Landmarks and Monuments You Can't Miss Using Cheap Flights to Dunedin
Larnach Castle
One of Dunedin's top attractions is Larnach Castle. It's a 19th-century building that's made from Italian marble, Welsh slate and Venetian glass. Over the years, it's been used as an asylum, soldiers' barracks and a nunnery. Today, it's been restored back to its former glory! Many people buy return flights to Dunedin to explore the castle's sprawling gardens or to have high tea in the ballroom.
Otago Museum
If you want to learn more about New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage, visit the Otago Museum. The exhibits focus on the life of the Maori people in South Island, a butterfly-filled rainforest, geology and a curated room that features ancient artefacts from around the world. It's one of the best things to do in the city for travelling families buying flights to Dunedin.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
The Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand's first botanic garden. It features more than 6,800 plant species and is spread out across 30 hectares. For travellers buying flights to Dunedin, you don't want to miss out exploring the Rhododendron Dell. It houses 3,000 flowers and is a magnificent sight to see when the plants are in full bloom between August and October.
Taiaroa Head
Taiaroa Head is a favourite attraction for nature lovers visiting Dunedin. Its rock cliffs are where you'll find royal albatross, red-billed gulls, royal spoonbills, southern fur seals and the Steward Island shag. As one of the only mainland breeding colonies of royal albatross, Tairoa Head is one of the top reasons people buy tickets to Dunedin.
The Best Time to Book Return Flights to Dunedin
The best time to visit Dunedin is in the spring. From September to early December, the temperatures are mild, and prices for flights to Dunedin are affordable. You'll miss the summer crowds as well and have the city's top attractions all to yourself. If you're planning to buy flights to Dunedin in the summer months (mid-December to February), keep in mind that you'll need a bigger budget. Rates for hotels are higher in the city and airlines raise their prices on an airfare to Dunedin as demand increases. The most expensive time to visit the city is over Christmas week (23 December to 1 January 1), so if your travel dates fall over this period, you'll want to book your flights to Dunedin months in advance to lock in lower prices.
Packing Tips
When packing for your flights to Dunedin, you need to make sure you're prepared for four seasons in one day. New Zealand's weather is temperamental throughout the year, so you'll want to be ready for whatever is thrown your way. The South Island in the winter and autumn experiences cold temperatures. You'll want to prepare for your flights to Dunedin by packing waterproof shoes, a rain jacket and a thick jacket that can handle the icy winds. It's also a good idea to invest in thermal clothing to help you stay warm.
While you're out exploring, you should keep a second outfit in the car or your bag. It's helpful in case you get wet, so you don't need to travel back to your hotel to get out of your cold clothes. In the summer months, you'll still want to pack a rain jacket for Dunedin. While the days can warm up to 30°C, at night, the temperatures plummet to 10°C. Once again, you'll want to keep an extra outfit in your bag so that you can quickly change if it becomes too hot or too cold while you're exploring the city.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
Buy a GoCard for Dunedin
If you're a budget traveller buying cheap flights to Dunedin, you'll want to invest in the city's GoCard. It will give you a 25% discount off bus fares. The card costs $5 NZD ($4.80 AUD), and you need to top it up with a minimum of $10 NZD ($9.60 AUD).
Bus
Dunedin has an extensive bus network. You can use the system to travel around town and reach the city's suburbs. Keep in mind that you do need to signal the driver to let him or her know that you want to get on board. It’s an affordable way to keep your costs down once your flights to Dunedin have landed.
Taxi
Taxis are one of the best ways to get from Dunedin International Airport (DUD) to your hotel. You'll find the drivers waiting outside of the terminal as soon as your flights to Dunedin arrive. If you want to use a taxi to get around the city, you can expect to pay around $3 NZD ($2.88 AUD) per kilometre.
Airport Transfers
Another affordable way to get from Dunedin International Airport (DUD) is to book an airport shuttle a few days before your flights to Dunedin. Prices for the shuttles cost between $20 to $25 NZD ($19.20 to $24 AUD) for tips to the city centre.
When is The Best Time to Visit Dunedin?
Dunedin's high season runs from November to March. The mild temperatures attract local and international visitors during the festive period. To save money, book your flights and hotel room a few months in advance before prices start to skyrocket.
For frugal travellers, the best time to visit is during the city's two shoulder seasons: May and September to October. The hotels in Dunedin slash their prices, flights are cheaper, and crowds are at a minimum.
Dunedin is at its quietest in winter. From June to August, the city experiences its highest rainfall, keeping many visitors at bay. But if you don't mind sticking to indoor activities, you'll be able to pick up great deals on hotel rooms and flights.
Airports in Dunedin
Dunedin Airport
Dunedin Airport is located 22 km from the city and is the gateway to the Otago region. It only operates domestic routes and trans-Tasman flights from Brisbane, Australia.
Getting To and From Dunedin Airport
If you're on a budget, the best way to get between the city and the airport is with a shuttle service. Depending on the number of people you share with, you can expect to pay anything from NZD 30 to NZD 60. Shuttles can be booked in advance or when you arrive.
The taxi rank is located outside of the arrivals terminal. Fares start at NZD 75 one way, making it the most expensive transport option at the airport.
Another option is to book a hotel that offers a free airport pickup and dropoff service. Alternatively, you can hire a car from one of the rental companies.
