DUNEDIN: Come for the fun, stay for the flavour

April 16, 2021
DUNEDIN: Come for the fun, stay for the flavour

With an array of fabulous unique events and delicious dining experiences on offer, there are more than a few reasons to head to New Zealand’s coolest little city this autumn.

Come for the VOGUE

In homage to the iconic fashion that has emerged over 16 years as part of the iD Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards, the Otago Museum’s Fashion Forward exhibition opens on 27 March. The exhibition showcases previous emerging designer entries from around the world, alongside selected pieces from the museum’s historic textile collection. Pair a visit to this exhibition with the exceptionally stylish food at Moiety in Dunedin’s trendy warehouse-precinct.

Colourful designs from the Otago museum fashion forward exhibition

Come for the FAUNA

Get to know Dunedin’s wild side – from the high lands to the high seas – with the family-friendly Wild Dunedin Festival (22-28 April).  Enjoy six days of fun and informative events, including the popular Wild Bus which takes you some of the city’s most iconic wild attractions. Those in the know get in early to book the programme’s special dining events, including the five-course ‘Wild on the Menu’ dinner at Tītī, St Clair. 

Woman sitting at the Tītī, St Clair. restaurant with a glass of wine and wild baked salmon

Come for the HAIRPINS

The hugely popular Otago Rally on 16-18 April brings the adrenalin of motorsport to the city streets and surrounding hinterland. Catch the race at one of the many rural vantage points or head straight for the Tarmac Superstage downtown to watch these finely-tuned machines take laps. In the vicinity you’ll find the legendary Bacon Buttie Station serving up their signature staple with lashings of butter and thick white bread.

Come for the AVANT-GARDE

The biennial Dunedin Arts Festival will take centre stage from 6-26 April, bringing an incredible programme of theatre, dance, visual arts and community events to the city. Between shows, stop by Vault 21 in the Octagon to sample some seriously creative food and a cocktail or two. This popular Asian-fusion eatery has launched a new menu featuring must-try dishes like the oyster bun, wild mushroom hotpot and nam bam chicken salad.

The Vault 21 restaurant in Dunedin

Come for the STORIES

For bibliophiles and literature lovers, the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival (6-9 May) is a calendar highlight. This year’s festival shows off the significant talent of Kiwi authors from around the country, with over 40 events covering a wide spectrum of literary tastes. The Press Club at Fable Dunedin is a perfect spot for refuelling between events. Indulge in the champagne high tea or elegant dinner experience, matched by a fine selection of whiskeys.

A woman holding a pile of books in front of her face

Find out more at www.dunedinnz.com/visit/autumn