On this page 6 sections
What makes a good first date
Keep it public, easy and short enough that it can end politely, with the option to keep going if it's going well. Dunedin can be cold and changeable, so bring a layer and have an indoor option in mind.
In the city
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Otago Farmers Market
Dunedin Railway Station on Google Maps
Every Saturday morning beside the railway station. Get breakfast from a stall and wander.
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Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Free entry and a good mix of history and quirky exhibits, a short walk from the railway station.
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Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Free entry, right on the Octagon. Easy to combine with a coffee or a drink nearby.
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Dunedin Botanic Garden
Paths, glasshouses and an aviary, a short walk from the university.
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Drinks around the Octagon
The centre of town, with bars, live music and somewhere open most nights.
By the sea
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St Clair Esplanade
Coffee or dinner looking out over the surf, then a walk along the beach. The heated saltwater pool at the end of the beach opens in the warmer months.
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Tunnel Beach
A short, steep walk down to sandstone cliffs and a tunnel carved through the rock to a hidden beach. Check the track is open and the tide is out.
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The Otago Peninsula
Otago Peninsula on Google Maps
Drive along the harbour to Portobello and Taiaroa Head, home of the Royal Albatross Centre. Book tours ahead.
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Signal Hill Lookout
A quick drive up for views over the city and harbour, best at sunset.
Something different
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Baldwin Street
North East Valley on Google Maps
One of the steepest residential streets in the world. Walk up it together and you've earned a coffee.
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Orokonui Ecosanctuary
A predator-free forest just north of the city, full of native birds. Join a guided walk or explore on your own.
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Larnach Castle
Otago Peninsula on Google Maps
A 19th-century castle with gardens and views over the peninsula. Good for a second date.
Tips for dating in Dunedin
- Meet in the middle. Coming from Mosgiel, the Peninsula or Port Chalmers? Matcha's meet in the middle planner suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, open when you want to go, without either of you sharing where you live.
- Bring a layer. The weather changes quickly, especially on the coast.
- Lean on the free stuff. The museum, the art gallery, the gardens and the beaches are all free, which takes the pressure off a first date.
- Mind the hills. The centre is easy to walk, but some streets around it are steep.
Common questions
What's a good free first date in Dunedin?
Try Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin Public Art Gallery or Dunedin Botanic Garden. They cost nothing, so add a coffee or an ice cream and you've got an easy first date.
What can you do on a rainy first date in Dunedin?
Try Toitū Otago Settlers Museum or Dunedin Public Art Gallery. They work whatever the weather.
Where can you go for an evening first date in Dunedin?
For an evening date, try drinks around the Octagon.
How do you pick a first date spot halfway between you in Dunedin?
Use Meet in the middle in Matcha. Choose coffee, drinks or food and a time, and it suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live.
Photo: Dunedin Railway Station by Antilived (CC BY-SA 3.0), cropped.