The Octagon — Attraction in South Island

My husband and I found ourselves at The Octagon in the centre of Dunedin during a brief stop on our tour. What a fantastic place to soak in the city’s charm! From the striking historic architecture to the lively atmosphere, it felt like stepping into a postcard.

Apparently, it’s a bit of a tradition to snap a photo of the Robert Burns statue—especially if a seagull happens to be perched on his head (which seems to be a regular occurrence!). We also heard that trying a cheese roll is a must, but sadly, we didn’t have enough time to indulge—next time for sure!

Walking through the area brought back fond memories from my last visit in 2007, and it was heartwarming to see that the character of the place remains unchanged. Whether you’re here for a quick break or a longer stroll, The Octagon is a perfect spot to experience the essence of Dunedin....

Transported from the cruise ship terminal, we embarked on a brief exploration of the city. Our journey led us to the Dunedin Railway Station Museum and the Toitū Otago Settler’s Museum, both of which added cultural richness to our visit. Notably, the sidewalks were not only wheelchair-accessible but also impeccably clean, enhancing the overall experience.

As we made our way back, we strolled past an array of inviting restaurants. Although we weren't hungry at the time, the tantalizing options along the route left us contemplating the possibility of indulging in a delightful dining experience if our appetites had...

Our coach arrived in Dunedin and stopped in The Octagon for our lunch break. It had to have been 55 years or so since I had last been in Dunedin, but I recognized 4-5 places I have seen before. I would not have remembered them at all without seeing them, but seeing them brought back distant memories of the octagon itself, the church, the clock tower, the train station, and a few monuments. All sorts of bars and bistros can be access from here and there is a prominent statue of Robbie Burns. This is definitely the heart...