What to do in Waitati

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Lydia Ward
Photo by Lydia Ward
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. The Octagon

Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
Learn more
The Octagon featuring a church or cathedral and heritage elements as well as a large group of people

2. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
Learn more
Larnach Castle

3. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
Learn more
St. Clair Beach

4. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
Learn more
Dunedin Botanic Garden featuring a lake or waterhole and a park

5. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
Learn more
Dunedin Town Hall showing an administrative buidling, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

6. Speight's Brewery

Find out how Speight’s creates one of New Zealand’s favorite beers when you visit this iconic brewery in central Dunedin. Learn how to make wooden beer casks and check out the sampling area to try a selection of local tipples.
Learn more
Speight\'s Brewery which includes interior views

What to do in Waitati

Frequently asked questions

Is Waitati worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are many great things to do in Waitati. Make sure to experience the area's mix of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Waitati?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Warrington Beach and Penguin Place, spend some time experiencing Waitati's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Waitati?
Warrington Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Waitati and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Waitati?
Three days will give you time to tick off many city highlights, including Warrington Beach, Purakaunui Inlet and Doctors Point. The average stay in Waitati is two days. If you have the time to extend your break, Dunedin isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Waitati with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Waitati with kids.

What to do in Waitati for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Waitati for adults.
Are there free things to do in Waitati?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Waitati is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without opening your wallet. Warrington Beach is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.