Dunedin, Family Activities

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  • Royal Albatross Colony

    The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head, on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand, is the only mainland breeding colony for any albatross species found in the southern hemisphere. The first Taiaroa-reared albatross chick flew in 1938 and this now protected nature reserve has grown into an established colony with a population of around 140 birds. Visitors to the Royal Albatross Centre can view the interpretative wildlife displays, learn of the historical use of the area and experience the famous Unique Taiaroa guided tours. Lots of interactive exhibits for the kids, toy box on-site, cafe, toilets, babychange facilities and family-friendly staff.

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  • Iconic Farm Tour

    While you're in Dunedin ~ come visit the world's cutest sheep!Get up close with miniature cattle, walk our alpacas and hang out with the cute sheep and more on our gorgeous little ... read more

  • Gone Potty - Ceramic Painting Studio

    Let your creative talents shine in Gone Potty's fabulously fun studio environment!  Here you can enjoy some time out with mum or dad, better still bring the whole family for an ent... read more

  • Ages 3+

    Megazone - Mini Golf

    Challenge yourself and your friends at our 9-hole jungle-themed mini-golf course.  Forget the usual windmills and castles, putt your stuff in our glow-and-the-dark course! Stand on... read more

  • Oamaru to Dunedin Airport Transfer

    Great option for cyclists finishing the Alps to Ocean trailNo extra charge for bikes!Modern fuel efficient vehiclesFlexible departure times to suit you and your flight homePrices f... read more

  • Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

    Dr David Bellamy (the internationally acclaimed environmentalist) once described the Otago Peninsula as ‘the finest example of eco tourism in the world!’, so you know you’re in for a treat when you tour this magnificent area with Monarch Wildlife Cruises!

    Tour 1 - Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf (1 hour cruise)
    Departing from Wellers Wharf (only 45 minutes from Dunedin) this one hour cruise will open you up to a world of wonder.

    Tour 2 - Peninsula Cruise (half day tour)
    You will be amazed at the beauty as you cruise along the entire length of the amazing Otago Harbour.

    Tour 3 - Otago Peninusla Package (full day)
    This full-day tour is the premier package for those who want to see it all.

    Child price for 5-16 year olds, under 5s go FREE.

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  • Ultimate Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Day Tour

    Enjoy a day exploring Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city boasting a fascinating history, and the surrounding rugged and stunning Otago Peninsula ~ home to a multitude of rare wildlife such as the Yellow-Eyed Penguin.

    Trip Includes:

    • Return transfers from central Dunedin accommodation or Port Chalmers 
    • View Dunedin's impressive historical architecture 
    • See the world's steepest street, Baldwin St & the Historic Dunedin Railway Station
    • Stop at Larnach Castle gardens, Portobello & Tidal Inlets
    • Explore a Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve & Taiaroa Head, home to the Northern Royal Albatross
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  • Dunedin Bays & Beaches

    Established as a result of volcanic activity, Dunedin is the oldest city in New Zealand filled with exemplary historical architecture. There is so much to see of the surrounding rugged coastline laden with picturesque scenery and remarkable wildlife. Lined with beautiful white sand and crisp waters, the many beaches should be on your list as a 'must do' when you are visiting Dunedin. Join this half day tour to experience the best of the peninsula hotspots loaded with striking views starring the bays and beaches. 

    Tour includes:

    • Return transfers from central Dunedin accommodation or Port Chalmers 
    • View Dunedin from Signal Hill Lookout
    • See the world's steepest street, Baldwin St & the Historic Dunedin Railway Station
    • Explore the Otago Peninsula including Portobello
    • Stop at a wildlife reserve to see the world's rarest sea-lion 
    • Enjoy a visit to one of Otago Peninsula's stunning beaches

     

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  • Ages 3+

    Megazone Entertainment Centre Dunedin

    Megazone is an entertainment center for children and adults that combines technology, fun, agility and skill. We offer a variety of experiences from laser tag, arcade games, a glow... read more

  • Olveston Historic House

    Want to be transported to another era and view a piece of history? The historic Olveston Historic House in Dunedin was the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 20th Century and is now open to the public to view on guided tours. The home was designed by English architect Sir Ernest George and occupied by the Theomin family from 1906 to 1966. On a guided tour you will be shown through the period home to see its 240 original artworks, statues, antique furniture, manicured gardens and a 1922 Fiat 510 Tourer. The family travelled the world collecting artwork and artefacts which are now proudly on display within the home. Guided tours of Olveston Home are offered six times a day between 9am and 5pm. The guided tours last approximately 60 minutes and as part of the tour you will have access to the garden and gift shop. Olveston Home is a time capsule of the 20th Century and guided tours offer interesting commentary about the family and the historic home. Be sure to include this to your Dunedin itinerary. Access to the home is by guided tour only. Book your guided tour of Olveston House online today!

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  • Penguin Place

    Welcome to Penguin Place, home of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. Every penguin here has a personality: each is banded with a metal ring around the right flipper and ... read more

  • The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery

    The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery is a small private Museum and gallery based in the home of artist, Bruce Mahalski.Spread over three rooms of an old central city villa, the mu... read more

  • Lanarch Castle

    Discover NZ’s only Castle, you will enjoy stepping back in time to view this beautifully restored castle complete with a showcase and collection of original NZ period furniture and antiques.  Enjoy a visit to the castle, garden and grounds or a visit to the gardens and grounds only.  High Tea is also now served daily in the Ballroom at 3pm (reservations essential). Family pass available.

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    • Phone: 03 476 1616
    • Location: 145 Camp Road, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin
  • Kiwi Guardian Outdoor Adventures

    Get the kids outside to have some FREE family fun connecting with nature at Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites nationwide.

    Toyota Kiwi Guardians highlights family-friendly, treasure hunt style activities at specific Department of Conservation sites that encourage kids to engage with the outdoors and, ultimately, earn themselves a medal for their efforts.

    The goal of the conservation programme is to turn Kiwi kids into guardians of the land and sea.

    A total of 50 sites are operational nationwide. Families can get started on their adventure by downloading the appropriate “treasure hunt” map from: www.kiwiguardians.co.nz

    Click on the area of New Zealand nearest to where you are to find the choices available closest to home.

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  • Dunedin Botanic Garden

    The Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand's first botanic garden and holds the status of Garden of International Significance. It has hill views from sunny lawns, more than 6,800 plant species and the song of wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and tui. We have a variety of self-contained and downloadable education kits available for Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) lessons at the Garden. An information centre, tea kiosk and playground, which are located in the Lower Gardens, are open daily from 10am-4pm.

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    • Location: North Dunedin
  • Moana Pool

    Moana Pool has a range of swimming areas, a multitude of fitness facilities, lots of training courses and heaps of entertainment for children. Includes a Leisure Pool with waves, rapid river, interactive massaging water features and toddlers play area plus water slides and a separate spa pool.

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    • Phone: 03 471 9780
    • Location: 60 Littlebourne Rd, Dunedin
  • Settlers Museum

    Encounter history at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

    Learn about the people whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion, and transport shaped New Zealand’s First Great City.

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    • Phone: 03 477 4000
    • Location: 31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin
  • NZ Sports Hall of Fame

    New Zealand's greatest sports performers, their most memorable moments, the trophies and the tools of their trades - all come dramatically alive when you visit the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.

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    • Phone: 03 477 7775
    • Location: Railway Station, Anzac Avenue, Dunedi
  • Otago Farmers Market

    The Otago Farmers Market operates every Saturday morning 8am -12.30pm year round and thousands of people flock to the Dunedin Railway, where you will find the very best fresh fruit and produce that Otago has to offer. Every week over 65 different vendors come together from all over the region to create one of the busiest Farmers Markets in NZ.

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    • Phone: 03 471 6178
    • Location: Dunedin Railway Station (off Anzac Ave)
  • Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

    See the world's smallest penguins in their natural environment.
    Our Blue Penguins nest close to town under the cliff along the historic harbour foreshore.

    Our day tours take you behind the scenes, into the penguins breeding area, where you may see the penguins up close in their nesting burrows. Our day time viewing facility, the 'blue wing', makes this eaiser as you look down into the top of 10 nesting boxes through viewing tunnels. Our penguin numbers vary from day to day, so just ask one of our friendly staff how many they can guarantee you will see.
    Evening viewing is when you will get to see the penguins arrive home from their days fishing, in groups that we call 'rafts'; they will walk up the stony ramp in front of you and cross into the breeding colony back to their nesting burrows.
    We have tours running from 10am to late, so stop by and visit Oamaru's most unique residents.

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    • Location: 2 Waterfront Road, Oamaru
  • Dunedin Ice Stadium

    Get your skates on and come on down to Dunedin Ice Stadium, the perfect venue to bring your friends and family for lots of fun and entertainment. There are general skate sessions, Friday night disco's, Kiwi Skate programmes for children aged 3-18 years and birthday party options for 6 or more children that includes a private party room and many extra party options.  Admission includes skate hire and there are also concession cards and family passes available.

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    • Phone: 03 456 4556
    • Location: 101 Victoria Road, St. Kilda, Dunedin
  • The World's Steepest Street

    Baldwin Street, in Dunedin, is reputed to be the world's steepest street, with an average slope ratio of 1:5. It's steepest section has a gradient of 1:2.86 so for every 2.86 metres travelled horizontally, the elevation rises by one metre. The street is the venue for an annual event in Dunedin, the "Baldwin Street Gutbuster", every summer since 1988 (usually in February). This exercise in fitness and balance involves athletes running from the base of the street to the top and back down again. Since 2002, a further charity event has been held annually in July, which involves the rolling of over 30,000 Jaffas (spherical candy-coated chocolate sweets). Each jaffa is sponsored by one person, with prizes to the winner and funds raised going to charity.

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  • Ages 8+

    Wild Earth Adventures

    Wild Earth Adventures provides fun, safe positive experiences in the great outdoors. We specialise in sea kayaking, canoeing, rafting, kayaking and bush craft. Our curriculum based school activity programmes make it easy for teachers to get students out on exciting and educational rafting, orienteering, kayaking, abseiling or bushcraft activities.

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  • Glenfalloch Gardens

    Situated in peaceful, relaxing surroundings you can enjoy panoramic harbour views. Stroll among the gorgeous flowers which integrate with native ferns, exotic imports and indigenous NZ trees thato showcase 120 years of conservation and expansion of our botanical heritage. A great place to visit with the family and there is a restaurant onsite open for lunch Thursday-Sunday from 11am-3.30pm.

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    • Phone: 03 476 1006
    • Location: 430 Portobello Road Macandrew Bay, Dunedin
Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.