VIP LOUNGE

Pull on your boots and stroll the streets of Dunedin, where fascinating heritage buildings create an atmospheric backdrop for an eclectic range of shopping and entertainment.

Dunedin is a city quite unlike any other. A strong Scottish heritage (Dunedin is Gaelic for Edinburgh) adds stoic charm in a streetscape of beautiful stone buildings and historic houses: Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. But look again, and beyond the rich history you’ll find a vibrant modern city culture with a thriving creative industry and an eclectic student subculture. City boutiques stand shoulder-to-shoulder with an impressive range of fashion shops, galleries and gourmet food stores.

Dunedin City radiates around the hub that is The Octagon: the green lawns invite lunchtime relaxation for busy city workers and students alike on sunny days; an oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle in the city’s busiest dining and cultural precinct. North of The Octagon, George Street is retail central – the place to go for designer threads and chain store chic alike.

On the opposite side of The Octagon, a rich creative culture manifests in great little art galleries and theatres. This side of town is known as the birthplace of the ‘Dunedin Sound’ – a style of indie pop that emerged in the early 1980s – and the Empire Tavern at the end of Princes Street was its epicentre. Head east, towards the harbour, to find another of Dunedin’s famous landmarks, the Dunedin Railway Station; dating back to 1906, it’s famous for its grandiose style. A compact size means everything is within easy walking distance, so take to the streets and explore!

George Street Dunedin’s bustling main street is home to great boutiques, chain stores and cafés, including the city’s only shopping mall.

Princes Street Traditionally boho and just a little bit edgy, south of The Octagon you’ll find colourful record stores, art galleries and auction houses to fossick through.

Lower Stuart Street Leading from The Octagon to the Dunedin Railway Station, Lower Stuart Street oozes historic charm and has featured in many period films.