Dunedin
Car Rental in Dunedin, New Zealand
If you’re traveling to the South Island of New Zealand and plan to start your road trip in the south, pickup a deal on car hire in Dunedin to have the freedom to visit popular tourist sites in the area and beyond.
Compare prices on a range of rental vehicles from all the top brands like Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Avis and Thrifty.
Drive off with a discount hire car such as popular Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, VW, Mazda and others.
This little piece of Scottish heaven is named after the old Gaelic for Edinburgh, hence its moniker “Edinburgh of the South”.
Otherwise known as Dunedin, a city that rose from the remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano, it is the second-largest in South Island and famous as a University (of Otago) town.
Dunedin’s commercial and tourism importance in the Otago peninsula and the Southlands is highlighted by the number of visitors each year (over 40,000+).
Around The Octagon and Beyond
Dunedin’s Scottish heritage is punctuated by delectable Edwardian and Victorian architecture, testament to the fortunes bestowed by the Gold Rush of the past.
For an interesting architectural character, drive to Larnach Castle, a 19th century Scottish baronial and Gothic revival mansion full of – according to local lore – grumpy ghosts.
To gain insight into the local culture, hang around Dunedin’s Octagon.
Unlike other town squares, Dunedin’s has eight sides, with the streets radiating out of each side forming its central business district.
Princes and George Streets are known for upmarket shopping, and if you hanker for a plate of fish and chips – or maybe Thai curry – or a pint of ale, Rattray Street in the outer perimeter of the Octagon is the place to go.
For leafy and feathery distractions, the 50-hectare Dunedin Botanical Gardens is less than 10 minutes north of the Octagon.
The lush green space and resident avians would surely soothe and entertain.
Explore the Otago Peninsula
On the other side of the ridge of Otago peninsula facing the Pacific Sea is Dunedin’s well-kept secret and true natural gem.
The rugged beaches that are home to a diverse wildlife, including the rare yellow-eyed ‘hoiho’ penguins, are some of the most crowd-free in New Zealand.
Taiaroa Head, the protrusion overlooking the mouth of the harbor, is the breeding colony of royal albatrosses.
It is also a strategic lookout point for southern right whales, dolphins, humpbacks and orcas, seals and sea lions.
Dunedin is the eco-tourism capital of beautiful New Zealand for a reason.
For more inspiring scenery and swimmable beaches that are within city limits but still far away enough from the crowds, there are a handful beaches you can easily get to.
Saint Clair is great for surfing while Brighton is ideal for swimming.
Tunnel Beach is popular for its dramatic cliffs and pillars (and compelling lore), while Long Beach 30 minutes to the north soothes with its tranquil waters and challenges with its rock-climbing spots.
