Oceania > New Zealand > Dunedin (DUD)
The Car or no Car advice for Dunedin can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Dunedin ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Dunedin ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Dunedin?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Getting around Dunedin without a car 🚶♂️🚌
Dunedin’s city centre is very walkable. Many of the main sights — including the Octagon, the university precinct, museums, cafés, and historic buildings — sit close together. Local buses are reliable, affordable, and cover most urban areas, including routes to beaches like St Clair and St Kilda. As a result, for a short city break, public transport and walking are more than sufficient.
Dunedin Railway Station is also a major attraction in its own right 🚆. While it no longer functions as a hub for everyday passenger rail, it remains the departure point for scenic heritage rail journeys inland, which are popular with visitors and do not require a car.
Wildlife, peninsula, and coastal trips 🐧🌊
This is where things begin to change. The Otago Peninsula is one of Dunedin’s biggest draws, with albatross colonies, penguins, seals, and dramatic coastal scenery. While guided tours operate from the city, public transport coverage is limited, and buses are infrequent. If you want flexibility, sunrise or sunset visits, or the ability to stop at viewpoints, a rental car becomes very useful here.
The same applies if you plan to explore further afield, such as the Catlins, inland Otago, or scenic coastal roads. These areas are stunning but sparsely populated, and public transport is minimal.
Airport access and arrival ✈️
Dunedin Airport is around 30 km from the city. Shuttle services and buses operate, but many visitors choose to pick up a rental car at the airport, particularly if they plan onward travel.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Dunedin?
For the city itself, no — walking and buses work well. However, if your itinerary includes the Otago Peninsula, remote beaches, or wider South Island road trips, renting a car quickly becomes the most practical and rewarding option 🚗🌄.
