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Heritage

One of Dunedin's great strengths is the way it lives with and values its heritage. Rather than turning its fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings into museum pieces, the city cherishes and uses them.

The Railway Station, one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings, still performs its original function and houses new ventures, such as the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. Speights Brewery, a Dunedin icon which dates back to the 1800s, is a piece of living, working heritage. Stately homes like Larnach Castle and Olveston provide a step back in time. Dunedin's Scottish heritage is still very much alive and well. It is all part of the mix that makes Dunedin a city of living heritage.

All Saints Anglican Church

The oldest church building still in use as such in Dunedin. Dating from 1865, has a wonderful selection of stained glass, including a rare 'Arts & Crafts Movement' example. Home to All Saints Parish, part of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin. Site shared by Evergreen Korean Presbyterrian Church, Cornerstone Church, Japanese Christian Fellowship.

City Walks

Guided walks through Dunedin's Old Town and Main Street. The inside word on music, art, faith, shopping, science, history and buildings. Informed and irreverent, the essential introduction to Dunedin. Regular departures from the Octagon i-SITE, October through April. Other times by arrangement

D Tours

D-Tours Otago specialise in guided tours in small groups. D-Tours Otago have had 30 years experience exploring the trails and goldmining areas of Otago. Let D-Tours Otago take you on a tour where you see magnificent scenery and learn a little on the history of Otago. Discover the beauty and wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. Travel the back country where early gold miners struggled through rugged terrain. 4wd tours subject to weather and track conditions. Security clearanced for cruise ship pickup.

Dunedin Railway Station

Dunedin Railway Station was opened in 1906 to cater for the travelling public of, what was at the time, the commerical centre of New Zealand. Its sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments, not surprisingly, earned architect Mr George A Troup, the nickname of 'Gingerbread George'

First Church

The Gothic style church is a striking feature at the heart of the city. The First Church of Otago began construction in 1868 and was completed in 1873. It was built in response to the Free Church movement of Scotland in 1843 and represents some of Dunedin's finest heritage attractions from the early developments of the city.

First City Heritage Tours

Newtons are Dunedin's original tour operator with a local fleet of 10 air-conditioned tour coaches from 12 to 45 seats and two genuine British double deck buses. Experienced driver/guides provide a full commentary on all tours and we connect with Dunedin's favourite visitor attractions for single, half day and full day tour options. Our tours are packaged and precisely timed to ensure you get the best possible experience during your visit to Dunedin.

Fletcher House

This typical Edwardian villa was built in 1909 by Sir James Fletcher, founder of Fletcher Construction Company Ltd. In December 1990 Fletcher Challenge decided to restore the Fletcher House and open it to the public, making it the first villa in New Zealand to be opened for all to enjoy.

Gales Antiques

One of Dunedin's oldest antique & collectible shops, specialising in 20th century china & collectibles, and furniture.  Wide selection of Carlton Ware, Royal Albert, Chintz, Susie Cooper, Clarice Cliff, Royal Winton, Chintz, Poole, Radford, Wedgwood, Shorter & Sons, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Crown Derby, Crown Devon, Hammersley, Maling, Shelley etc.  For that unique something to remember your trip by come and see us.

Historic Fort Taiaroa Otago

Underneath the peace of the Royal Albatross nature reserve lie the tunnels of Fort Taiaroa, established over 100 years ago to counter the threat of invasion from Tsarist Russia. The Observation Post overlooks part of the albatross colony and the Fort is now a museum. Today, visitors to Taiaroa Head are very fortunate to be able to view the only Armstrong Disappearing Gun of its type in the world, still in working trim, in its original gun pit. Guided tours and displays tell the fascinating story of this 19th century heritage fort.

Knox Church

The spire of Knox Church, highlighted on an autumn morning, is 50 metres high. The church was designed by RA Lawson in 13th century Gothic style. It is built of local bluestone with limestone facings and slate roof. It seats 900 people at special services such as Christmas Eve.

Larnach Castle

Visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only Castle and explore the beautiful Castle and gardens. Larnach Castle is open daily from 9am - 5pm. Visitors receive an informative brochure, which guides them through the rooms of the Castle and shares the exciting, tragic and sometimes scandalous history.

Municipal Chambers

The Municipal Chambers has come from a long road of historical development, and is now a powerful piece of symbolic architecture right in the heart of the city. The building is a crucial one in the Octagon for its strong architectural form and townscape qualities.

New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in Dunedin is where our sporting past comes to life. The Hall is housed in the historic Dunedin Railway Station and includes exhibits and displays on sporting champions who have been inducted from more than 30 sports. The Hall is, in effect, the national sports museum is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.

Olveston Historic House

Historic House centrally located in Dunedin. Olveston is a modern masterpiece of the Edwardian Era. In 1966 Olveston was offered as an extraordinary gift to the City of Dunedin. The 35-room mansion houses original collections. In material terms, as Olveston gets older it  gets infinitely more valuable. In historic terms, it is already priceless.

Otago Boys High School

Otago Boys' High School is one of New Zealand's oldest boys' secondary schools, located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It was founded on August 3, 1863, and moved to its present site in 1884. The buildings were designed by architect Robert Lawson, and are regarded as some of the finest Jacobethan-style buildings in the country. Situated on high ground above central Dunedin, the school commands excellent views of Dunedin city and is a prominent landmark.

Otago Central Rail Trail

The 150km Otago Central Rail Trail thrusts deep into the heart of Central Otago, the only region in New Zealand with a continental climate; a magical stage for amazing performances by all four seasons. Whereas green is the predominant colour of the New Zealand landscape, here bBusinessDirectoryns, golds and reds rule. Overhead, Central Otago is big sky. Even cloud formations are different. .

Otago Museum and Discovery World

Allow your group to discover the hidden treasures of our captivating galleries by taking a guided tour. One of our experienced guides will offer an insightful introduction into the richness and vibrancy of our region through the Museum's world-class collections. Tours can accommodate any group size and can be tailored especially for your needs. Highlights of the Museum or specific gallery tours available on request. Ask about our live butterfly experience!

Otago Settlers Museum

Otago Settlers Museum, stands to the south of Dunedin's Railway Station and forms an integral part of the historic Queens Gardens precinct. The museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions explore themes of cultural interaction, technological innovation and developments in everyday life.

Speights Brewery Heritage Tours

One of the world's only gravity-fed breweries, Speight's Brewery is a Dunedin icon. The 90-minute tour of a working brewery and heritage centre is a must see for any visit to the South. Share the many fascinating facts and stories behind this famous New Zealand beer, from both a technical and historical angle. Tours wouldn't be complete without the chance to taste the range of beers brewed by Speight's - served in our private Heritage Bar with each beer given a full description as you sample. There is also an opportunity to bottle your own Speight's beer! Peruse the Speight's Shop for souvenirs for some great southern merchandise.

St Pauls Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Paul has occupied its site in the heart of the Octagon, and hence Dunedin, since the first parish church of St Paul was built in 1862-1863. This first St Paul's was built of Caversham stone and could accommodate up to 500 people.

Strath Taieri Historical Museum

Middlemarch historic museum.

Taieri Gorge Railway

A visit to Dunedin is not complete without a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway - one of the world's great train trips taking passengers from the hustle and bustle of Dunedin's city centre to the rugged mountain interior of Central Otago and return. Travel in the comfort of an award-winning train service as you experience an amazing variety of landscapes, including city, farmland, forests and the wild Taieri River Gorge.

The Engine House

Visit the historic building and its collection of steam pumping engines.

University of Otago

The University of Otago, founded in 1869 by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council, is New Zealand's oldest university. The new University was given 100,000 acres of pastoral land as an endowment and authorised to grant degrees in Arts, Medicine, Law and Music.

Walk Dunedin Guided Inner City Walking

This popular tour operates 7 days a week and will take you on a 2 hour gentle stroll, where you can experience the character, history and beauty of Dunedin, New Zealand's first great city.  Enjoy the wonderful insight into Dunedin's architectural and social past.  Tours include an expert guide, an overview of Dunedin's Scottish origins, entry to some of Dunedin's premium heritage sites, a complimentary coffee and an informative colour booklet to guide you to other inner city sites of interest.