Dunedin - Ōtepoti

Dunedin has many stunning venues to fit small to medium sized business events, but we also have the capacity to host events up to 1000 pax.

Where else in the country could you host a dinner in a castle or on the pitch at Forsyth Barr Stadium, or host a breakfast meeting and incorporate yoga with butterflies in a tropical forest? Our galleries and museums, along with our contemporary and heritage venues, offer delegates a different type of experience whilst telling the story of how Dunedin became the city it is today.

In the off seasons from semester time, the University of Otago can host your conference – with many world-leading Schools and Departments, the University hosts a multitude of academic conferences.

Dunedin offers a wide range of accommodation to fit any budget. This include hotels, motels and apartments, many of which are located in stunning Victorian or Edwardian properties or have heritage restorations. Our hotels are centrally located and all within 5 – 10 minutes to the Octagon, the heart of the city. There are also exquisite luxury lodges, retreats, self-contained boutique properties and bed and breakfasts. 

Dunedin is New Zealand's best kept secret packed full of hidden gems – wander the wee alley ways and uncover something intriguing, discover new businesses, bars, restaurants and recreational activities. If you know, you know.

Dunedin prides itself being connected and collaborative, it’s what makes us work. Let your delegates learn first-hand how excellent Dunedin is at delivering business events in one of the world’s great small cities.

Home to New Zealand’s first university and a thriving startup and innovative business scene, we can connect you with leaders in both academia and industry who can add expertise and value to your event. The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and has a stunning globally-ranked campus with about 21,000 students. A photo of the Clocktower during blossom season is a must, and while you’re at it also get one at the Dunedin Railway Station– the most photographed building in New Zealand.

People always get asked “what was the food like?” when they’ve been away on a trip, whether for business or pleasure. Dunedin’s food scene is thriving and caters to all tastes and budgets - try a local delivery like the famous cheese roll or enjoy freshly caught local produce such as Blue Cod and Littleneck Clams, or even sample one of the many local craft beers or spirits. 

Reducing the negative impact of conferencing is more prevalent now and the following activities offer good CSR options, so get your delegates out of the conference venue and into nature which is also good for the soul with these experiences:
• Explore the stunning Huriawa Peninsula, which has become the first Māori heritage site in the Otago region to be awarded Tohu Whenua designation. Huriawa is a coastal settlement with layers of treasured stories to explore via self-guided and/or guided walking tours and waka journeys. karitanemaoritours.com  
• The Longhouse showcase the best that Dunedin has to offer through a wellness lens. They offer customers a full experiential day-retreat centred around physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental wellbeing. Seasonal and bespoke retreats tailored to suit your team’s needs. https://tirimoanawhareroa.com/host-retreats 
• The OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance) is a private eco-reserve dedicated to conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education. They offer visitors a 90-minute Penguin Tour – includes a visit to the Penguin Rehabilitation Centre or a 90-minute Native Bush Tour – approximately 2km walk through newly planted, regenerating and mature forest. https://theopera.co.nz/

For a more centrally located and meandering activity, you could explore the cities laneways and heritage buildings on the Dunedin Street Art Trail and also discover hidden micro-breweries or boutique shops. https://www.dunedinnz.com/insiders/the-insiders-guide-to-the-dunedin-street-art-trail 

Dunedin has something to offer everyone in every season.

Find your happy place in a #Dunnerstunner summer and get outdoors. Go road tripping along the coast in either direction, walk one of the many tracks and trails in and around the city, or find a secluded beach amongst the 33 odd to choose from to wile the day away then finish it off with a visit to any of our outstanding eateries.

During Autumn visitors can enjoy the last of the golden weather by getting out and exploring some of Dunedin’s breath-taking natural spots or head indoors for a spot of culture and entertainment. The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is the oldest in New Zealand and along with other museums and galleries visitors are never short on indoor options.

In winter we might not be for the sun seekers or the thrill seekers, but we reckon we definitely have the chill seekers covered. With cosy nooks, roaring fires (and wildlife), all-weather activities, a feast of events... and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. So, chuck on the Dunedin winter uniform (a good puffer jacket) and experience Dunedin done right, our Insiders have had plenty of practice after all.

Spring is the perfect time to get out and explore Dunedin’s many gardens. Dunedin is home to two six-star Gardens of International Significance: Dunedin Botanic Gardens and Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden. Other gardens to explore include Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, Hereweka Garden Retreat and gardens at Larnach Castle.