Visitors who have inquisitive kids that like animals will have an easy time finding things for their kids to do in Dunedin. There are albatrosses, penguins, and seal colonies, as well as wildlife tours, kayaking, train rides and a chocolate factory in the town. Fortunately, most of the child-orientated activities in Dunedin are also great fun for adults.

Albatross Colony
Although a few miles outside Dunedin, the Taiaroa Royal Albatross Colony is a must-see for young ornithologists and lovers of wildlife in general. The Taiaroa Royal is the only mainland albatross colony in the world. Kids get to learn more about these magnificent beasts and their monumental flights as well as see new-born albatross chicks in their nests.

Cadbury World
What better place to take kids than to a chocolate factory where visitors are able to taste the produce. The Cadbury World chocolate factory, located on Cumberland street, makes around 70 per cent of New Zealand’s chocolate and a guided tour will certainly keep kids happy. The Visitor Centre has themed displays and tours every 30 minutes. Website: www.cadbury.co.nz.

Kayaking Tour
If you are here in the summer, send the kids on a kayaking tour of Otago peninsula and Taiaroa Head with Wild Earth Adventures Kayaking. Tour groups are small and take in hidden coves and beaches and lots of wildlife. Kids can be accommodated. Phone: +64 3 473 6535.

Penguin Place
The rare yellow-eyed penguin is the main attraction here and there are more of this type of penguin here than at any other colony in New Zealand. Kids will learn a lot from the tour guide and the climb up to the colony is perfect for some light exercise.

Railway Fun
Take the kids on the Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin’s first railway, which runs from Dunedin through the pretty Taieri River Gorge to the village of Middlemarch throughout the day. On the way, children will be thrilled by the long tunnels and high viaducts that the train traverses. Phone: +64 3 477 4449.

Wildlife Tours
Elm Wildlife Tours feature New Zealand wildlife adventure and are ideal for parents who want their kids to learn about the remarkable wildlife of the region. Tours take in lagoon wildlife, the Royal Albatross Colony, and the Elm’s very own wildlife conservation area, where visitors get to see sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and a fur seal breeding colony in a lovely beach setting. Phone: +64 3 454 4121.

Dunedin has some quirky cultural activities available to inquisitive visitors, with a good range of museums and galleries covering the life of the Maori and settlers, as well as some intriguing natural attractions outside the town. The Taiaroa Royal Albatross Colony is one of the most outstanding sights for many, being home to the largest colony of its kind in New Zealand.

Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Featuring a fine collection of pre-Raphaelite and Renaissance artwork in an impressive building, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of the city’s original attractions and even has its original iron spiral staircase. In addition to the main exhibitions are numerous colonial paintings and collections of contemporary works. Website: dunedin.art.museum.

Organ Pipes
Also outside Dunedin, this small columnar rock formation which is set in a hillside resembles a set of organ pipes and affords amazing views over the Otago peninsula and the town. The hike up to the site is an interesting one and goes from a car park about three miles from town out along North road.

Otakou Marae
Located outside of Dunedin, the Otakou Marae is a Maori church and meeting-house which led to the Otago peninsula being so named. It lies in an area of beauty about 15 miles from Dunedin near Harington Point, towards the end of the peninsula, and was one of the places where the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori and British. Phone: +64 3 478 0352.

Otago Museum
The Otago Museum is one of New Zealand’s largest museums, displaying a huge wealth of Maori artefacts in a number of interesting themed exhibits focusing on nature, culture and science. Of the more popular galleries are the Southern People, Southern Land, and Discovery World exhibitions. Website: www.otagomuseum.govt.nz.

Otago Settlers Museum
Focusing on the settlers to the Dunedin area and Otago peninsula, the Otago Settlers Museum tells the story of what life was like here for early immigrants through a vast collection of photographs, several portraits and records. It is considered to be one of the country’s best social history museums. Visitors can test their wits by riding a penny farthing. Website: www.otago.settlers.museum/.

Robert Burns Statue
Dunedin’s statue of poet Robert Burns is one of five such statues in the world, another of which can be seen in Central Park, New York, which was sculptured by the same artist. Dunedin’s restored statue of the Scottish icon is over 100 years old and resides in the Octagon.

Taiaroa Royal Albatross Colony
The only mainland albatross colony on earth can be found around 12 miles from Dunedin city centre and is a must-see for anyone remotely interested in birds or wildlife in general. The albatross is a remarkable creature able to circumnavigate the earth without ever touching land and then return to the same breeding spot. They use their immense wings to soar on trade winds with little exertion and feed on squid, fish and krill. These and other amazing facts can be discovered at the Taiaroa Royal Albatross Colony. Website: www.albatross.org.nz.

Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach is a steep tunnel that was supposedly cut through the stone cliff by Cargill so that his daughter could visit the beach. The tunnel is fairly spooky and only accessible by way of farmland outside of lambing season. The pretty beach is well worth the effort required to get to it.

Dunedin has a good selection of restaurants and cafés in the city centre, and prices are generally very reasonable in response to the large student populace. The city is multicultural in the dining department with many ethnic eateries, including popular Chinese takeaways.

George street is the main thoroughfare in town and has the pick of the eateries. It starts a couple of blocks north of the city centre (known as the Octagon) and features every type of eatery, including fine dining, McDonalds and even vegan restaurants.

Albany street, just to the south of the University of Otago, is another good bet, while Princess, St Andrew, and Lower Stuart streets also have many options including Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Thai and other types of cuisines.

The café scene is particularly well established in Dunedin where the ambience, comfort and prices all contribute to a good feeling. It’s not just coffee that’s available; you can also sample a good variety of other drinks. Head for High street, Moray place, and Little Stuart street for the best of Dunedin’s cafés.

The Saturday morning Farmers’ Market at Dunedin Railway Station is great for fresh, local organic produce with delicious crêpes and fresh fruit and vegetables.

As for cuisine, New Zealand is not renowned for its gastronomic aspirations, yet virtually any type of food can be had here. The local sweet potato, mao or kumara, is a must-try for those who fancy sampling a Maori staple. Fresh seafood is just as popular in Dunedin as it is elsewhere in New Zealand, with prawns and crayfish being favourites. Fish and chips are another favourite, while pavlova is loved across the country and is thus the national dessert.

Shopping is easy and relaxed in Dunedin, with its collection of easy to navigate streets and variety of shops. There are large glitzy shopping malls, popular chain stores, specialty shops, art galleries, antique houses and second-hand stores.

As well as being the main eatery street, George street also happens to be the main shopping area, along with Princes street, while the suburbs also have good shopping options. Other places to shop include Mornington, Mosgiel, the Gardens, and South Dunedin.

The Meridian Mall is one of the top shopping places in town with its collection of dozens of stores including just about every type of shop. It also includes an international food court. On the clothing front, Dunedin has outlets for Nom D, Tanya Carlson, and Toni Darling, while the Jan McLean Originals store has perfectly-crafted porcelain dolls. The New Zealand Shop is the best place to pick up souvenirs.

Dunedin has a little slice of adventure for everyone. There are some very good golf courses, superb walking within the city and out at the best tramping tracks nearby, sea kayaking along the Otago coast, and surfing at several beaches. Although the weather is very changeable in Dunedin and the South Island in general, even in the chilly winters you can find lots of stuff to do.

Golf
There are several quality golf courses in Dunedin, and the St Clair Golf Course is one of the best of them with its championship holes, fine setting and good facilities. Guests are welcome here and facilities include cart, club and trundler rental. The St Clair Golf Course is located just outside town on Isadore road. The other main club in the area is the Otago Golf Club on Balmacewen road, which is the oldest golf course in the south and has internationally renowned fairways and greens. Phone: +64 3 487 7076 (St Clair Golf Course).

Massage
For the ultimate spa and massage treatment, Erban Spa in Village Rosslyn is one of the best places to go for a massage in Dunedin. This top boutique massage spa has all sorts of massage therapies available that range from stone massage, hot aroma and deep tissue massage to Indian head massage, reiki, body polishes and many other weird and wonderful treatment options. Phone: +64 3 470 1919.

Sea Kayaking
Dunedin lies on the stunning Otago coastline where options for kayaking and canoeing are good. Eco-tours take in this fabulous part of the New Zealand coast so that visitors can get up close with the abundant flora and fauna. There is also the lake and several large headlands to check out within Dunedin.

Surfing
Dunedin enjoys some pretty big surf for most of the year and its beaches are well within reach of the city centre. Main Beach is just to the east of town and also comes with some good facilities, including surf board and wetsuit hire, a superb heated saltwater pool, and many shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Tramping
Some of New Zealand’s best tracks are within reach of Dunedin. These include: Green Hut Track, Possum Hut, Rosella Ridge, Carey's Creek, Yellow Ridge, Honeycomb, Swampy Ridge, Leith Saddle, Rustlers, and Nichols Falls. Walking guides of the various tramps within reach of Dunedin can be found at the informative and friendly Dunedin Visitor Centre.

Walking
Dunedin was made for walking with its setting between lake and ocean. The walk up to Signal Hill is fairly easy going and you will be rewarded with fine views from atop the hill. Baldwin street is another good walk or cycling option and can be found just to the northeast of town. It is reputed to be the world’s steepest street at 35 per cent, although a smaller street in the US also claims this title. An event at the Dunedin Summer Festival sees participants run up and down Baldwin street in the quickest time. Orago Harbour also offers some good walks that are well within reach of the town centre.