Dunedin, New Zealand

Since opening over 150 years ago, the Dunedin Botanic Garden continues to delight new generations of nature lovers. The first botanic garden in New Zealand is known for its exquisite horticultural and botanical collections. Set in North Dunedin, the popular destination boasts more than 6,800 plant species along with wildlife, such as native bellbirds. Highlights include the Camellia Collection and the Rhododendron Dell, as well as beautiful roses and other blooms. There are quite a few specialized trails for visitors to explore, including the Dunedin Volcano Trail, Treasured Plants Trail, and Play Trail.

Cnr & Great King Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-77-40-00

What began as a humble collection back in 1865 has transformed into a world-class center for culture, nature, and science. A lot has changed since then—and the Otago Museum now has 1.5 million objects from all over the world in its collection. Exhibits explore the world we live in from the local roots of Dunedin to the depths of outer space and more. Visitors also enjoy discovering the galleries, displays, tours, and talks with highlights, including the People of the World and the Tangata Whenua galleries, The Southern Land, Southern People Gallery, the Tropical Forest Butterfly House, the Discovery World Science Center, and the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium.

Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-74-74-74

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Housed in the former New Zealand Transit Building, the Toi Itu Otago Settlers Museum fascinates with its showcase of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding region of the Otago Province. Through innovative exhibitions across 14 galleries, the museum highlights the culture, fashion, art, and technology of what is considered the country’s first great city starting with the early settlers to the Maori people, the Chinese, and recent arrivals. Visitors will encounter everything from costumes to artifacts and other interesting objects as they learn about the area’s history from the Gold Rush to the music scene and more.

31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-77-50-52

New Zealand artists, such as Frances Hodgkins, and world-renowned masters, such as Monet, and Pissarro grace the halls of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. The museum boasts a stellar selection of both British and European works, including paintings as well as decorative arts, Japanese prints, among others. After viewing the paintings, sculpture and other items on display, guests can pop into the gift shop or the Nova café for a quick bite. Throughout the year, the museum regularly hosts public events, including art talks, lectures, and video screenings that are worth a visit.

30 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-74-32-40

One of the best attractions in New Zealand happens to be outdoors and free. Walking through the Warehouse precinct and the surrounding area reveals 30-plus original works, part of a homegrown initiative that is collectively referred to as Dunedin Street Art Trail. Artists from around the world and right in the city collaborate to create a colorful landscape. Over the years, the project has drawn the likes of enigmatic Belgian artist ROA, who painted a vibrant tuatara on Bath Street, and the UK’s Phlegm, whose fantastical creature awaits in an alleyway. Other artists who are part of the project include Pixel Pancho from Italy and Dal East from China, among others. A self-guided tour of the creative and historic hubs is the best way to take in everything.

Warehouse Precinct, Dunedin, New Zealand

Where to Eat:

Set just off main street close to the Otago Farmers Market, the Ironic Cafe & Bar is a casual and inviting spot, known for fresh, modern, and innovative fare. Since opening in 2007, the farm-to-table eatery with an industrial feel continues to delight diners from near and far with an enticing menu and a relaxed ambiance, including an outdoor courtyard for alfresco dining and views of the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. As for the dishes, mornings begin with Apple Crumble and Crispy Corn Waffles, while lunchtime sees selections, such as the NZ Lamb Salad and Chili Caramel Pork Belly. Dinner tempts with main courses, including Local Green Lip Mussels and Blue Cod, which pair well with the extensive drink list of local wines and beers.

9 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-77-99-88

Comfort food prepared with classic techniques is what’s on the menu at No. 7 & Balmac. A five-minute from Dunedin city center, this friendly bistro-style eatery in the Maori Hill neighborhood is a multiple Cuisine Good Food Awards Finalist and with good reason. Nice touches, such as dishes cooked on an applewood grill and fresh veggies and herbs from an organic garden, onsite make this place stand out with sumptuous selections as Wildshot Pan Roasted Fiordland Venison Saltimbocca with Balsamic Roasted Potatoes, Whipped Chevre, Crispy Prosciutto, and Sage. Here, meals end on a sweet note with tempting desserts, including Caramel Condensed Flan with Whole Orange Marmalade and Whipped Cream or Turkish Coffee Crème Pot with Walnut Baklava and Spiced Fig with Cream.

7 Balmacewen Road, Maori Hill, Dunedin 9010, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-64-00-64

Centrally located in the Octagon, close to the Forsyth Barr Stadium, the Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant is a lovely place for drinks and a meal. Head Chef Rose Lock has created an eclectic menu with starters ranging from Chicken Liver Pate with Tomatillo Relish to Beef Cheeks Braised in Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Red Wine, Garlic on Parsnip Puree. For the main course, lunch offers Pork Belly Slowed Cooked in Star Anise and Risotto of Spring Pea, Asparagus, Basil, and Mint, while dinner entices with Silver Fern Farms Fillet Steak on Mustard Mash with Café de Paris Butter and Jus. Of course, much attention is given to the wine selections, and it shows on the menu with local selections, such as Akarua Pinot Gris from Central Otago to international additions such as the Barton & Guestier Rose from France to name a few.

1st Floor/12 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, Phone: +64-34-74-08-24