A selection of indoor activities to keep you out of the elements this winter... not that it ever rains in Dunedin (cough).
Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home is a historically preserved, turn of the century home, which allows endless opportunities for interactive learning. Bringing the past to life - as told through the Theoman family - their lavishly furnished home has exotic artefacts, prized artworks, antique furniture, ceramics and statues from around the world.
Tūhura Otago Museum
The Tūhura Science Centre has over 45 hands-on interactives, including a giant DNA-inspired helical slide, a three-story tropical butterfly forest and a 360 degree planetarium to marvel at the night sky. There's more to explore throughout the rest of the museum's fascinating galleries, with all manner of exhibits including family-favourite, Animal Attic - a fascinating cabinet of curiosities.
Toitū Settlers Museum
Dunedin’s past is full of stories about people journeying across the world to live here. From the first Māori, to the Scottish and the Chinese settlers during the gold rush period, right up to the modern day. There are lots of different areas within Toitū Settlers Museum which are told with original artefacts, detailed 3D replicas, video and hands-on experiences, making for a thoroughly interactive journey into the past.
Dive in
Training for the Olympics? Smash out some laps in the main pool; Learning to swim? Ease into things in the warm leaners pool; Want to splash around? Try the leisure pool with its wild waves and rapid river, or the hydro slides. Need to relax? Sink into a therapeutic spa and watch people launch bombs into the dive pool. Whatever you choose, Moana Pool is Dunedin's watery wonderland. Try Mosgiel’s Te Puna o Whakaehu for similar, less busy experience.
Movie Days
Nothing beats sinking into a comfortable cinema chair to watch a movie after a few busy days of outdoor activities. Luckily, Dunedin has three great cinemas, with each offering a slightly different big screen experience. Try Reading Cinemas for the latest Hollywood blockbusters; Rialto for a luxury viewing experience; and Metro for a more arthouse selection.
Arcades
Popular with students, Megazone has laser tag, VR games, axe throwing, mini-golf and the largest game store in Dunedin. Closer to town you’ll find Timezone in the Golden Centre Mall, Load up your card and get competitive with the whole family. There's plenty of retro games and bumper cards, plus the winner can choose an epic prize from their gift shop.
Bounce Around
Home of the biggest indoor inflatable playground in New Zealand. It’s all about having fun at Inflatable World, so bring the whole family - it’s not just for the kids, parents are welcome to bounce around too. If you still have some bounce left in you try Leap, with more inflatables, in-floor trampolines and an amazing clip ‘n climb facility.
Dunedin Ice Stadium
If you’re a chionophile, the Dunedin winter probably isn’t going to satisfy, so luckily we have the premiere indoor ice complex in NZ. A full sized ice rink, bumper cars and even curling - all under one roof. Kids will love their famous disco nights, and the whole family will love watching local heroes, the Phoenix Thunder Ice Hockey team during their season.
Roam the Malls
With three interlinking malls creating one mega mall, you could easily kit out the whole family under one roof. Traverse through the Meridian, Golden Centre and Wall Street malls for the best in fashion, footwear and food. Can't find what you are looking for? Hit the pavements on nearby George Street.
The Best of the Rest
To add further weight to the ultimate indoor destination that is Dunedin, add these to your list: Museum of Natural Mystery, Taieri Historical Museum, Otago Peninsula Museum, Gasworks Museum, Fletcher House, New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, Speight’s Brewery Tour, Emerson’s Brewery Tour, a game at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, a show at the Regent Theatre, Escape from Dunedin Prison, indoor climbing, virtual golf, OCHO Chocolate tour and more.
