Tips for First-Time Travellers to Dunedin
Plan a day trip to the Otago Peninsula
The start of the Otago Peninsula is a quick drive east of the city centre, and it makes for an incredible day trip while you’re travelling from Sydney to Dunedin. The peninsula is home to rolling green hills, rugged coastal cliffs, and stunning beaches as well as a rich history and abundant local wildlife. Some can’t-miss spots for natural beauty include Sandfly Bay, Allans Beach, and Victory Beach. If you’d like to take in some history and culture, pay a visit to the Otago Peninsula Museum, Otakou Marae, or Larnach Castle. And for some wildlife spotting, head to Penguin Place or the Royal Albatross Centre on Taiaroa Head.
See New Zealand’s only castle
When you picture castles, you likely imagine ones in faraway places like England or France. But you don’t have to head too far to see one – you can visit a castle in the Otago region while holidaying on Sydney to Dunedin flights. Larnach Castle was built in the late 19th century and was inspired by some of the castles found across Scotland. Today, the interior of Larnach Castle still features many of its original designs and period furniture. Tickets include access to the castle as well as the beautiful gardens that look out over the Otago Peninsula.
Visit the world’s steepest residential street
The Otago region definitely doesn’t have a shortage of hills, and this leads to some steep roads around Dunedin. A fun spot to visit during your holiday is Baldwin Street, which is located northeast of the city centre. The street is about 350 metres long and tilts at a 35% angle, making it the steepest residential street in the world. Although Baldwin Street isn’t very long, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the top on foot due to the high incline. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts when you reach the top of the hill – there’s a beautiful view over the surrounding area.
The Cost of Visiting Dunedin
In addition to your flights from Sydney to Dunedin, Webjet can help you find great deals on accommodation and rental cars. The average rate of a hotel room in central Dunedin is about $150 NZD per night. Rental cars start from about $100 NZD and are conveniently available to pick up from Dunedin Airport.
Public transportation is also an option if you won’t have access to a car during your trip. Bus fare costs $3 NZD cash and $2 NZD with a Bee card. The card costs $5 NZD to purchase, and it may be worth the money if you’ll be taking the bus often during your trip.
There are plenty of fun things to see and do while holidaying on flights to Dunedin from Sydney, and some of the best are free. You can visit the Otago Museum, Dunedin Botanic Garden, and many spots on the Otago Peninsula without spending any money. Tickets to visit Larnach Castle cost $37 NZD for adults, and entrance is free for children under 14 years old. A tour of the Royal Albatross Centre costs $52 NZD for adults and $15 NZD for kids. A scenic ride on the Dunedin Railways is another favourite among visitors. Each route has different ticket prices – the Seasider route to Waitati costs $42 NZD, the Inlander route to Hindon is $60 NZD, and tickets on the Victorian route to Oamaru cost $79 NZD.
The Best Time to Visit Dunedin
You’ll get the best weather by travelling from Sydney to Dunedin during the summer months. Temperatures are at their warmest, hitting average highs of about 16° to 17°C. This is the best time to enjoy time outdoors, especially if you’d like to visit the beaches on the Otago Peninsula.
Autumn and spring also enjoy fairly mild weather that’s perfect for hiking and spending time outdoors. Temperatures reach highs of about 12° to 16°C – however, weather is known to change quickly during these seasons, so it’s a good idea to pack layers so you’re prepared for both warm and chilly weather.
There are also some benefits to booking Sydney to Dunedin flights in winter, depending on the type of holiday you’re after. Winter is the low season, so you can find the best deals on accommodations. Temperatures get chilly but not freezing, ranging from lows of about 6°C to highs of about 10°C. Snow is rare in Dunedin, but there is some rain in winter. Winter also brings the best chance of spotting the Southern Lights in the Otago region.
FAQ
What airlines offer flights from Sydney to Dunedin?
Sydney to Dunedin flights are available with Qantas, Jetstar, and Air New Zealand. However, there are no direct flights available between the two cities and each journey includes a stopover on the way.
Where should you go when you land in Dunedin from Sydney?
After getting off your flight, head down to the ground floor in Dunedin Airport. This is where you’ll find the baggage claim to pick up your suitcase if you checked one. Then head out of the main exit. From there, you can catch a taxi or turn left to get to another entrance that leads to the rental car counters.
How long does it take to fly from Sydney to Dunedin?
Flights to Dunedin from Sydney are available from six hours and 20 minutes, which includes a stopover – typically in Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland.
What is the best way to get from Dunedin Airport to the CBD?
There isn’t an official public transport route between Dunedin Airport and the CBD. The best way to reach the centre is by car. If you pre-hired a car with Webjet, head to the rental car counter to pick it up. Otherwise, you can catch a taxi from the airport or pre-reserve a seat on a SuperShuttle.
How much does it cost to travel from Sydney to Dunedin?
Plane fares from Sydney to Dunedin are often priced between $300 and $470 NZD each way. You’ll usually find the cheaper rates with Jetstar compared to the other airlines, but you can also benefit from lower rates by travelling during the low season or by flying on a weekday versus the weekend.
