Are you planning for a vacation in the amazing country of New Zealand? Dunedin, being the second biggest city located in South Island, is considered as one of the most important cities in the region, given its historic past, cultural background and the geographic location. You can find a number of amazing tourist attractions in and around Dunedin that you will enjoy visiting. The city is regarded as the "Edinburgh of the South" and is very proud of its ancient Scots culture and heritage. The statue of poet Robbie Burns is present right in the center of the city, and a lot of its streets have got the same name as those in Edinburgh. Apart from this, Dunedin is also a university town, so you will see the city's colleges, churches, hidden streets and motorhomes when you go on the tour associated with the Univ. of Otago.

Mentioned here are some great tourist attractions that you must visit in Dunedin, New Zealand:

1. Dunedin Botanical Gardens

Want to enjoy in the lap of nature and feel the cool breeze in Dunedin? You should visit the botanical Gardens in Dunedin, located near the northern part of the town and have turned 150 years old this year. Given its location - that's near the University of Otago - these botanical gardens are quite popular among the students. The park has got two sections (or areas) - the Upper Park and the Lower Park. In the Upper Park, you can find Lovelock Avenue, which is a winding road having bush walks alongside it. This section also has Wetland Park, Garden Africa, the Bird's Nest and also a garden that has bright-colored rhododendrons.

The Lower Park comprises of the Winter Garden (i.e. a heated Edwardian glass-house), rose and herb gardens, band rotunda, a duck pond, and even a Japanese garden associated with Otaru (Dunedin's Japanese sister-city). The lower-gardens are also well-known for their finely crafted statues and sculptures.

2. Larnach Castle

The imposing building of Larnach Castle was built by local merchant in the year 1871. The castle presents an awesome view of the Otago Peninsula, and is surrounded by serene garden area of nearly 35 hectares. It's one of the 5 national parks that were honored by the New Zealand Gardens-Trust with the title of "a garden of international-significance," being the very first park in the whole of South Island that was given such an award. Larnach Castle is located on the Camp Road, in the Otago peninsula, and that daily timings for visiting are from 9 AM to 5 PM (local time).

3. Baldwin Street

This street, located in the northern end of Dunedin, walls noted in the famous Guinness book of world records as being the steepest street in the whole world. It's a short and straight street, about a 350 meters (or 1,150 ft) in length. The road is known for the local annual event - "Dunedin Baldwin Street Gutbuster." The event started in the year 1988, and since then - every summer - hundreds of participants compete to get to the top of the street and come back down within the record time. Although the lower-end of the road has a paved surface and isn't really steep, the upper-end happens to be a dead-end that's quite steep and is made up of concrete.

4. Otago University

Being the 1st university in New Zealand, University of Otago features some of the oldest buildings one can find in the area. The campus is a good place to enjoy the environment and even exchange some thoughts with the university's young scholars. There are some good cafes and bars in this area, so you can relish some nice food and drinks till your heart's desire.

5. St Clair Beach

Dunedin has got many beaches along the coastline and near the Otago Harbour. St Clair, the city's most popular beach, happens to be great surfing location. It's only at a 10-minute drive from the city's center and can be reached easily via public transport. You can swim in the heated saltwater swimming pool during the summers, or walk along the promenade, well you will find a number of bars and restaurant perfect for any occasion - from a quite breakfast, to a happening night-out along the seaside. You can also have a look at the many historic homes situated near the watefront and the Forbury Hill's wooded slopes.