Dunedin was at one time New Zealand’s most culturally rich city and it still displays many fine buildings and a great deal of heritage, best seen in its city centre streets, galleries and museums. The city is also surrounded by nature with a gorgeous coastline and an albatross colony nearby.

Cadbury World
The Cadbury World chocolate factory on Cumberland street runs guided tours every 30 minutes which allow visitors to sample some of the goodies at the end. The factory churns out most of New Zealand’s chocolate and the Visitor Centre has chocolate themed displays that will get any chocolate lover’s mouth watering. Website: www.cadbury.co.nz.

Dunedin Public Art Gallery
This impressive gallery was established back in the 1880s and is one of New Zealand's best art museums. There are some fine collections here of New Zealand art and Japanese prints, as well as many European classics by the likes of masters such as Monet, Tussot and Gainsborough. Phone: +64 3 477 4000.

Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
These beautiful gardens are located on the shores of Otago Harbour, a few miles from the city centre, and they make a perfect stop for a picnic. The garden covers an impressive 74 acres and features striking rhododendron and azalea displays as well as some lovely walks. The licensed café within the grounds provides sustenance. Website: www.glenfalloch.co.nz.

Larnach Castle
The allegedly haunted Larnach Castle is a big hit in Dunedin, set as it is within beautiful grounds and complete with the only hanging Georgian staircase in the southern hemisphere. There is also lots of period furniture here. The ghost of the castle is said to be that of Mr Larnach, who committed suicide when one of his three wives eloped with one of his sons. The castle can be seen on a guided tour and you can even stay here, with 43 rooms available. Website: www.larnachcastle.co.nz.

Otago Museum
The Otago Museum is one of New Zealand’s largest and very best museums with numerous exhibits displaying thousands of quality artefacts, particularly of Maori culture. Themed galleries include Discovery World, Southern Land and the Southern People, all of which are highlights. Website: www.otagomuseum.govt.nz.

Royal Albatross Centre
The eco-tourism award-winning Royal Albatross Centre has the world's only mainland albatross colony as well as the underground tunnels of historic Fort Taiaroa. Some birds here have a 10-foot wingspan and visitors can see them in flight as well as discern the fine views of Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. A restaurant and gift shop are also onsite. Phone: +64 3 478 0499.

Speight’s Brewery
Founded in 1876, Speight’s Brewery arguably churns out the nation’s finest beer and is a Dunedin icon. A tour of the brewery and the Speight’s Heritage Centre lasts for around 90 minutes and takes in the production process and the all important sampling of the beers produced here. Website: www.speights.co.nz.

Gorge on chocolate at the Cadbury World chocolate factory where 30-minute tours take in delicious samples and a theatre presentation at the Visitor Centre. This is a destination not to be missed by any chocolate lover.

Go surfing on one of Dunedin’s beaches. Although the water is cold year-round, Dunedin sees some fantastic surf and wetsuits are a useful invention. For afters, jump in the heated saltwater pool near the main beach.

Indulge in a night of theatre at the Fortune Theatre, which provides professional live performances in a converted stone church. The Fortune Theatre is situated in Moray place in the town centre and is one of Otago’s best performing arts venues.

Marvel at the albatrosses at the Royal Albatross Centre near town, where visitors can learn all about the world of the largest bird and its amazing flight and breeding habits.

Ride the Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin’s first railway which takes visitors through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge, via lofty viaducts and through ancient tunnels. This scenic trip is highly rated by visitors to Dunedin.

Scale Baldwin street, which is located in Dunedin's North East Valley suburb and is supposedly the steepest street in the world, according to Guinness Wold Records. Although it is possible to drive up the street, you’re better off leaving the car parked at the bottom and walking up the impossibly-steep street, part of which is at a 35 per cent gradient. If you’re here over the Summer Festival, be sure to check out the Baldwin Street Gutbuster which sees participants run up and down the street.

See rare penguins at close quarters at Penguin Place, where dozens of pairs represent a large portion of New Zealand's mainland yellow-eyed population. The climb to the colony is quite demanding so make sure you have appropriate footwear.

Stay in Larnach Castle, allegedly New Zealand’s one and only haunted castle. The original owner, Mr Larnach, had three wives and killed himself when one ran off with his son. Set in a dramatically picturesque setting, the castle is a romantic getaway.

Try your luck at Dunedin Casino on the roulette and blackjack tables of one of New Zealand’s best boutique casinos. Dunedin Casino is beautifully decked out and has many side attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Visit the Otago peninsula which stretches from Dunedin east along Otago Harbour and features renowned wildlife reserves and some amazing scenery.