Going Places
Looking for somewhere to go on an outing? We used to run a feature in our print edition called Going Places, which lists a variety of parks, walks, tracks, swimming pools and destinations that are great for family outings. Now its available here on our website. However, it may pay to double check the availability of the destination before making the trip, because we no longer check the listings regularly.
Fun places to visit
RECREATION
Mountain Biking
Dunedin offers mountain bike enthusiasts many fantastic biking trails. For a full list of the best mountain biking available go to the Dunedin City Council’s website at www.cityofdunedin.co.nz, click on About Dunedin, then Life in Dunedin, Recreation and finally ‘Mountain Biking in Dunedin’. You’ll also find out about some fantastic Dunedin Walks at the same time.
ATTRACTIONS
Larnach Castle and Gardens is a stunning trip into the past for both adults and children. The castle was built from 1871and is world-renowned for its carved ceilings, antiques and breathtaking views. It makes a great day trip and can be combined with a visit to ‘The Fletcher House’. Contact Ph 03 476 1616 for details.
The Fletcher House is an historic Edwardian villa located on Portobello Road at Broad Bay. It is open on weekends from 11am – 4pm and has been furnished in the style of the period by the Otago Settlers Museum. This typical family home was built in 1909 by Sir James Fletcher. Contact Ph 03 478 0180 for details.
Olveston, 42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin, is open seven days a week for guided tours only. The tours give a glimpse into the lifestyle of David Theomin and his family at the turn of the century. Built between 1904-06 the Jacobean-style grace and grandeur is evident in elaborate furnishings, fireplaces and stained glass feature windows. Contact ph 03 477 3320 for details.
The Westpac Aquarium
Located on Hatchery Road at Portobello the aquarium and marine studies centre offers a unique marine experience. The indoor touch tanks provide a fascinating opportunity to experience certain marine creatures first hand and the centre has a tour every day at 10.30am and opens every day except Christmas Day. Wonderful fun for the whole family and a must-see for visitors to the region. Contact Ph 03 479 5826 for details.
Royal Albatross Centre and Colony at Taiaroa Heads
Taiaroa Heads is a 35km (45-minute) drive from Dunedin’s centre following the peninsula road as it curves past Portobello and the scenic harbour bays. It’s a great outing for the whole family with opportunities to see seals and penguins along the way. The Royal Albatross Centre has static displays detailing information about albatrosses and a scrumptious café for lunch or morning/afternoon tea. Well worth the drive! For details contact Ph 03 478 0499.
Natures Wonders, Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula is a farm owned by the Reid family on the forefront of the headland. Yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and a variety of birdlife all live here in harmony. Tours depart daily from 10.15am to one hour before dusk and bookings are essential. The Natures Wonders Café provides a destination in itself with spectacular views and food served from 10am. For bookings and details contact 03 478 1150.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is located on Waterfront Road at Oamaru with viewing each evening at dusk as the penguins return to shore. An informative guided commentary is provided. A viewing stand, visitor centre and souvenir shop are all located on-site to enhance the viewing experience. Also, 38 kms south of Oamaru off State Highway 1 are the renowned Moeraki Boulders, each weighing several tonne. Make it a day out and pack a picnic or enjoy one of the local cafes.
Palmerston Butterfly and Bird Haven is found in Stronsa Street, Palmerston, and is an easy two minute walk from the railway station. The butterfly and bird park is open every day from 10.00am-5.30pm and boasts the Monarch Butterfly and free-flying canaries. From October Dunedin locals can choose to take the ‘Seasider’ train to Palmerston once a week to add something different to the trip – contact 477 4449 for further train details.
Dunedin Gasworks Museum, 20 Braemar Street, South Dunedin, is one of only three gasworks museums in the world. It is a unique attraction and includes the original steam pumping equipment. The Engine House provides a fantastic learning place for children and is open on the first weekend of every month.
Bowl Line, for those after a fun indoor activity this tenpin bowling alley at 34 Kaikorai Valley Road is just brilliant. Bowl Line is best used by children over three years and carries special light-weight balls for the little ones along with gutter pads. A café also provides food and drinks. For details contact Ph 03 476 4944.
Chipmunks at 373 Princes Street is an indoor playground sure to please any child (and parents too!) From large climbing apparatus to tunnels, slides and the ever-popular ballpit, Chipmunks makes fun easy. Parents/caregivers are able to relax with a snack and drink from the great café while the children enjoy themselves in the safe play surroundings. Open every day. For details contact Ph 03 477 6762.
Laser Force, corner of Anzac Parade and Frederick Street, is a live action laser game using electronic equipment. The Laser Force game is best for children aged five years and up but there’s also mini golf and video games for the rest of the family. Food is also available from the café. Open every day. For details contact Ph 03 474 9179.
INNER CITY
Giant Chess Set, located in The Octagon, is free for anyone to try their skill. The chess pieces are huge but can be lifted easily by older children. What better way to spend some free time and teach your kids the thinking skills needed for this popular game?
First Church Heritage Centre – built in 1873 and located at 415 Moray Place, First Church is a fine example of Dunedin’s architecture and is a great place to take the kids. Everyone will love the stained glass windows and grandeur of the building. Admission is free.
Beverley Begg Observatory
The Beverley Begg Observatory can be found in Upper Robin Hood Park at the lower end of Ross Street in Roslyn. There is a nominal charge of $4 for adults, $2 for children and there is also a family concession.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Located in the Octagon. Opening hours are 10am-5pm daily, closed Good Friday. Admission is free although the children’s programmes do carry a charge to cover costs. For details contact Ph 03 474 3240.
Dunedin Public Library
It’s worth getting a copy of ‘The Word’, the library’s free monthly publication which will keep you up-to-date about “what’s new and what’s on” at the library. Located behind the Octagon in Moray Place, opening hours are 9.30am-8pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday and 2pm-6pm Sunday (reading only on the ground floor). For details contact Ph 03 474 3690.
MUSEUMS
Motoring Memorabilia Museum
The museum is in Allen Street, North East Valley, next door to Kings Auto Services. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Alan is there most days but he is happy for you to ring on 473 9861 to arrange a time.
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
Located at the Dunedin Railway Station, Anzac Avenue, phone 477 7775. Opening hours are 10am-6pm every day except Christmas Day. Family rates are available.
Otago Early Settlers Museum
A great outing for both parents and children, there’s something to interest everyone. The museum is located at 31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin. Opening hours are 10am-5pm daily, closed Good Friday. Cost is adults $4, school children free. For details contact Ph 03 477 5052.
Otago Museum
The Museum also houses Discovery World, a fun-filled, hands-on science centre for children. Located at 419 Great King St, Dunedin, the museum is open seven days 10am-5pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. For details contact Ph 03 474 7474.
The Search Centre is located in the Otago Museum and if you have discovered a strange spider in the bath or unearthed and unusual artifact while harvesting the vege garden then this is the place to take them. The Search Centre is a collection of resources made available to the community to assist them with their enquiries and highlight certain aspects of the Otago Museums collections. Resources include specimen drawers, books, maps, displays and audio visual items which can be viewed onsite. There is also a friendly Museum Communicator to assist you with your enquiries whether they are museum related or you require some assistance with your homework.
Port Chalmers Museum
This great little museum is open from 9am-3pm weekdays and from 1.30pm–4.30pm on weekends. The museum is located on Beach Street near the container terminal entrance. Admission is by gold coin donation. For details contact Ph 03 472 8233.
Taieri Historical Park
To get there follow State Highway 85 through Mosgiel towards Outram. Turn right just over the Taieri River Bridge at Outram Glen and follow the signposts. The park is on the hill above the intersection.
PICNIC SPOTS, RESERVES AND PLAY AREAS
Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre along Portobello Road, is open daily and entrance is by donation. Walk among rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, fuschias and many other flowering plants, intermingled with both native and exotic trees. Refreshments are available from a café and Sunday lunch can be taken at the garden’s chalet.
Chingford Park, located on North Road in Dunedin’s North East Valley, is a fantastic place for a family get-together. Along with a small playground there’s loads of grass to play on and some short walks are marked through native bush. Attractions include old stables built in 1880.
Middlemarch is just one hour’s drive from Dunedin city through Mosgiel and Outram on State Highway 87. The small town is situated at the base of the spectacular Rock and Pillar Ranges in the Strath Taieri Valley. The dramatic landscape with schist rock formations is unlike any other in the country. There are also some superb examples of the old stonemasonry and Middlemarch boasts the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Woodhaugh Gardens and Playground, accessed from Duke Street, is one of the best places in town for a picnic. The toilets are close by and it’s only a quick walk to the shop if you decide to stay for lunch. The kids will love the paddling pool, barbecue area, playground and huge amount of space available.
Dunedin Botanic Garden, at the north end of the city, was opened in 1869 and is a favourite attraction for both visitors and residents. The renowned Rhododendron Dell is located on the slopes of the Upper Garden and included in this is an Australian plant collection. There is also a Rose Garden, Japanese garden, Camellia Collection and Rock Garden. The botanic garden is open every day and includes an information centre, shop and café.
Scenic lookouts are dotted throughout Dunedin and include Signal Hill Centennial Lookout (a must), Unity Park and the Mount Cargill Lookout. They all give majestic views over the city and children will enjoy seeing familiar landmarks from a different vantage point.
Botanic Gardens Aviary
Upper Botanic Gardens, Lovelock Avenue, Dunedin. The aviary is open for viewing every day from dawn until dusk.
Noah’s Ark Playground and Happy Days Fun Park
This park, located on John Wilson Ocean Drive at St Kilda Beach, is just fantastic for children and offers a dinosaur slippery slide, swings and other great equipment. The park opens from 10am Friday-Sunday and represents a fun outing for the whole family. Ph.455 6080.
Memorial Park, Mosgiel is situated within the swimming pool and sports arena complex and can also be accessed from the Mosgiel Library carpark. This beautiful park offers a number of meandering garden walks, a structured rose garden and an activity area for the kids with a skateboard park included. There are plenty of areas for a family picnic and the library is only a short distance away if you require reading material.
Milburn Whale Fossils
To get there head south on State Highway 1 until you reach the long Milburn straight that leads into Milton. The turn-off to the lookout is signposted. It is open all year and the building is just through a gate from the road.
Sutton Salt Lake
Sutton Salt Lake is New Zealand’s only inland salt lake, with a salt concentration that is about half that of seawater. The turnoff to the Sutton Salt Lake Reserve is well marked from State Highway 87 about 10km from Middlemarch.
BEACHES
St Kilda and St Clair are the two main Dunedin beaches closest to the city centre. St Kilda beach is accessed from John Wilson Drive and St Clair beach, which is a favourite for surfing is accessed from the newly redeveloped ‘Esplanade’. Both beaches provide beautiful scenery and an opportunity the enjoy the sea air but if swimming is what you have in mind then please take care and ensure you utilise the life guard facilities.
Macandrew Bay is a great place for kids to enjoy a dip in the waters of the beautiful Otago Harbour. Take Portobello Road out along the peninsula for about 15 minutes to find this jewel. Directly opposite the village shops is an ideal parkland picnic spot, complete with carparking, and complemented by a white, sandy beach. Macandrew Bay also boasts newly installed playground equipment and several food outlets.
Hoopers Inlet and Allans Beach for those adventurers among us is a must! Drive along Portobello Road from the city for about 30 minutes until you reach Portobello village. Turn right into Allans Beach Road (signposted to Hoopers Inlet and opposite the 1908 Restaurant and Café). From here take you time and enjoy the scenery. Hoopers Inlet is a wide expanse with a myriad of birdlife. At the end of Allans Beach Road you will find a carpark and a short five-minute walk will see you on one of Dunedin’s most spectacular beaches. Take your swimsuit, a hat, sunscreen and a picnic lunch.
Brighton Beach is located 18 kms south of Dunedin (take the exit off the southern motorway) and is definitely worth a visit. The beach is a great place to swim and there’s also a small creek running down to it, perfect for the wee tots. Why not pack a picnic and make a day of it away from the rush of the city.
Moeraki Boulders
Located off State Highway 1 between Palmerston and Hampden, the Moeraki Boulders represent a great all-day adventure. Pack a picnic lunch, jump in the car and drive north from Dunedin along the motorway. The boulders themselves provide heaps of fun for kids to climb on, in and around and then there’s always a run along the beach to end the day off!
Karitane, located 40kms north of Dunedin, is a lovely seaside village providing the ideal place to take the kids swimming or fishing. A small village reserve makes the perfect place for a picnic and the beach is only a short walk away.
Waikouaiti is only 30 minutes drive north of Dunedin and its lagoon is home to many different kinds of birdlife. Swimming and surfing is also possible on its sandy beach.
Lake Waihola, is a 20 min. drive south of Dunedin (just follow the southern motorway), and provides an enjoyable day out for the whole family. Relax by the lake with a special picnic followed by a swim, some fishing and a selection of watersports. Shops, restaurants and a children’s playground are also easily found at Lake Waihola and the toilets are nearby.
Taieri Mouth, south of Brighton and also accessible from Lake Waihola, is a seaside fishing village about half-an-hour’s drive from Dunedin. Taieri Mouth is safe for swimming and is a fantastic choice for picnics. Other activities include fishing and mountain biking.
Port Chalmers, a 15-min. drive from Dunedin, is full of interesting arts, crafts and people. It is a natural deep water port offering visitors beautiful scenery, recreational pursuits and a warm welcome. Spectacular views can be seen from Signal Flagstaff and Scott Memorial lookouts. If you head to the Scott Memorial take some bread scraps with you to feed the friendly chickens!
Careys Bay, just around the corner from Port Chalmers, is a delightful little village. Try your hand at a spot of fishing or relax with morning or afternoon tea at the renovated Careys Bay Historic Hotel. The hotel is very child-friendly with a special kids’ room and children’s platter which includes fruit, cheese, chips and some bread and jam. Of course don’t forget the fluffies!
Aramoana
Aramoana, located about 40 minutes from Dunedin city along the Port Chalmers Road, is one of those special places that goes to illustrate the great diversity the Dunedin area is blessed with. Take a walk along the breakwall and you might even see a seal taking a sunbath.
Deborah Bay
Deborah Bay is a delightful little spot a few minutes drive beyond Port Chalmers on the road to Aramoana.
DRIVES
Dunedin Airport
A visit to the Dunedin Airport is always a good one to have up your sleeve. Only 20 minutes drive from the city kids will enjoy watching planes land and take-off and you can enjoy morning tea and/or lunch in the airport café. Parking is only $1 for an hour so it makes for a cheap outing!
SWIMMING POOLS
Port Chalmers Pool at Albertson Avenue, Port Chalmers, is a 25-metre indoor community pool which welcomes parents with babies and toddlers. Playpens are available for non-swimming children and free tuition is given to parents and toddlers during the lunchtime public session. Open between October-April. Contact Ph 03 471 9780 for a timetable.
Mosgiel Pool in Gordon Road, Mosgiel, provides a heated indoor family facility and is open from October-March. There’s also a toddler pool and the Mosgiel Pool is a quiet swimming alternative for families. Contact Ph 03 471 9780 for a timetable.
St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, The Esplanade, St Clair, is Dunedin’s only outdoor pool and the only saltwater pool. There’s a 25-metre main pool and a small pool for young children with shade areas. The pool is beside the beach and is open from October-April. What a great experience! Contact Ph 03 471 9780 for a timetable.
Moana Pool at 60 Littlebourne Road, Dunedin, is one of the best pool complexes in New Zealand. The complex includes a 50-metre heated indoor pool, a toddler pool and a leisure pool as well complete with wave machine and two waterslides. Moana is open every day. Contact Ph 03 471 9780 for a timetable.
WALKS
Flagstaff/Pineapple Track
Flagstaff gives you panoramic views of Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula and harbour as well as south to Taieri Mouth and inland towards Middlemarch. To get to the “easy” end of the track head up Taieri Road past Ashburn Hall and the pony club, then turn right into Whare Flat Road and head uphill for about 2kms until you reach a small parking area for the track.
Ross Creek Reservoir
Ross Creek Reservoir is located via Woodhaugh Gardens in North Dunedin. It’s a great short walk for Mum, Dad and the kids starting at Woodhaugh Gardens and ending up at the reservoir. For older kids there’s also an orienteering course that winds its way through native bush.
Frasers Gully
Frasers Gully runs from Frasers Road, just off Kaikorai Valley Road, right up to the top of Brockville up a pretty bush-lined gully that’s home to a picturesque stream. You can usually park in the Ellis Park carpark beside the Roslyn-Wakari Football Club and then set off on foot.
Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach is signposted off Blackhead Road which can be reached by driving to the top of Corstorphine Road, turning right and following the road south for about one kilometre. The track is closed from August 1-October 1 due to lambing.
Sinclair Wetlands
You can get to the Sinclair Wetlands either by following State Highway 1 to a signposted turnoff about 3kms south of Waihola, or you can head to Outram, take the road to Berwick and follow the signpost.
Bethunes Gully in Norwood Street, Normanby, is situated at the foot of Mt Cargill. Older children would enjoy a walk to the organ pipes or the top of Mt Cargill. The journey up and back takes more than two hours so small children may need some adult help! The picnic area includes swings, a creek and loads of room for children to run around.
Nichols Falls Glow Worm Tour with Discover Dunedin. Located in the Leith Valley just 15 minutes from the city, the evening tour will uncover a sight to take your breath away. Put on your jacket and take an easy 10-min. walk through native bush to a small bush clad gully where you will be thrilled by the sight of millions of glow worms (Arachnocampa Luminosa). Details from 0800 234 726.
RAIL JOURNEYS
The Taieri Gorge Railway is a fantastic train trip operating from the Dunedin Railway Station every day at 9.30am and 2.30pm to Pukerangi (with the exception of Wednesday when the Seasider runs to Palmerston at 9.30am and Friday and Sunday when the 9.30am service runs to Middlemarch). During the winter months the Taieri Gorge Railway usually leaves Dunedin at 12.30pm. It’s one of the world’s great train trips taking passengers to the rugged mountain interior of Central Otago. You’ll cross magnificant stone and wrought iron viaducts and bridges and plunge into a series of tunnels. Light foods, tea, coffee and drinks are available and the train carriages are child-friendly!
The ‘Seasider’ train journey operates at 9.30am on Wednesdays, between Dunedin and Palmerston. Enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean coastline. The Seasider departs from the Dunedin Railway Station and is operated by the Taieri Gorge Railway.
Ocean Beach Railway
John Wilson Ocean Drive, St Kilda, Dunedin. Opening hours are 1.30pm-4.30pm on Sunday afternoons (between October and June). Admission is adults $2, children $1 and families $6. Ph. 455-2798 for details.
