Dunedin and Waitaki Awarded Best in Travel Accolade

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel publication is its annual celebration of where to go and what to experience in the year ahead. The 2027 edition, launching 23 September, calls Dunedin and Waitaki one of the “coolest and quirkiest” areas of Aotearoa.

“Both Dunedin and Ōamaru are full of characters.”

The only place in New Zealand on this year’s list, the city joins a shortlist of 50 other global destinations alongside places like Quebec (Canada), Chengdu (China) and the Swedish Riviera.

Lonely Planet Destination Editor Oceania Jessica Lockhart says: “Aotearoa has countless quirky corners – but Dunedin is one of the most idiosyncratic, especially when paired with nearby Ōamaru.

“There is nowhere else in the world that I could spend my morning dressed in Victorian garb in a steampunk museum, my afternoon on a graveyard tour, and my evening watching little penguins come ashore.

“Dunedin's creativity is reflected in its restaurants, cocktail bars and arts scene – but its spirit is found in its coastal bays, dramatic green hills and incredible wildlife."

Mayor of Dunedin Sophie Barker says she’s thrilled with Dunedin’s inclusion as one of the best destinations for 2027.

“The secret’s out. This comes as no surprise to those of us who have long known of Dunedin’s appeal, but it’s great the rest of the world has caught on.

"Having our city, several of our attractions and tourism operators, and our neighbours in Waitaki recognised by Lonely Planet is a real feat considering the global competition out there.

“This achievement puts us in front of a massive audience as these guides are staples for travellers around the world. We can’t wait to see the impact of this exposure on visitor numbers and awareness of Dunedin as a destination around the world.”

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston congratulated Dunedin on a well-deserved selection.

“It is fantastic to see Dunedin recognised alongside international destinations. From its unique wildlife and dramatic coastline to its rich heritage, vibrant food scene and thriving arts and culture offerings, Dunedin has so much to offer visitors.

“Dunedin is also a great base for exploring the wider region and experiencing even more of what the lower South Island has to offer. Congratulations to Dunedin – I encourage both New Zealanders and overseas visitors to get there and experience the many attractions on offer in and around the region.”

Waitaki Mayor Mel Tavendale says the recognition is a proud moment for the district and a wonderful reflection of what Dunedin and Waitaki offer together.

“Ōamaru and Waitaki is excited to attract such a plaudit from the world-renowned travel guide. This recognition celebrates not only the extraordinary places people can experience here, but also the generations of locals who have cared for the stories, landscapes and character that make our region so special.

“In Ōamaru, our Victorian whitestone architecture provides an authentic backdrop for Victorian and Steampunk celebrations, as well as major film and television productions such as the upcoming East of Eden. The same stone helps tell the remarkable story of the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark—the only one in Australasia—and holds the fossil ancestors of the little blue penguins that return to our shores each night.

“From our wildlife and heritage to our lakes, rivers and wide-open landscapes, there is so much here to inspire visitors. Together, Dunedin and Waitaki offer something truly memorable—a destination shaped by nature, enriched by history and brought to life by its people and its wonderfully distinctive characters.”

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