What’s on in Dunedin?

Dunedin is an exciting destination with a wonderful mix of experiences to delight the senses. From amazing local cuisine to breathtaking scenery as well as a great variety of interesting events, places and activities, Dunedin has something for everyone!

If you have tickets to an upcoming event, you are advised to book your accommodation well in advance, and why not make a weekend of it and book in for two nights’ stay at 538 Great King.

If you have anything in particular you'd like to see or do in Dunedin, we are happy to make inquiries and bookings on your behalf. Let us know before you arrive or just pop into reception for a chat and we can help you come up with ideas on how to make the most of your stay here.

Click BOOK NOW OR Call us on 0800 538 668 OR email stay@greatkingmotel.co.nz to discuss your accommodation needs

Featured favourites all year round and some popular annual events

Here are some of our personal favourites we love to recommend to guests (Note that in 2020, due to Covid-19 related restrictions, many of the listed activities and attractions will be unavailable. It is recommended that intending visitors check availability of any activities, events or locations that they may wish to see or do during their stay in Dunedin). 

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Orokonui Ecosanctuary offers visitors both guided tours and self-guided walking for visitors wishing to experience the sights and sounds of the enchanting native New Zealand forest. Among the Orokonui resident native birds and lizards that you may encounter during your visit are the takahe and tuatara, as well as Otago skinks, kaka, bellbirds and tui.

Orokonui is a 30 minute drive via Port Chalmers, and you can do a round trip, returning via the scenic Mt Cargill road or via Waitati and State Highway 1. Waitati has a wonderful cafe serving delightful treats at the local nursery.

Visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle, lovingly and fastidiously restored by the Barker family, is New Zealand’s only castle, and one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. Located on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle offers castle tours, event management and unique dining experiences. The stunning garden is listed as a 'Garden of International Significance' by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. This iconic symbol of the city’s Scottish heritage is at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience.

Official site for Larnach Castle

Otago Museum

Otago Museum, just 3-5 minutes' walk from 538 Great King, offers an ever-changing array of exhibitions and events along with its year-round attractions. Entry to the Museum and the galleries is free, with paid entry to special areas like  the interactive Science Centre, the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, the Beautiful Science gallery and the ever-popular Butterfly Rainforest.

Ticket prices and current exhibits can be found on the official Otago Museum website. 

Dunedin Farmers Market

Voted New Zealand’s most outstanding farmer’s market, the Otago Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 8AM to 12:30PM.  Locals and visitors converge here to sample artisan foods from the 50-75 stallholders offering everything imaginable from cheeses and chutneys to fresh baked breads and pastries and more. There is seasonal produce and plants on offer as well as delicious hot food and coffee to tantalise your taste buds.

Located in the northern carpark of the Dunedin Railway Station.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Thieves Alley Market Day

A hugely popular event in the Dunedin summer calendar, the Thieves Alley Market Day takes place in the Octagon and surrounding streets of Dunedin’s city centre.  Entertainment and street performers as well as hundreds of stalls selling an array of crafts, jewelry, art, clothing, local delicacies and more, this is a great day out for the whole family.

Thieves Alley Market Day is generally held in February each year.

For more events happening in Dunedin this summer visit: Click here

Dunedin iD Fashion

One of the top events on the New Zealand fashion calendar has been Dunedin’s very own iD Fashion Week. High profile international and Kiwi designers and emerging fashion labels converge in a unique fashion mash-up like no other! The event is packed with exhibitions, designer talks, pop-up stores, fashion films and exclusive behind-the-scenes encounters.

Since 2020 and the onset of covid, the format and timing of iD Fashion events has been somewhat 'fluid' with separate events for established designers and emerging designers. 

Check out the iD website for more information

Dunedin Midwinter Carnival

The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is a free public event held every year. It celebrates the passing of the Winter Solstice with an evening of beauty, light and incredible artistry. The event is held in the Octagon and usually takes place on the closest Saturday to the Winter Solstice. For updates on the next Midwinter Carnival visit the Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust Facebook page.

Midwinter Facebook Page

Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival

Originally a celebration of Dunedin’s local craft breweries and now attracting brewers from around New Zealand, the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival has run annually since 2013. Organised by the Otago University Student Association, this event is open to the public and provides plenty of food and entertainment to complement the vast array of lovingly brewed bevvies making their debut in the craft beer scene. Other associated events are held during the week leading up to the festival with local restaurants offering special degustation menus with palate-pleasing beer and food matches.

For more events happening in Dunedin in spring click here

Links to Dunedin tourism and events sites

Eventfinda

Dunedinnz

Dunedin Events

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