Dunedin
If it's your first time in Dunedin, some things might be new to you, like the public transport system and finding your way around the city. This can be exciting but don't worry if you feel a little homesick. That's natural, especially in the first 12 months of living overseas.
One of the best things you can do to feel at home is to explore and experience your city. Then the things that are new become normal as you create a great life here.
Been in Dunedin for a while? Scroll down and see if you've visited all the places and landmarks listed below!
Quick facts
Population
Dunedin is the home for about 126,255 people.
Fun fact
Dunedin was New Zealand's first city and is a UNESCO City of Literature.
Places to visit
Living in Dunedin
There are many ways to describe life in Dunedin. Here are two important ones:
Famous for student culture
Dunedin has a reputation for its student culture and those that study here are nicknamed 'scarfies'. That's not surprising when you realise about 20% of Dunedin's population are students! Students come from all over New Zealand and the world to study at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, so there'll be a lot of people in the same situation as you.
If you ask locals what scarfie culture looks like in Dunedin, they might say:
- Orientation Week: This usually refers to the welcome week run by the Otago University Students Association and participating businesses. It's a chance to have fun, socialise and get excited about the new study year.
- Knowing your neighbours: It's common to know your neighbours and invite them over for a BBQ.
- Street parties: If you're living on or nearby Castle St or Hyde St, you're right in the heart of student life in Dunedin. Expect a street party at least once a year – and there will be costumes!
- Living cheaply: Students often don't have much money, so they're interested in things like donated furniture, buying second hand items, clothes swaps and shopping at places with student discounts.
- Giving your flat, apartment or house a name or a theme: Some students like to give their home a silly name for example, 'the Dentist' or 'Jurassic Park'. This name is written on a sign and usually attached above their front door or on their letter box.
Great place for artists
Interested in playing music? Photography? Art? Theatre? Writing? Dunedin is a great place to experiment and find your creative voice.
It's also famous for the "Dunedin Sound" – a New Zealand genre of music created during the 1980's and 1990's that became popular around the world. Check out The Chills(external link that opens in a new tab) and The Clean(external link that opens in a new tab) on YouTube to hear some examples.
These days, Dunedin students play many different styles of music and if you're looking for people to join a band – post a note on a community noticeboard or on Facebook.
Want to hear a modern Dunedin band? Listen to Six60 on YouTube(external link that opens in a new tab).
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.
Useful Dunedin websites
Here are a few suggestions to help you have a great experience and a safe time in Dunedin.
Studying in Dunedin(external link that opens in a new tab): Find information on study, activities and support for students in Dunedin.
Welcome to Dunedin(external link that opens in a new tab): Find events, festivals, day walks and great places to eat.
Dunedin City Council(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out how local government works and important information to help you with daily life in Dunedin. For example information on local parks, museums, libraries, recycling and the location of public toilets and other facilities. You can also follow the local council on Facebook.(external link that opens in a new tab)
Travelling around Dunedin(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn how to get around your new home and its surrounding suburbs on public transport. Find out which bus you need to catch and how to get a 'Bee card(external link that opens in a new tab)' for cheaper travel.
Toitū Otago Early Settlers' Museum(external link that opens in a new tab) and the Otago Museum(external link that opens in a new tab): See history and the future in action! Discover the stories of our indigenous peoples and early settlers with a focus on the Otago region. There's also an onsite tropical rainforest at the Otago Museum – if you'd like to experience being in a conservation habitat surrounded by hundreds of beautiful butterflies!
Dunedin street art map(external link that opens in a new tab): One of the best ways to get to know your city or town is to walk around it. In Dunedin you're likely to see some cool street art and murals as you explore, so make sure to take your camera! There's even one of popstar Ed Sheeran(external link that opens in a new tab)!
Dunedin Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab): If there's a medical emergency and you or someone else's life is in danger, go to the local hospital or phone 111 (this emergency number gives you access to police, fire and ambulance services). If it's not urgent, make a doctor's appointment or visit the Urgent Doctors(external link that opens in a new tab).
Civil Defence – Emergency Management Dunedin(external link that opens in a new tab): New Zealand is a pretty safe place, but like anywhere in the world there is a chance a natural disaster could happen. This could be something like a flood, tsunami, earthquake. Civil Defence have information on how to prepare for a natural disaster and you can follow them on Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab) to keep up to date on what's happening.
Trade Me - Rooms in Dunedin(external link that opens in a new tab): If you're not staying in a university hall of residence or a homestay, you might need to find a room to rent. You can try Trade Me to find a place to live. Make sure to check how far your new home is from important places, like your place of study or job (if you're working part-time).
Your rights as a tenant: The place you live in should be warm, healthy and dry. If it's not, you might need to speak to your landlord, homestay parents or university hall residential assistant (RA).
NZD$4 Hare Krishna lunches(external link that opens in a new tab): Join other students and locals, Monday to Friday 12pm to 2pm for a vegetarian lunch. Held at the Envision Lounge in the Otago University Students' Association building. Everyone is welcome, but remember to wash your own dishes afterwards!
Vegan and vegetarian in Dunedin(external link that opens in a new tab): Find vegan and vegetarian cafes/delis and restaurants near you.
Day trip out to Otago Peninsula(external link that opens in a new tab): Get close to wildlife in it's natural habitat. See Yellow-eyed penguins, seals, sea lions and Royal Albatross (birds with a huge 3 metre wingspan!).
Watch the Highlanders play rugby(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn about the most popular sport in the country - rugby, and support the regional team at the same time!
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