City of firsts and onlys

As New Zealand's first city, it is only logical that it would be a city of many firsts and world records. New Zealand's first telephone call was from Dunedin, and the first gas street lighting brightened Dunedin residents'evenings. You can spend your trip to Dunedin visiting some of the sites that mark the city's achievements.

Pre book with us!

If any of the options on these pages take your fancy, contact us as a lot of them require pre-booking.

Day One

Take a walk up to Mornington, the site of one of Dunedin's two tramway world records. There are a couple of spots here for coffee and it is an quick, if steep, walk back into town down High Street, admiring the architecture of some of the old homes along the way and taking a detour down Hope Street, where you will see the Bell Tea Factory - the company was founded here in 1898.
Walk through the Exchange to the Otago Settlers Museum, the first institution of its kind in New Zealand.

Day Two

Start your day at the i-Site Visitor Centre next to the Municipal Chambers - where New Zealand's first City Council was incorporated. From here follow the Writer's Walk. You may be surprised by the number of renowned writers who have been based in this small city.
After a delicious lunch at a cafe on George Street, (including an ANZAC Biscuit, reputedly first made in Dunedin), head to the Hocken Library to view an outstanding collection of art, archives, music and maps.
Next on your route could be Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street. After your climb, refresh yourself at one of the wee bars in North Dunedin and take your time heading back to your accommodation.

Day Three

Have a tour of New Zealand firsts in Dunedin - public art gallery, the first daily newspaper, medical school, art school, and university. Along the way, you will see Ethel Benjamin Place, named for New Zealand's first female lawyer. Stop for lunch at New Zealand's first public Botanic Garden.
Drive yourself along the Peninsula. You can stop at New Zealand's only castle before reaching the world's only mainland Royal Albatross colony. You will also pass the site of New Zealand's first cheese factory.

Day Four

Drive out to Port Chalmers, where New Zealand's first shipment of frozen meat launched a major industry in New Zealand. After lunch and a little light shopping, you can head out to Aramoana for a walk along the beautiful beach.
Have a leisurely afternoon tour of Speights Brewery, where this famous beer was first brewed.

Day Five

Drive along the world's most southern motorway, the ten-kilometre section of State Highway One from the centre of the city towards Mosgiel and the Taieri Plains. Spend your day fishing, picnicking and walking on scenic trails.

Last reviewed: 16 Oct 2009 10:35am