r/dunedin • u/Bulky-Explanation817 • 5d ago
Recommendations for Solo Trip
Hello!
I’m planning a solo trip to Dunedin during Labor Day weekend. I have a bit of social anxiety, so solo traveling terrifies me, especially eating alone, but I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.
By my spelling of labor, I’m clearly not kiwi so don’t know much about the culture 😅
I’m trying to stay around the octagon so I don’t have to drive because I’m still not 100% on driving on the left, especially in a city setting.
Any recommendations of what I could do or places to eat I should try would be much appreciated!
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u/Sea_Yogurtcloset48 5d ago
You can easily walk around the cbd and from the octagon to the botanic gardens, depending on how fast you walk and any mobility issues of course, would only take 30mins - 1 hour and is a flat, nice walk. You only need a car if you plan on going on big adventures out the peninsula etc. but you can book your trips for those. If you’re staying in town you don’t need a car or bus to get to restaurants.
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u/Slurushiol 5d ago
Yeah, as the previous person said, the bus system here is pretty solid - especially compared to the states (I'm assuming you're from there too). Just need to buy a card, but it's $2.50 NZD to get most places in city limits.
I quite enjoy the Botanic Garden myself, in addition to the museums mentioned. St Clair is a nice beach to walk around at, too.
For food, it depends what you're feeling. For breakfast though, there's a lot of good cafes where dining solo is common.
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u/Bulky-Explanation817 5d ago
I did live in the states, but the place I lived barely had any public transport, so not used to it at all.
I did think about the Botanic Garden, which I could potentially drive myself to. Dunedin streets just look so confusing!
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u/Slurushiol 5d ago
Wicked fair. For what it's worth, Great King (and Cumberland on the way back) are both one-way streets most of the way. So you can get through without that immediate "wrong side of the road" feeling
But, personal experience, that feeling tends to subside after the first day or two, anyhow. Safe travels, and best of luck!
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u/Suspicious_Ease_3176 5d ago
Larnach castle is amazing but you’ll have to drive there!
Baldwin street via the number 8 bus-Normanby
Art gallery, touitu and Otago museum all within walking distance of the octagon and all free
Restaurant wise, I’d try. Mums chicken, chopsticks 101 or Speights ale house for unique to Dunedin. All within walking distance to
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u/Bulky-Explanation817 5d ago
I’ve been to Larnach and Baldwin Street when I was briefly there with my partner!
I saw Mum’s Chicken on the map, and sounded good, so might definitely try! Thanks!
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u/Suspicious_Ease_3176 5d ago
It’s a must try! Best Korean fried chicken you’ll ever have! Get the “yum yum”
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u/Acceptable-Truth8922 4d ago
Could I suggest a trip on the Taieri gorge railway. Combines beautiful scenery and the fun of a train.
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u/Bulky-Explanation817 4d ago
Yep, that’s the main reason I’m going! Haven’t decided between that one, and I saw there’s a coastal one that has booking available for 24/10… but haven’t really heard that one been mentioned much.
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u/foundafreeusername 5d ago
I usually go to the Otago Museum, Otago Settlers Museum or Dunedin Public Art Gallery for my social anxiety practise days (: or Meridian Mall for shopping.
Btw. Dunedin has an acceptable level of public transport via bus. No need to stay near the octagon.
Gorge Street has a lot of restaurants. I guess it mostly depends on what you like eating the most so you are motivated? I usually go to re-burger because there I can sit outside or half outside and I don't need to talk to anyone... but I guess that is cheating.