Dunedin

Dunno's Has a Good Vibe, But the Peninsula is the Star

Dunno's - local shorthand for Dunedin - is a proper city with a relaxed feel and good prices. The Botanic Gardens are genuinely peaceful, easy to park at, and right off the SH1 exit. Then there's Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street, which is exactly as ridiculous as it sounds. For food, the Octagon area is where I'd head - we stumbled into the most authentic Nepalese food I've had in NZ there, with good gelato next door.

Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!

Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

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4.7 46 reviews

Royal Albatross Centre

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4.5 142 reviews

The OPERA

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4.4 61 reviews

Taieri Gorge Railway

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4.3 68 reviews

Clearwater Wildlife Tours

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The Peninsula is the Whole Reason

The Otago Peninsula is what you're really here for. Raw beaches, sea lions at Allans Beach, and the only mainland Northern Royal Albatross colony in the world at the far end of the heads. The drive out is great in itself - slow down once the road gets quirky and coastal. On a windy day, you can often spot albatross for free from the carpark, but the albatross centre tour gets you a proper close look at where the chicks are raised, and the RANKERS promo code takes 10% off.

Sort the Penguins Out Properly

Don't let old internet posts talk you into thinking you'll just stumble across Yellow-eyed penguins on the peninsula these days. They cross private land now, so a guided wildlife tour is the realistic option. My pick is the marine wildlife tour out here - pricier but genuinely the best chance you'll get in the wild. The RANKERS promo code works across multiple peninsula wildlife experiences, including boat cruises if you'd rather get the ocean perspective. If you're staying on the peninsula, the freedom camping at Harewood Reserve is a solid option - new toilets and well situated away from the main road. Or the holiday park in town works well as a base if you want city access.