Ace Rental Cars Blog

If you’re visiting Ōtepoti / Dunedin on holiday, you’re in for a scenic treat along with artistic delights. Known as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand, there’s an abundance of experiences, attractions and landmarks to visit, see and discover. From admiring Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the city to tramping along the coast, your escape to Dunedin awaits.

• Otago Farmers Market
• Tunnel Beach
• Dunedin Botanic Garden
• Tūhura Otago Museum

Local Discovery

• Baldwin Street
• Otago Farmers Market

Start your day by visiting a Guinness World Record holding site at Baldwin Street in the city’s north. In 1987, this street earned the title of the World Record holder for being the steepest street in the world, attracting tourists who come to view its incline and capture memorable photographs. After you’ve taken some pictures here and admired the view from the top of the street, drive to the Otago Farmers Market, open every Saturday morning in the heart of the city. The market is the perfect place to discover local vendors, taste some fresh produce and be entertained by musicians and performers, all while appreciating the lively and friendly Dunedin atmosphere. Check out stalls like La Crepe and The Porridge Bar for a delicious breakfast, The Port Larder for an assortment of jams and preserves and Waikouaiti Gardens for flower and vegetable seedlings. If visiting Dunedin on a Saturday, a trip to the Farmers Market is a must and gives you the opportunity to take home a piece of Ōtepoti to remember your trip.

Coastal Beauty

• Tunnel Beach Walk
• Kōpūtai / Port Chalmers
• The Mole Sea Wall

After a morning of in-town exploration, travel just over 10 minutes in your Ace rental car to Tunnel Beach to embark on a scenic coastal walk. The 1.8 km trail takes you from the foreshore, through a hand-carved sandstone tunnel to the beach for a one-of-a-kind experience where you can embrace the natural beauty of the coast and the unique man-made features here. Spend some time relaxing on the beach and take a dip in the refreshing waters if the weather allows before driving along the coast to reach Kōpūtai / Port Chalmers. Stop by Union Co Cafe for a coffee and a pastry, or head to The Portsider if you’re hungry for a pub-style lunch. From here, take a stroll along the bay for sweeping views of Rakiriri / Goat Island, Kamau Taurua / Quarantine Island and the adjacent Otago Harbour across the peninsula. Before you head back to Dunedin, take a scenic drive up to Aramoana to view The Mole sea wall. Built in the 1900s to reduce the impact of waves from the open sea against ships in the harbour, The Mole is now used by visitors as a scenic walking spot and dive site, and you might even get to see some native fur seals resting here.

Art and Gardens

• Dunedin Botanic Garden
• Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
• Dunedin Street Art Trail

Your second day in Dunedin offers a relaxing escape to lush gardens and arty adventures around the city. Begin with a short drive to the Dunedin Botanic Garden in the city’s north. Here is the ideal spot to relax amongst the greenery and learn about the region’s flora and fauna. Follow the Volcano Trail for a unique walk up the extinct Dunedin Volcano, visit the Aviary to view over 20 species of wild birds, and admire the structures and statues throughout your journey. Wander the gardens at your own pace or choose from four mapped-out trails to discover everything the country’s first botanic garden offers. From here, drive 15 minutes in your Ace rental car to reach the Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens in Macandrew Bay for a cosy morning tea enveloped by colourful blooms. The Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe and Restaurant offers a selection of delicious meals, cabinet food and locally roasted coffee. Enjoy your time in the peaceful surroundings and take some time here to journal and reflect on your holiday so far. Upon arrival back in town, take a self-guided tour of the vibrant art scene by following the Dunedin Street Art Trail. The trail comprises paintings and murals created by local and international artists and is the perfect way to discover the city while admiring an array of inspired artworks.

An Afternoon at the Museum

• Tūhura Otago Museum
• The Octagon

Once you’ve explored the streets of Dunedin, it’s time to deep-dive into local history and culture at the Tūhura Otago Museum to discover the area’s pioneering past. Discover natural, animal and local history across three levels here, and gaze at the wondrous night sky with a screening at the Perpetual Garden Planetarium. Visit the animal attic to view over 2000 specimens, admire beautiful butterflies and colourful birdlife at the Tūhura tropical forest, and learn about Māori history at the Tāngata Whenua gallery. After you’ve explored the exhibits and collections on display here, settle in for lunch at the Precinct Cafe and reflect on your recent learnings during your time in Ōtepoti. As dinner time rolls around, end your day with a meal at a restaurant in ‘The Octagon’ - the city’s central plaza. From burger bars to Irish taverns, there are options to suit every palate while you savour the last hours of your time in Dunedin.

A weekend in Ōtepoti promises a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, local delights and cultural discovery. From exploring the city streets to venturing to the Otago Peninsula, there’s a wealth of opportunity to embrace the best of the region and soak up every moment here.