Direct Jetstar flights with Gold Coast

From 24 June JetStar will be flying between Dunedin and Gold Coast, so international visitors can fly directly to the city from Australia and enjoy all it has to offer. Get from Surfers Paradise to a surfer’s paradise, from Gold Coast to ye old coast, where the attractions don’t have wait times. The new route between the city and Gold Coast was announced in September and is the first international flight for Dunedin since the deactivation of trans-Tasman routes during the COVID pandemic.

Dunedin Railways’ Stargazer Trains

The Stargazer Train by Dunedin Railways Ltd is running two journeys over winter

– one to coincide with Matariki Māori New Year and one for the New Zealand

International Science Festival.  Each carriage will have a science communicator from Tūhura Otago Museum who will speak on astronomy, the significance of the Matariki star cluster and guide guests through different stargazing stations once they have arrived at the Taieri Gorge (about 1.5hrs from Dunedin) where there is no urban lighting, so it’s ideal for stargazing.   @dunedinrailways   dunedinrailways.co.nz

Brewery & Distillery Guide

Vol. 3 is here! The Insiders’ Guide to the Brewery and Distillery Trail has launched following the success of the Insiders’ Guide to Te Aka Ōtākou and The Insiders’ Guide to the Dunedin Street Art Trail. Featuring 10 local brewers and distillers, 80+ beers and spirits (plus seasonal releases) and more than 150 years of brewing history, the Dunedin brewing and distilling scene is a must-do experience for those who like a tasty tipple.

The Big Foody Tours – Christchurch to Dunedin Tour

The Big Foody Food Tours offers unique and delicious New Zealand food tours. Adding to the Dunedin Craft’D food tour is the brand new Appetite for the South multi-day food tour which starts in Christchurch and finishes in Dunedin, covering a week of culinary delights in the South Island. This tour will kick off in September 2025.

@thebigfoody   www.thebigfoody.com

Steamer Basin Brewery tours

Join the Steamer Basin team for their brand new brewery tour from Thursday to Sunday, running before usual operating hours. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes and includes a tasting flight of your choice. You’ll be walked through the history of the brewery’s beautiful building, its restoration, and the storied neighbourhood, Dunedin’s old Bond Quarter, that it is found.  @steamerbasinbrewing   steamerbasin.co.nz

The OPERA – Canopy to Coast Tour

The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance’s (The OPERA) Canopy to Coast

Tour is a 2.5-hour tour that includes all the exceptional experiences of the Wildlife & Penguin Tour, while also allowing guests to learn about the history of forests of the Otago Peninsula and their habitat restoration work. As guests journey through a mature and restored forest area they can take in the sounds of the trailside stream and the forest teeming with birdlife. Rangers will share knowledge of New Zealand flora and fauna as guests are immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. This tour also provides expanded time for wildlife viewing in the reserve.  @ the.opera.nz    theopera.co.nz

The Southerner returns

Step back in time and relive the golden era of train travel with The Southerner, a nostalgic rail journey returning for four unforgettable days – 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th of May 2025. Travelling return daily between Christchurch and Dunedin, tracing the historic route that last ran more than 20 years ago in 2002, this unique experience offers two distinct options: Scenic Class for a comfortable ride through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes, or Scenic Plus, which elevates the journey with a premium carriage and dining.

@greatjourneysnz   The Southerner | Great Journeys NZ | Official

BYO sheep – Uniquely Kiwi ferry crossing

Bring your sheep on the ferry. Don’t leave your favourite sheep at home when cycling the loop. As long as your sheep is well behaved and friendly, it is welcome onboard the boat. Please let us know if your sheep is 70kgs or more so we can arrange extra staff to handle. Extra charge may apply for large sheep or sheep with excessive wool. They may refuse to carry sheep who are bad tempered on arrival. porttoport.co.nz

Tīeke welcomed to Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The forests north of Ōtepoti Dunedin have got a lot noisier with the arrival of 100 Tīeke or South Island saddleback. This significant translocation is thanks to a partnership between the Rakiura Tītī Island Administering Body, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, and Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Te Korowai o Mihiwaka. The project aims to re-establish these taoka that have been otherwise lost from the mainland South Island.

@orokonui__ecosanctuary    orokonui.nz

Explore Rentals

Rental vehicles for exploring the rugged and beautiful southern South Island of

New Zealand with pick up and drop off locations in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Specialising in 4WDs including Suzuki Jimny and Subaru Outback, and offering rooftop tent options.

@explore_rentals   explorerentals.co.nz

Eden in Dunedin fashion exhibit

Eden Hore, who died at Ranfurly in 1997, aged 78, was described as “a big-picture bloke”. In the 1970s he developed his Naseby farm into a tourist attraction, converting a tractor shed into a showroom of spectacular New Zealand designer fashion spanning more than 270 items. His comprehensive yet eclectic collection features gowns purchased in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and examples from some of New Zealand’s best-known fashion designers of the time. The display at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum presents a selection of garments featuring NZ designers and spanning day to evening wear created from wool, skin, sequins, lurex and imported sheer fabrics. https://www.toituosm.com/whats-on/exhibitions/eden-in-dunedin

Crafted Pathways

Bespoke itineraries crafted for the curious traveller, Crafted Pathways specialises in tours for people who are wanting quality knowledge-based experiences combined with high quality accommodation. This is packaged together with reliable car hire services for personalised self-drive or guided itineraries through New Zealand. The team at Crafted Pathways Travel have knowledge and life experiences that complement each other, helping to ensure they curate the perfect itinerary.  @craftedpathwaysnz   craftedpathwaystravel.nz

324 Central Market

324 Central Market is a new pre-loved, second-hand market where you’ll find the most curated pre-loved clothing under one roof every Saturday. With over 40 racks from more than 20 different sellers, you’ll be sure to find unique pieces to fit your style. Their goal is to make fashion more sustainable and encourage the community to purchase pre-loved recycled or upcycled fashion items which already exist in this world. There are so many high quality, affordable fashion pieces at the 324 Central Market so join the movement and be a part of the change.

@324centralmarket   324centralmarket.co.nz

Kāi Tahu narrative in George Street

Three tohu whenua (cultural markers/panels) – part artwork, part information – located in New Edinburgh Way Block (outside The Bog), the Golden Block (outside Max) and the Farmers Block (outside Farmers). Each one tells the rich, layered stories of Kāi Tahu in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

As part of the Retail Quarter Upgrade, the Dunedin City Council partnered with mana whenua Kāi Tahu to define the city’s identity and convert it into a streetscape, led by project partner, mana whenua owned organisation Aukaha.

Eat and Drink

Commons Eatery ( CBD)

Building on the success of The Swan Cafe and Bar, owner Dane Wall has opened another venue in Ōtepoti. Commons Eatery 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 Eatery is situated in the old Nova site in the Octagon next to the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. @commons_eatery commonseatery.com

Sorella Gelateria and Sorbetto (St Clair)

Beachfront suburb St Clair’s brand new authentic artisanal gelateria and sorbetto will be the new sweet treat destination in Dunedin. Made fresh daily using authentic Italian methods and local ingredients, Sorella has silky smooth gelato in flavours from the top-tier tiramisu to the incomparable pistachio. Beyond the high-quality gelato, the luxe interior is a confection in and of itself, from hard candy lighting to plumpanelled walls alongside peaches and cream tiles.  @sorellagelato  sorellagelato.com

Piccolo Wine Bar (St Clair)

Right next door to Sorella is Dunedin’s just-opened, only Italian wine bar. Specialising in pizzette, salumi, good wine and cocktails, Piccolo Wine Bar’s interiors are innovative and artistic while still being inspired by its Italian roots.  @piccolo_dunedin

No8 Distillery’s new tasting room and bar (Bond Quarter)

From a still in a corner bar to winning some of the world’s most prestigious spirits awards, for No8 Distillery the journey is just beginning.  From the beautiful shiny copper Franken still named Thérèse, after his spirits-making grandmother, Julien created a unique collection of three very different gins, appealing to different palates and moods. Julien has now moved into the heritage and artisanal precinct of No Name Alley with a bigger distillery operation and dedicated bar and tasting room.

@no8distillery   no8distillery.com

Brazen Eating House (CBD)

Jacinda Reid, owner of Bru Cafe, in Moray Pl, has opened her next venture Brazen Eating House. Located in the iconic heritage building in Filleul Street, Brazen’s style is tapas-inspired international fusion with a Kiwi twist, the menu is designed around inclusivity, connection and bold flavours.  @brazen.eatinghouse.dunedin

Yaka (CBD)

Yaka opened a permanent shop in George Street following a successful run selling their delicious Sri Lanka street foods via online orders. Needing to find a space as their popularity grew, they entered their newly renovated heritage space in the central city, just opposite Knox Church. They sell all of their best sellers, from curry chips and paratha rolls to roti and kottu. @yaka.dunedin

Hi Vietmam (CBD)

Hi Vietnam has brought the first authentic Bahn Mi shop to the city. Crunchy bread, delicious pate, and fresh coriander, enjoy al fresco on the redeveloped George Street area alongside some hot pho or an authentic Vietnamese coffee.

Dunedin-made products

Gooseberries in Gin by Augustines

When paired with gin, the vibrant tang of Augustine’s gooseberries transforms a variety of treats, from sorbets to baked delights – imagine this pared with a special meringue. In a G&T, their zesty notes complement tonic water, crafting a refreshing crisp cocktail. Augustines of Central Gooseberries in Gin are made with South Canterbury Gooseberries and are the perfect sweet addition, made and jarred in Portobello, Dunedin.

@augustinesofcentral   augustinesofcentral.com

HiveEnergy

New Zealand honey has long been praised for its unique properties and health benefits, that’s why Mosgiel-based HiveEnergy® is now making waves in the world of sports nutrition. Athletes around the globe are turning to this natural powerhouse as a key component of their performance-boosting regimen. HiveEnergy® is taking centre stage in the realm of natural sports nutrition, from its energy-boosting qualities to its recovery-enhancing benefits.

@hiveenergynz   hiveenergynz.com

Dark Sheep Hair Pomade

New company Dark Sheep specialises in making high-performance styling products designed specifically for professional barbers and discerning customers. The Dark Sheep Hair Pomade is the perfect balance between control and shine, this mediumhold pomade provides a natural yet polished finish, offering a refined look with medium hold high shine and nourishing Argan oil with an easy to wash out formula. Made by Brazilian-born Dunedin barber Vitor do Prado Silva.

@darksheepnz   darksheepcompany.com

Rhian Ethereal Dress

Rhian, by Dunedin fashion designer Brittany Nelson-Misa, challenges the balance between utilitarian functionality and other worldly grace. Rhian is committed to slow fashion principles and crafting garments locally in Dunedin from high-quality fabrics designed to stand the test of time. The Rhian S25 Ethereal Dress is a fitted silhouette in soft cotton jersey, featuring asymmetrical panelling, tie details and exposed French seams. Digitally printed with the exclusive Rhian Ethereal print, this dress is perfect for layering or wearing on its own.  @rhian_labe   rhian.co.nz

Dunedin Craft Distillers – Mulled Gin

Dunedin Dry Gin artfully combined with hot spiced apple juice. No added sugar. The 100% Central Otago apple juice is sweet enough and mulled with Cinnamon, NZ coriander, cloves, cardamon, local bay leaf and Bay of Plenty lemons. They bottle it ready for you to heat and drink. Delicious.

@dunedincraftdistillers   https://www.dunedincraftdistillers.nz/shop/p/mulled-gin-6s6df

News

Netflix series films in Dunedin

Parts of Dunedin were turned into an 1800s-style Californian town earlier this year for the filming a new Netflix drama miniseries. Academy Award nominee Florence Pugh is one of the actresses starring in a new adaptation of the 1952 John Steinbeck novel East of Eden, alongside Challengers star Mike Faist. Parts of Dunedin that were used as locations include the Dunedin Railway Station, lower Stuart Street, Queens Garden, and the Dunedin Chief Post Office Building which houses the Dunedin Distinction Hotel. It’s set to air next year.

Dunedin works better

‘Dunedin Works Better’ is a new advertising campaign launched by Enterprise Dunedin aimed at attracting talented professionals who may be dissatisfied with bigger-city living, urging them to move down South for a better lifestyle. The campaign positions the city as the place to be if you want to spend more time getting that dog out for walkies (twice a day even) or get home in time to play with the kids before dinner and hit the surf for dessert. As they say, ‘work to live, don’t live to work.’ The tongue-in-cheek campaign, with stats that may or may not be from reputable sources (like your mate who already lives in Dunedin), takes aim at Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown where people will be feeling the squeeze on housing prices and free time.

LGBTQIA+ Dunedin

Forbes recently listed NZ as the #1 safest country for rainbow travellers. The recent

Census results showed Ōtepoti Dunedin has the second-highest proportion of LGBTQIA+-identifying people in the country, just behind Wellington. Despite not being known for having an especially overt queer scene, Dunedin does find itself home to several queer friendly businesses and attractions and eateries with queer business-people at the helm, quietly leading from the front.

Eclipses and aurora

• March 29 and September 22: Partial solar eclipse, when the moon partially blocks the sun and our sky darkens. In Dunedin and Invercargill, the sun may be 72%obscured. Wear appropriate eye protection.
• March through September: Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) are most visible during this time of year when nights are longer. Look to the South one hour after sunset until just before dawn, and you’ll see the sky shimmer in shades of pink, red, purple, blue, and green.
• 2028 Total Solar Eclipse: Nine minutes past 3 in the afternoon of July 22, 2028, may seem like a ridiculously long way off, but work is already well under way to make Dunedin ready for the moment when about 50,000 people are expected to flood into the city to see a spectacular total solar eclipse. This event is so rare the last time was in 1163.

What’s On

‘This is nom*d’ exhibition at Dunedin Public Art Gallery

29 March – 6 July

Since 1986, NOM*d has been a pioneering force in New Zealand fashion. Steadfastly based in Dunedin, NOM*d has consistently challenged conventional style by merging conceptual design with unmistakable local influences, blending experimental tailoring with regional cultural motifs. Under the visionary leadership of Margarita Robertson, the label has reimagined the boundaries between art and apparel, earning international acclaim while transforming the local fashion landscape. Catch an exhibition showcasing the brand’s designs through the years at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Wild Dunedin: New Zealand Festival of Nature

11 – 22 April

Wild Dunedin Festival is back in 2025 for 10 days crammed with activities for the whole family in the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Get ready to rock your socks off and immerse yourself in Ōtepoti’s incredible natural environment at Wild Dunedin – New Zealand’s Festival of Nature.

This year’s theme celebrates the fascinating story of our unique geology. From rugged coastlines to ancient volcanic landscapes, the Otago environment tells a tale millions of years in the making—and this is your chance to explore it. But it’s not all about rocks – there’s plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with your favourite local and rare wildlife.

wilddunedin.nz

2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships

14 April – 3 May

New Zealand’s Ice Fernz and Ice Blacks are taking to the rink in Ōtepoti Dunedin for the 2025 IIHF World Championships Division II. Watch 13 international teams go head-to-head in the women’s and men’s tournaments as they fight to become world champions. Never been to an ice hockey game? No problem! Imagine a fast-paced, action-packed sport where every pass, every shot, and every save keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is your chance to jump in and root on the national teams as they attempt to skate to victory. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for a fun day out, this tournament is something everyone can enjoy. store.nzicehockey.co.nz

Midwinter Carnival

27-28 June

Dancing lights, swirling colours and fantastical creatures return to the grounds outside the majestic First Church of Dunedin to celebrate the middle of winter. The iconic carnival lanterns return with new additions. Immerse yourself in the dazzling lantern installations, snap a pic with the roving costumed performers, enjoy captivating performances featuring an array of local Ōtepoti-Dunedin artists, and of course the mini lantern processions will light up the night, and the faces of those involved. midwintercarnival.co.nz

NZ International Science Festival

28 June – 6 July

The New Zealand International Science Festival is back, filling the city with activities, workshops, tours, talks, shows, panels and more. With something for all ages and interests, be sure to check out the full programme to add fun, engaging and educational activities to your winter school holidays.

Matariki Drone Show

21 June

The main event of Matariki in Dunedin will be two dazzling drone light shows . Featuring 200 drones flying in incredible synchronisation, the show will be a unique and awe-inspiring ten-minute family-friendly experience. Head to Logan Park for a picnic (there will be food trucks and entertainment) and enjoy the swirling, glowing show and technological flare.

All Blacks v France

5 July

Following the thrilling sell out All Blacks test last year; Dunedin will once again play host to the boys in black for the 2025 season opener.

France and New Zealand will go head-to-head at Forsyth Barr Stadium on 5 July, the first time the teams have faced off in Ōtepoti since 2018. allblacks.com/fixtures/all-blacks

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire

20 September

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire brings fans’ favourite Hot Wheels

Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and introducing the brand new Skelesaurus™, the fossil fury villain of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. Get ready for more heat and action as we to bring the ultimate monster truck show to the South Island! hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com

Port Chalmers Seafood Festival

4 October

Set on the wharf & cruise ship terminal at Port Otago, the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival is the perfect day out for seafood lovers who want to pair their tasty kai moana with high-quality beverages and entertainment for kids big and small. seafoodfest.co.nz

Dunedin Writers and Readers festival

17-19 October

Book lovers and literary fans, mark your calendars – the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival will be back for 2025, running over the weekend of the 17th – 19th October. The multi-day festival will again offer a diverse array of events, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and engaging conversations spanning various genres and literary themes. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with their favourite writers and poets, discover new voices, and immerse themselves in the vibrant literary community that Ōtepoti is known for. dunedinwritersfestival.co.nz

Butterfly Effect CrossFit Competition

18 October

Dunedin’s Mosgiel plays host to the world’s leading female-only fitness competition. Get ready for an action-packed day as your team of 3 takes on 4 workouts in this one-day competition. Workouts will be released months before the event, giving participants ample time to prepare and strategise for their best performance. Designed to challenge and highlight each team’s strengths, these workouts promise a thrilling yet fair competition. butterflyeffectcomp.com