The Octagon, Dunedin

The Octagon is the central hub of Dunedin, and serves as both a geographic and cultural heart of the city. Designed as an eight-sided plaza, it forms the core of the city鈥檚 layout and is surrounded by key civic buildings, historic landmarks, cafes, and public spaces. Established in the mid-19th century, The Octagon was inspired by Edinburgh鈥檚 city plan, reflecting Dunedin鈥檚 Scottish heritage. Today, it remains a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

One of the most recognizable landmarks here is St. Paul鈥檚 Cathedral, whose stone fa莽ade and soaring spire dominate one side of the plaza. Adjacent to it stands the Dunedin Town Hall and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, offering visitors easy access to cultural and civic institutions. The plaza also features statues and monuments, including a prominent sculpture of the poet Robert Burns, symbolizing the city鈥檚 literary roots and Scottish ties. The area is pedestrian-friendly, inviting leisurely strolls and impromptu performances from local artists.

The Octagon serves as a focal point for festivals, street markets, and public celebrations throughout the year. During events like the Dunedin Fringe Festival or the iD Dunedin Fashion Week, the space is transformed into a bustling open-air venue. Its central location makes it a natural meeting point, whether for a coffee with friends or the starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as the Dunedin Railway Station or the historic Princes Street.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dunedin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: The Octagon
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand

Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk

The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is New Zealand鈥檚 oldest university, and its early buildings remain some of the most distinctive in the country. The story of these structures is tied to Dunedin鈥檚 wider history. When gold was discovered in Otago in the 1860s, the city boomed into a wealthy provincial capital, eager to match the institutions of Europe. Education became a central part of... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour

Mark Twain had a way of dressing compliments in sarcasm, and when he visited Dunedin in 1895, he couldn鈥檛 resist. Looking around at the Scottish settlement on New Zealand鈥檚 southern coast, he quipped: 鈥淭he people are Scotch. They stopped here on their way from home to heaven-thinking they had arrived.鈥�

The city of Dunedin carries a name that reflects its Scottish roots. The word comes... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles

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