lamb skewers and gnocchi. All are shareable but you can definitely demolish the plates without anyone’s help.
@graze_n_glow
Pearl Diver
An enchanting bar in central Ōtepoti crafting delicious pizza, snacks and providing eclectic music. Pearl Diver recently made headlines due to their “Shiny Fella” dish, a mid-century aspic offering which was available as an “odd item” on their Uber Eats menu and in keeping with their ‘70s décor. But it’s pizza and local music that it really does well.
pearldiver.nz @pearldiverdunedin
Errick’s Café
There is now a brand-new cafe which has added to the Errick’s brand of businesses to go alongside their multipurpose venue and sci-fi accommodation. Grab a coffee or sweet treat from the cabinet to enjoy in their industrial-style eatery. Possibly the best time to go is during their ‘Cappy Hour’, where they do buy one get one free.
@erricksvenue
Augustines of Portobello
Nestled in the native bush at the foot of Hereweka/Harbour Cone, the Farmstore and Kitchen offer a unique culinary experience, providing visitors an opportunity to discover their famous Augustines flavours set amongst the pristine natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula.
At Augustines of Portobello, you’re invited to savour their latest preserves fresh from the Augustines kitchen, explore seasonal cooking with their Trust the Chef dinners, or take a break from your busy life and join the birds on a stroll down their hand-built trails. Opening Nov ‘24.
augustinesofcentral.com @augustinesofportobello
Ebb Kitchen
Ebb Café is now under new ownership, and they have a new chef who has helped them transition into offering a dinner service. Now known as Ebb Kitchen, the restaurant, hosted in Ebb Hotel, now offers a sophisticated menu including carpaccio, remoulade, house pate, wagyu picanha and more.
ebb-dunedin.co.nz/eat-and-drink/ @ebb.kitchen
Gary & Lola’s
After a few jokes about opening a business together, hospitality manager Katelyn and fine dining chef/caterer Sammy decided to make it happen. With Katelyn’s exceptional customer relations and management experience, and Sammy’s culinary background, it’s the perfect partnership. Named in honour of their beloved fur-babies, Gary and Lola’s is a new café in George Street, just off the Octagon, and will be running their existing catering arm Goodness Grazes out of the new premises too.
garyandlolas.co.nz @goodnessgrazes.nz
Asian Pub Takeover @ Woof!
Pub food but with an Asian twist! From the ashes, and minds of Comes First Chicken Diner (formerly of Dunedin) and Asian Diner (formerly of Hastings) comes a semi-regular pop-up takeover at Woof! The monthly collaboration has brought Asian pub style food, noodle house dishes and fusion burgers to your friendly central-city bar. Check their socials for the next pop-up and check out the flavours on offer. Udon carbonara? Furikake Fries? Karaage Burgers? Yes please! @aznpub
Little Yen’s Café and Kitchen
A common story in Dunedin, this café had its start as a food truck at the Otago Farmers Market and around town. Now with a café and kitchen on the ground floor of Philip Laing House in The Exchange, Little Yen’s serves South East Asian-style cuisine, from Bahn Mi to Taiwanese Fried Chicken.
@littleyens.tw
Perc Plaza
The new link in the chain of The Perc cafes, Plaza (inside the Forsyth Barr Stadium) creates a perky trio alongside Central and The Exchange. Stylish and full of open space, Perc Plaza bring the baked goods, salads, and café favourites from the central city to the tertiary precinct.
perc.co.nz @perc_plaza
City of Tea
Dedicated bubble tea in the centre of the city. City Tea is known for its signature drinks like Milk Tea, Rose Milk Tea, Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea, and Taro Milk Tea. These are on offer alongside bubble tea and milk tea favourites.
@cityoftea_dunedin
Big Lizard Ōtepoti
After the closure of bakery Side On, Alan and Renee have just opened its spiritual successor called Big Lizard Ōtepoti, in Vogel Street. This new deli-style takeaway offers coffee, ready-made focaccia sandwiches, and made-to-order sandwiches alongside their famous Side On-style pastries. Yes, the pasties are back! This place is sure to be a new local favourite.
@biglizardotepoti
Coming soon
Commons
Building on the success of The Swan Cafe and Bar, owner Dane has decided to open another venue in Ōtepoti. Commons was born out of a simple idea: “The perfect blend of restaurant, bar, and café—offering restaurant-quality food in a cosy, ambient and upbeat environment where you can feel comfortable enjoying a coffee during the day, a meal at any time, and a drink in the evening.” With a nod in the general direction of the seriously underrated Kiwi Cuisine style, Commons will be a centrally-located AM to PM eatery.
Commons will be situated in the old Nova site in the Octagon next to the Art Gallery. Looking at an early December opening.
St Clair
From the owner of Dunedin icons Esplanade and No7 Balmac comes a new offering in St Clair’s newest build. Katrina Toovey is planning to open a new Italian wine bar and a neighbouring gelateria on the ground flood of a new complex which will also house apartments on its upper floors.
Rough timeline: Summer season 24/25
Tomboy
The era of the neighbourhood wine bar returns to Dunedin in 2025. After sailing 4000NM around the east coast of Australia, owners Tansey and Paul have taken on the new challenge to develop an existing heritage building into a café and wine bar in City Rise. The now-pink two-storey building was a suburban corner store in its past life. The café is to be called Tomboy, named after the yacht they used on their travels.
Timeline: 2025 tomboy.co.nz @tomboy_dunedin
Shopping
The Makers Lounge
The Makers Lounge is your go-to destination for unique, handcrafted products. Their team of passionate artisans and designers are dedicated to quality and creativity.
Certified in sustainable practices, it ensures every item is ethically made. Their mission is to celebrate craftsmanship and support local talent, bringing you one-of-a- kind pieces that tell a story.
themakerslounge.co.nz @the_makerslounge1
Boho Jo
With a store in Oamaru and now Dunedin, Boho Jo is sharing its love of handcrafted beeswax candles, soy candles, scented natural soaps, and essential oil perfumes. Shop online or in-store for high-quality, affordable New Zealand products. It also hosts candle making workshops with an option to add drinks and cheese platter. Check their socials for the next workshop.
bohojo.shop @boho_jo_78
Seed Heritage
Australian apparel brand Seed Heritage has now opened on Dunedin’s recently redeveloped George Street. Seed Heritage seeks to provide an unparalleled shopping experience and brand aesthetic, comprising beautifully designed apparel, accessories and footwear for woman, teen, child and baby.
seedheritage.com @seedheritage
Mecca
Popular Australian makeup retailer Mecca has also made its debut in the city on the refashioned George Street. Currently it has a small pop-up store up and running with the intention to open a large store by the end of the year.
mecca.com @meccabeauty
Repertoire
Making modern fashion with an edge effortless. Repertoire, established in 2006, is proudly New Zealand owned and operated. Repertoire is created to inspire women with clothing they can feel confident in seven days a week while celebrating
their unique style personality. Its collections are designed for now and forever, transcending seasons and trends with a timeless aesthetic. Versatile and flattering pieces come together to build an elevated wardrobe that doesn’t compromise on comfort or wearability.
repertoire.co.nz @repertoire_nz
Quick Brown Fox – Fridge door cocktails
Dunedin coffee liqueur company Quick Brown Fox has just launched its new limited edition online-only product range for the summer. Their Fridge-door cocktail range are small batch coffee cocktails using Quick Brown Fox. For storage in the chilly bin or esky for your summer adventures, try their new flavours Revolver, Coffee Negroni or Salted Caramel Sipper.
quickbrownfox.co.nz @quickbrownfox_nz
Building Developments
Mataukareao development
An exciting new commercial property development is taking shape in Dunedin. The Mataukareao development, on 50 Great King Street, a project by Hapai Commercial Property LP, is a significant institutional scale development and investment by a large collective of iwi and mana whenua (Ōtākou Rūnaka) in Dunedin. The building will house Pacific Radiology Group and a major government tenant as anchor tenants and provide much needed public car parking for Dunedin.
ACC build
A joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Property and ACC is transforming a car park on a historic Dunedin street into an 8,000sqm state-of-the-art building. Called Ōtepoti ACC Dunedin, the $40m, four-storey development will bring together four separate ACC premises and close to 650 staff under one roof. Dunedin is an essential part of ACC’s national operations and the new hub signals its ongoing commitment to the
region. ACC will lease the building for 20 years. The building will be a market-leading and highly energy eficient working environment integrating sustainability in line with Ngāi Tahu iwi values.
New southern hospital
The New Dunedin Hospital currently under construction is the largest build in Aotearoa’s history, reflecting a billion-dollar government investment. The outpatients building is already under way and plans for the inpatient building are imminent.
Otago Regional Council
Port Otago and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) finalised redevelopment plans for the new building in February 2023. Port Otago acquired the building in 2021. The new building project was a priority in ORC’s Long-Term Plan 2021-2031 which committed to relocating Dunedin staff to a single head ofice site. Work will begin shortly on
the interior walls, ceilings and linings, installation of building acoustics, heating and cooling infrastructure, with the ORC fit out scheduled to begin in the second half of next year.
The redevelopment is known as the Whare Rūnaka Project, with mana whenua in the process of providing a building name.
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