Fill your stockings with a little piece of Ōtepoti this Christmas. Whether you’re shopping for the hard-to-please or the downright impossible, these unique Dunedin gifts are sure to stand out over the usual socks, self-help books and scented candles. After all, nothing says ‘thoughtful’ like a present that’s as unique as the place it came from.
12 Beers of Xmas
Why settle for a pūkeko in a punga tree when you can gift a dozen of Dunedin’s finest? The 12 Beers of Xmas box from Emerson’s is a beer-lover's dream: a dozen locally crafted beers from pilsners, pale ales and porters - this gift box delivers a little holiday cheer with every pop of the can. Not to mention the cool advent calendar-style box to boot.
Available here: https://emersons.co.nz/products/12-beers-of-xmas
Monopoly: The Dunedin Edition
Nothing else kicks off the festive family arguments like a game of Monopoly. However, the limited edition Dunedin version will delight all those who play as you share memories of iconic properties like Baldwin Street, Larnach Castle and Tunnel Beach. With custom chance and community service cards – each offering an insight into those uniquely Dunedin moments, they will serve as a great distraction to your opponents as you make your way around the board, building your empire.
Available at Dunedin isite Visitor Centre or anywhere you usually find board games.
Sea Lion Trust Calendar
Celebrate the majestic pakake with a calendar that’s equal parts cute and conservation. Featuring 13 stunning photos of New Zealand sea lions, it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year. All proceeds go straight to protecting our flippered friends, so you can feel good while marking off your dentist appointments. They have some other great merch too and the opportunity to donate, so show your support for this Dunedin wildlife superstar.
Get yours here: https://www.sealiontrust.org.nz/shop
The Dunedin Wildlife Hospital
Forget bath bombs and novelty mugs - how about gifting some wildlife-in-need some TLC instead? Purchase a "Virtual Xmas Gift" from the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and receive a personalised gift certificate. Whether it’s a "Crusty Bum Treatment" for a kea, "Shark Bite Surgery” for a hoiho, or “Tūi jandals”, this gift shows you care - about both your loved ones and the world’s most threatened species. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and helps save lives.
Save a life here: https://www.wildlifehospitaldunedin.org.nz/virtual-xmas-gifts
New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies
An ode to New Zealand’s ultimate comfort food and a must-have for pie enthusiasts. "New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies" showcases the country’s finest pastry creations. Packed with mouth-watering stories and stunning photography from local photographer and author Derek Morrison, this book is the perfect pairing for anyone who thinks pies are more than just a greasy lunch option – it’s basically our national dish.
Available from all good bookstores.
DUD to OOL (or vice versa)
Sit back, relax and stow your puffer jacket away. With direct flights from Dunedin to the Gold Coast launching in June 2025, the festive season is the perfect time to plan a winter getaway. Or better yet, shout your Aussie cobbers the greatest gift of all – a one way ticket to Dunedin.
Book a flight: www.jetstar.com
Dunedin Online
Ōtepoti at your fingertips. Dunedin Online is your one-stop directory for local shops brimming with thoughtful gift ideas. From handcrafted jewellery to gourmet treats, it’s never been easier to shop for loved ones or a cheeky "to me, from me" purchase. Dunedin Online proves that online shopping doesn’t mean you miss out on that proud feeling of supporting local.
Start shopping: https://www.dunedinonline.co.nz/
Gift an experience
Go beyond the usual trinkets and give the gift of experiencing Dunedin through a tour. From wildlife encounters with penguins and albatrosses, to guided explorations of historic landmarks like Larnach Castle or Olveston Historic Home, or a trip aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway - a tour offers memories that will linger long after the holiday decorations come down.
Book a tour: https://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-and-do/tours/activities
