Explore Dunedin
There’s so much to see and do in Dunedin. Whether you’re here on business, visiting family, up for a graduation or here for a holiday, Dunedin has something to offer. 858 George Street is conveniently located just a short distance from Dunedin’s University, Polytechnic, Hospital and Forsyth Barr Stadium. They’re all within a 10-minute drive from 858 George Street Motel, and we offer free parking. There’s so much to see and do in Dunedin, with unique wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, to boutique shopping, fly-fishing, galleries and gardens. 858 George Street offers a convenient base to explore Dunedin.
Forsyth Barr Stadium858 George Street is a quick 6-minute drive to Forsyth Barr Stadium, where you can see all the biggest acts to visit New Zealand. Home of the Highlanders Rugby team, Forsyth Barr Stadium has been host to Elton John, Pink, Robbie Williams and a huge host of acts. If you’re thinking of coming specifically for a show, it pays to book in advance as accommodation can be snapped up across Dunedin around show time. |
Royal Albatross CentreDunedin is lucky enough to have the only mainland breeding colony of the stunning royal albatross. Learn all about this majestic and elusive bird. See unique wildlife like the little blue penguin at Pilots Beach and explore the hidden tunnels of historic Fort Taiaroa. |
Larnach CastleLarnach Castle, located on the Otago Peninsula is one of Dunedin’s most popular visitor attractions. If you don’t have access to a vehicle there’s a range of tour companies that include Larnach Castle in a Peninsula tour (listed below). Larnach Castle is open 9am-5pm. |
Otago Trout FishingDean Whaanga is an internationally recognised fishing guide and fly-fishing champion. Otago, Southland and Fiordland are world renowned for trout fishing. If you’re an experienced fisherman or beginner, Dean can get you fly fishing. |
University of OtagoThe University of Otago is the oldest University in New Zealand and is integral to the vibrancy of Dunedin city. Graduations traditionally happen in mid-May, August and early December. Graduating students have a parade down George Street, followed by a ceremony at Dunedin Town Hall. The university presents a great backdrop for graduation photos, with the historic clock tower building and beautiful architecture and gardens. 858 George Street Motel is an incredibly convenient location visiting studying or graduating family and friends, with the motel just a 9-minute walk for the University. |
Otago PolytechnicOtago Polytechnic is just a 15-minute walk from 858 George Street. Otago Polytechnic offers a range of courses, including art, food, nursing, fashion, IT and more. Graduation dates for Otago Polytechnic are traditionally in mid-March and early December, with a parade along George Street, followed by a ceremony in the town hall. |
Monarch Wildlife Cruises and ToursMonarch offer a wide range of tours and cruises. Get a different perspective from those at the Albatross Colony by travelling by boat. You get a real up close and authentic experience. There a half day and full day tours. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and the unique wildlife on Otago Peninsula something not to be missed. Tours are very popular with 858 George Street guests. |
Elm Wildlife ToursElm Wildlife Tours offer a range of tours, with the Peninsula Encounters tour being their most popular. Be sure to take your camera! You’ll have opportunities to see Hooker’s sea lions, yellow eyed penguins, little blue penguins and a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, along with other seabird colonies and of course, the beautiful Royal Albatross at Taiaroa head. This tour is very popular with 858 George Street guests. |
Natures WondersNatures Wonders offer wildlife tours on the Otago Peninsula and around a sheep shed. Penguin beach is hope to the yellow eyed penguin and little blue penguin, while cormorants and seals and other native birds are often spotted on the wildlife tour. |
Dunedin Botanic GardensDunedin Botanic Gardens is the oldest established gardens in New Zealand and boasts some amazing introduced and native species. A popular photography spot, we highly recommend you set aside a sunny afternoon to explore all that the gardens have to offer. Beautiful all year round, the Rhododendron Dell season, and spring season see an amazing display of daffodils and blossom trees. |
Dunedin Public Art GalleryDunedin Public Art Gallery is located in the Octagon which is just a short 25-minute walk away along the bustling main street. The gallery houses one of New Zealand’s premier collections; holding significant works of European art, Japanese prints and decorative arts. The shop also has some unique and quirky gifts. |
George Street Shopping858 George Street is conveniently located on George Street, that with a quick 5-minute walk turns into Dunedin’s premier shopping street with a range of boutique fashion stores and cafes. Some well-known Dunedin boutiques and designers are; Nom*D, Bellebird boutique, Charmaine Revelry, Ruby and Mild Red. The Dunedin fashion school and fashion scene are incredibly vibrant, with iD Dunedin Fashion week getting a lot of international interest. |
Emerson’s BreweryEmerson’s beer is a fascinating story, from mum’s kitchen to a $25 million award-winning brewery, the Brewery and beer are proving to be ever popular. The Brewery and beer have won a host of awards and is a popular place for 858 George Street guests to enjoy dinner with a few drinks. |
Taieri Gorge RailwayThe Taieri Gorge Railway departs from the historic Dunedin Railway Station. Be sure to take your camera, as you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities! Built in a by-gone era, you’ll love the wrought iron viaducts, tunnels and seascapes. To Taieri Gorge is a 4-hour round trip, while Middlemarch is a 6-hour round trip. The Dunedin Railway Station is just a 6-minute drive from 858 George Street. |
OlvestonOlveston is a grand historic home left to Dunedin City by the Theomin family. The home was designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George. The home is a spectacular time capsule showing the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century. Olveston is just a two-minute drive from 858 George Street. |
Otago Farmers MarketIf you are a foodie, the Otago Farmers Market is for you. Open every Saturday from 8am – 12:30 at the northern carpark at Dunedin Railway Station it is full of local produce from around Otago, and delicious hot food, fresh bread and food truck cafes. It’s a great spot for Saturday brunch. The Otago Farmers Market is a 6-minute drive from 858 George Street. |
Dunedin Chinese GardensThe Dunedin Chinese Gardens are open 10am – 5pm. Adults are $9, while under 13s are free. The gardens were constructed by a team of artisan craftsmen from Dunedin’s sister city; Shanghai. The Traditional scholars’ gardens offer a peaceful escape in the city and there is also a traditional tea house and shop. |
Otago MuseumOtago Museum is open 10-5pm daily and is free entry, with some paid exhibitions. Discovery World and the butterfly enclosure are incredibly popular with young children, and it’s very close to 858 George Street Motel, just two-minute drive or 11-minute walk. The Perpetual Guardian Planetarium is popular too (restricted to ages 3+). |
City of LiteratureDunedin is hailed a university city and has been home to many of New Zealand’s significant writers including the likes of Janet Frame, Thomas Bracken, Charles Brash, Sir Alfred Hamish Reed, poets James K. Baxter and Hone Tuwhare. |
Baldwin StreetBaldwin Street, in Dunedin, New Zealand is the world’s steepest residential street. It’s a quick 6-minute drive from 858 George Street Motel or a 30-minute walk. You can walk up the street to a viewing area and visit the tourist shop at the bottom. You can drive up it, but it’s not something we’d recommend. It’s can be easy to drive past and miss it, so keep an eye out on the right for it on your way up North East Valley. |
Dunedin Walks and LookoutsSignal Hill Lookout is a popular spot to get one of the best views in Dunedin. There’s a range of memorial lookouts in Dunedin and a wide range of popular walks, whether you’re after a short easy stroll or a full day hike, Dunedin has a lot of options. |
Dunedin International Airport858 George Street is a 32-minute drive from Dunedin International Airport and we can arrange shuttle and taxi options for you. Just contact us. |
