- Close Icon
- Car Rental Locations
- Manage Booking
- Contact Us
Tucked into the harbor on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is a stellar tourist destination brimming with a variety of activities and sights to indulge in. There’s much to explore in this city and if you have had your fill you could consider adding day trips to your Dunedin itinerary for a splendid journey with friends or family. The city is an ideal starting point for outings to rugged beaches, and coastal towns so consider embarking on one of the undermentioned day trips from Dunedin all of which you can reach by car.
If you only have a day to spare, consider one of these quick trips from Dunedin to some amazing nearby destinations.
Located an hour’s drive north of Dunedin, Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical boulders along the Waitaki coast whose formation dates back to 60 million years. According to Maori legend, the boulders were washed ashore hundreds of years ago from the wreck of a canoe called the Araiteuru. It is believed that calabashes, kumaras, and eel baskets were washed ashore and over time, formed the large boulders.
Best visited during low tide these spherical stones are easily accessible from the beach. This natural phenomenon is fairly popular among visitors and is worth a visit.
A short drive from Dunedin, Oamaru is the largest town of North Otago steeped in Victorian architecture. This quirk town is known for its Steampunk culture, Whitehouse cheese factory, and blue penguin colony. The city has some great sights and attractions to enjoy and you can easily fit all of that in a day trip.
While a tour of the iconic Steampunk HQ museum will give you a glimpse of a unique blend of art, sound, and light showcasing an altered universe you can also add trips to Opera House, Victorian Precinct, Lookout Point, Whitestone City, Forrester Gallery which are also some of the other popular places of interest around the city.
Wanaka is a great day trip from Dunedin for thrill seekers as this stunning town is the perfect destination for exploring the Southern Alps. The ultimate hub for outdoor adventures, visitors can indulge in various activities such as skydiving, canyoning, climbing, or mountaineering.
The region has an abundance of lakes and rivers which makes it an ideal destination to indulge in activities like kayaking, fishing, lake cruises, or jet-boating. Wanaka transforms into a winter wonderland during colder months making this vibrant city a focal point for skiers and snowboarders.
Located at the northern end of the Catlins coast, along the road from Kaka Point, Nugget Point is an iconic landmark that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Among the country’s oldest lighthouses perched above the famous rocks, Tokata lighthouse lets you enjoy dramatic coastal views and spot seals, penguins, and other seabirds. During your visit, you will come across massive rocky islets out at sea called “nuggets”, resembling gold nuggets. Just a short walk from the lighthouse you will find Roaring Bay, where you can catch a glimpse of yellow-eyed penguins, which is one of the rarest species of penguin in the world.
Situated on the southern edge of Dunedin’s extensive harbor, Otago Peninsula is a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, white sand beaches, and scenic countryside. Home to Yellow-Eyed Penguins, Little Blue Penguins, Sea Lions, and Fur Seals the region is a hub-spot for wildlife encounters making it a must-visit place for curious visitors.
The best way to visit the Otago Peninsula is by driving in a car as it would allow you to explore the region’s remote areas and experience scenery at your own pace. Drive around in your very own car hire and visit the area’s wonderful collection of attractions including but not limited to Ōtākou Marae, Taiaroa Head, Portobello, Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, Sandfly Bay, and Lover’s Leap.
Make heading out for a day trip around Dunedin easy and accessible with a self-drive car rental. With New Zealand Cars Rental you can book your car hire in Dunedin for your onward journey at the most competitive rates. Our association with some of the best car rental companies in New Zealand allows us to present a range of cheap deals for the widest fleet of quality vehicles. With convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in and around the city, you plan your itinerary with total ease. Our simple three-step booking process lets you book your ideal car hire in just a few clicks saving you time. Easily reserve your vehicle through our online platform or make an offline reservation by contacting our customer support team.