What’s the weather like in Dunedin?
Summer
Dunedin’s daytime temperatures during summer average around 19°C so you don’t have to worry about it getting too hot in the city. The pleasant temperatures make it a popular time for locals and tourists to explore the city’s top attractions, including Larnach Castle and the Dunedin Botanic Gardens. The city can also be lively with students beginning their summer school classes. If you want to book flights from Tauranga to Dunedin in December, it’s worth noting that this month usually sees the city experience its highest rainfall. By January, however, the rain tends to ease up.
Autumn
To enjoy wonderful autumn foliage, book Tuaranga to Dunedin flights between the months of March and May. By venturing beyond the city centre to areas such as the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, you’ll be able to experience some of Otago’s breathtaking natural beauty, not to mention its incredible wildlife. Temperatures in autumn hover around 17°C, though the later in the season you travel, the more you’re likely to encounter cooler temperatures. If you’re happy to rug up, May can be a good time to visit.
Winter
For a classic, wintery feel, book Tauranga to Dunedin return flights in June or July. Temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow isn’t uncommon. Local life is well adapted to the chilly winters, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cosying up in an old Scottish-style pub or a homey cafe. As it’s the city's off-season, you may be able to snatch up cheap flights from Tauranga to Dunedin.
Spring
Spring in Dunedin traditionally sees the least amount of rain, making it a good time to visit and experience the wonderful Otago region. With temperatures averaging about 15°C, it’s a popular time with hikers, cyclists and other fans of the outdoors. Whether you’re visiting the famous Albatross Centre - it’s the only one in the Southern Hemisphere - or perusing the markets at the Dunedin Railway Station, you may find it easier to secure cheap flights to Dunedin from Tauranga in spring.
What are Dunedin’s most famous tourist attractions?
Larnach Castle
When you book Tauranga to Dunedin flights, consider a visit to Larnach Castle. It’s New Zealand’s only castle and was built in the late 19th century by Scottish banker William Larnach. It’s located on the outskirts of the city - around 15 kilometres from the city centre - and while it doesn’t quite match the medieval structures of its owner’s homeland, it’s still an incredible sight to behold. If you want to enjoy the castle for a little longer, you can also book high tea in the gardens.
Moeraki Boulders
In recent years, one of the more popular attractions with tourists with flights from Tauranga to Dunedin has been the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. The site is situated approximately 70 kilometres outside of the city, near the town of Moeraki, so may need to hire a car to get there. When you arrive, you’ll find 50 large, perfectly smooth and spherical boulders sitting on the beach, all formed by erosion. One of the boulders is said to weigh as much as 50 tonnes.
Cycling the Otago Rail Trail
If you’ve booked tickets to Dunedin from Tauranga in search of a unique experience, then you’ll enjoy cycling the Otago Rail Trail. It’s free to ride and has no vehicles on it, but it does come in at more than 150 kilometres long so unless you have a lot of time, it’s probably worth tackling just a section at a time.
What is the best way into the city from Dunedin Airport?
Rental car
Dunedin Airport (DUD) is about 20 kilometres west of the city centre. Rental cars are available from car hire companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty, so if you want to hire a rental car when you book flights from Tauranga to Dunedin, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an affordable vehicle. You can also book a rental car with Webjet once you book flights. The drive into Dunedin should take you around 30 minutes. It’s worth keeping in mind that Dunedin isn’t a big city, so unless you plan to visit locations such the Penguin Place, Moeraki Boulders or the Royal Albatross Centre, you may not need a car to get around.
Shuttle buses and taxis
Operating 24/7, shuttle bus operator Supershuttle can transport you from Dunedin Airport to the city centre. Alternatively, Dunedin Taxis are also widely available at the airport. If you’d like to spoil yourself a little, you can also book to have Preston Black Luxury Transport pick you up. Their fixed rate $85 NZD service can take you to and from the airport and Dunedin City.