Cruises Dunedin

Dunedin: The Edinburgh of the South

Dunedin, New Zealand‘s seventh oldest city, is renowned for its stunning architecture. With its bluestone Victorian buildings and hilly suburbs, it’s no wonder the locals affectionately refer to it as the “Edinburgh of the South.” The city bears a striking resemblance to Scotland and offers a rich cultural experience.

When cruising to Dunedin, your ship will anchor at Port Chalmers, a quaint port town that serves the city of Dunedin and the surrounding Otago Region. Located just a 15-minute drive from Dunedin, Port Chalmers is smaller but equally charming, with heritage attractions and numerous galleries that are well worth a visit.

The Best Time to Cruise to Dunedin

Dunedin and its surrounding region are best explored on a sunny, dry day, so consider booking your Dunedin cruise holiday between January and May.

April is particularly ideal for a visit, and here’s why:

• The weather is generally excellent.
• It’s not peak tourist season yet, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices.
• The Wild Dunedin Festival takes place, celebrating local ecosystem conservation with the community.

Things to Do in Dunedin

Here are some of our favorite activities and attractions in Dunedin:

• Visit the Dunedin Railway Station: Known as the most photographed building in New Zealand, this striking bluestone structure is as beautiful inside as it is outside. It features a small museum and an art gallery upstairs. If you have time, consider taking one of the scenic rail journeys departing from here.
• Enjoy a performance at the Fortune Theatre: The world’s southernmost professional theatre, housed in a Gothic Wesleyan church, offers a unique cultural experience.
• Explore Olveston: Book a guided tour of this stunning 1906 mansion, which offers a fascinating insight into Dunedin’s past.
• Discover history at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum: This interactive museum explores the history of human settlement on the South Island, connecting you to both Maori and Victorian-era history.
• Browse the University Book Shop: Find great titles on Maori, Pacific, and New Zealand topics, among others.
• Shop for unique souvenirs at the Stuart Street Potters Co-operative: Take home a piece of Dunedin’s creative spirit.
• Visit the Otago Farmers Market: Sample some of the best local, mostly organic produce. It’s a great spot to grab lunch or simply explore the region’s culinary offerings.

Top Cruise Lines

There is a great range of cruise lines that include Dunedin in their itineraries. A lot of them will depart from a home port near you.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

• P&O Australia cruises to Dunedin
• Princess cruises to Dunedin
• Silversea cruises to Dunedin
• Carnival Australia cruises to Dunedin
• Viking Ocean cruises to Dunedin