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Car Hire
Travel Guide
Explore the "Edinburgh of the South" with a rental car from VroomVroomVroom. We can help you compare car hire in Dunedin from trusted suppliers such as Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Experience the best of Dunedin with a cheap car hire and visit all the attractions of the city at your own pace.
Dunedin's connection with its first European settlers is clear by its design. Tourists come year-round to experience the vibrant atmosphere and rich culture. Do not miss out on some of Dunedin's main events. These include the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival and the Dunedin Fringe Festival.
Why hire a car in Dunedin through VroomVroomVroom?
Search for your Dunedin car rental using our comparison system. Here are a few reasons why our customers choose to book with us:
- No booking fee. You don't have to pay an additional fee for booking a rental car through us.
- More vehicle choices. Choose from a wide selection of rental cars from our suppliers. We also compare campervan rentals in Dunedin.
- Real people to assist you. If you have any extra questions, our customer care experts can assist you.
- Flexibility: Having a rental car will give you the freedom to travel to attractions around Dunedin at your own pace.
Driving tips in Dunedin
Lanarch Castle is an easy drive from the city, on the beautiful Otago Peninsula. The main attraction in Dunedin is the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Book a tour anytime. Visit in July for the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, and revel in all things chocolate.
Generally, the weather is very changeable in New Zealand. Many alpine passes get snowfalls. In the south, the roads can be icy during June, July and August. Adjust your driving as roads can be very slippery. Take note of the maximum speeds. This is normally 100 kilometres per hour on open roads and 50 kilometres per hour in urban areas.
If you are planning to drive in winter, check out these useful driving tips.
When is the best time to visit Dunedin?
Mid to late summer is the perfect time to visit Dunedin. Being so far south, the days are long, giving you lots of time to explore. The weather is coming into its warmest and most settled for the year.
The Dunedin Fringe Festival attracts artists from across New Zealand. The festival promotes experimental contemporary art and the works of new artists. Enjoy this fantastic festival in late May.
Not sure where to go with your rental car in Dunedin?
There's plenty to choose from in Dunedin. Enjoy the compact city centre, with its bars, restaurants and cinemas, or head to open spaces such as the Otago Peninsula. After a day of fun, you can now take some rest in your chosen Dunedin accommodation. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the best and most interesting places in Dunedin. Check out our travel guide below.
Attractions| Accommodation | Restaurants & Bars
Attractions
The Castle Cruiser
Address: C/o I-Site 50 Octagon
Enjoy a fully guided tour to New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, which is famous for its fantastic views and "Alice in Wonderland" themed gardens. It is not only a trip to this iconic landmark - you also get a comprehensive tour of Dunedin city included. See the Larnach tomb, Baldwin Street - the world's steepest, Otago University as well as the historic Railway Station building amongst other Southern delights. Special Cruise Ship day tours are also available. Departing from Port Chalmers tours last 6.5 hours or alternatively from the Dunedin i-Site and 5.5 hours. If you prefer touring at night, you can always join their Glow Worm Tour where you will be taken to see these mesmerising and enchanting creatures from a bygone age.
Elm Wildlife Tours
Address: The Dunedin Visitor Information Centre, 50 The Octagon
Olveston Historic Home
Address: 42 Royal Terrace
One of many fine Victorian and Edwardian examples of architecture and lifestyle available to explore in Dunedin. Olveston House is kept just as it would have been when it was a family home in the early 20th Century. Guided tours of the house are available, with the local knowledge of the guides being a highlight. The house is set in a one-acre garden of national significance. For a visit with a difference, add a game of croquet and a cup of tea to your experience. Don't miss the 1922 Fiat 510 Tourer, belonging to the house's original owner, David Theomin. The car has been restored to its former glory over two years.
Cadbury World Chocolate Factory
Address: 280 Cumberland Street
This long-standing Dunedin business is at the heart of the community. It is the centre for the annual Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, when the city goes bonkers for chocolate each July. At any time of the year, you can tour the factory. The most popular tour lasts for 60 minutes, and is particularly busy in the school holidays. Book in advance if you can.
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
Address: 31 Queens Garden
An innovative museum housed in the original Edwardian galleries, of Dunedin's former New Zealand Rail Road Transport Building. Themed galleries tell the stories of indigenous Maori, early Chinese settlers and subsequent waves of migrants. A highlight is Josephine, one of just a handful of remaining Double Fairlie Locomotive engines in the world.
Accommodation
858 George Street Motel Dunedin
Address: 858 George Street
This award-winning motel complex is known for its beautiful architecture and central location. Guests staying at 858 George Street Motel have easy access to Dunedin's major attractions, including the Botanic Gardens, Cadbury Chocolate Factory, and Forsyth Barr Stadium. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes and shops located nearby. Whether you are travelling solo or with your family, you are sure to find the perfect accommodation. They have studio rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, executive suites and an accessible unit. Each room is equipped with modern facilities such as complimentary WiFi, flatscreen TV, DVD player, fridge and microwave oven.
Hereweka Garden Retreat
Address: 10 Hoopers Inlet Road RD2
This self-contained luxury accommodation was established by general practitioner Peter Cooke and psychotherapist Anna Moore, who both decided to work part-time to pursue their dream of building a garden retreat. The Eco accommodation has been built with sustainable materials and has received a 5-star rating from TripAdvisor. It was also named as the most beautiful accommodation provider in 2013 by the Dunedin City Council.
Restaurants & Bars
Penguin Café
Address: 1726 HighCliff Road, Portobello
This café is famous for its delectable food, great staff, and amazing views. They are known for having the best coffee in the area as well as their homemade venison, traditional Cornish pasties, chicken and mushroom pies, and freshly-made ice cream. The best way to start your day is with a New Zealand Breakfast. For lunch, their specialties include the Fisherman's pie, toasted sandwiches and huge burgers.
Etrusco at the Savoy Restaurant
Address: 8 Moray Pl
Ranked #1 of 210 Restaurants in the city and awarded "Certificate of Excellence 2014"- Tripadvisor, it's not surprising to expect such an exquisite interior that truly takes you to Italy the moment you step through the doors. Not to mention the food, if the romantic atmosphere doesn't capture you, the food will sure do the trick.
Esplanade Restaurant
Address: 2 Esplanade, St Clair
Nestled on the esplande of the St.Clair beachfront, you'll discover a slice of Italy as you enter the romantic atmosphere of this classy Italian restaurant. The great set up and spectacular view are only the beginning of this dining experience.
VroomVroomVroom
Dunedin,South IslandNew Zealand
Hertz Dunedin Central - 874 Princes Street, Dunedin, SI. 9016
Budget Dunedin Downtown - 97 Moray Place, Dunedin, SI. 9001
Thrifty Dunedin City - 121 Crawford Street, Dunedin, SI. 9016
Avis Motel Moray Place - 97 Moray Place, Dunedin, SI. 9016