The Octagon
Dunedin's vibrant civic heart, an octagonal plaza surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops. A perfect spot for photos and exploring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, great for photos
The Octagon
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dunedin's vibrant civic heart, an octagonal plaza surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops. A perfect spot for photos and exploring.
"The heart of Dunedin this civic square is in fact as its name suggests an octagon with many important civic buildings and a cathedral clustered around."
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for cityscapes and architectural shots, especially from the end of the square.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Walk to Dunedin Railway Station, Cathedral, and George Street for shopping.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Robert Burns Statue
The Octagon
A prominent statue honoring Scotland's national poet, symbolizing Dunedin's rich Scots heritage.
Civic Buildings & Cathedral
Surrounding The Octagon
Admire the architecture of key civic buildings and the impressive Dunedin Cathedral.
City Views
End of the square
Capture stunning photos of the city street and a distant view of the train station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dunedin's Civic Heart
Navigating the Octagon
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for cityscapes and architectural shots, especially from the end of the square.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Walk to Dunedin Railway Station, Cathedral, and George Street for shopping.
🌃 Nightlife Choices
Options range from younger crowds to music venues; can get busy.
♿ Accessible Sidewalks
Impeccably clean and wheelchair-accessible sidewalks enhance the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for cityscapes and architectural shots, especially from the end of the square.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Walk to Dunedin Railway Station, Cathedral, and George Street for shopping.
🌃 Nightlife Choices
Options range from younger crowds to music venues; can get busy.
♿ Accessible Sidewalks
Impeccably clean and wheelchair-accessible sidewalks enhance the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Octagon is a peaceful and central civic plaza in Dunedin, praised for its photo opportunities and proximity to key attractions like the Railway Station and George Street. Visitors appreciate its clean, accessible sidewalks and the historical significance marked by the Robert Burns statue. While generally quiet, it offers a vibrant nightlife scene in the evenings.
"A very quiet little square in the city centre. Even during the day, there aren’t many cars passing by, which makes it a peaceful spot. At the end of the square, you can take great photos of the city street and a distant view of the train station. It’s a nice photo spot and a good place to take a short break."
Cooper
"The heart of Dunedin this civic square is in fact as its name suggests an octagon with many important civic buildings and a cathedral clustered around. Don't miss the statue of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet and whose prominence in this most important municipal space is an indicator of the importance of Dunedin's Scots heritage."
Bernard Savage
"Best area in Dunedin city centre. Great selection of food, drinks, shopping on George st. Walking distance to Dunedin Railway station, Cathedral etc."
Malay N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Octagon is centrally located in Dunedin's city center and is easily accessible by foot from most downtown accommodations. Public transport options are also available, with buses frequently stopping near the plaza.
Street parking is available around The Octagon, though it can be limited during peak hours. Several parking buildings are also within walking distance, offering more reliable options for visitors arriving by car.
While it's a bit of a walk, you can reach The Octagon from the cruise ship terminal. Many visitors opt for a short taxi or shuttle ride to save time and energy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Octagon is a public civic plaza and there is no entry fee. You are free to wander and enjoy the space.
The Octagon is an open public space and is accessible 24/7. However, surrounding businesses and attractions will have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Octagon is a great place to take photos, especially of the city street and distant train station. You can also see the Robert Burns statue and admire the surrounding civic buildings and cathedral. It's a good spot for a short break.
Yes, The Octagon is a peaceful and clean public space, making it suitable for families. The accessible sidewalks are also a plus for those with strollers.
Public restrooms are generally available in the vicinity of The Octagon, often within nearby civic buildings or shopping centers.
Absolutely! The Octagon offers excellent photo opportunities, particularly for capturing city views and architectural details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Octagon is surrounded by a great selection of food and drink options, with many inviting restaurants and cafes along the route. George Street, adjacent to The Octagon, also offers numerous dining choices.
You'll find a variety of eateries near The Octagon, from casual cafes to bistros, offering options to suit different budgets. Exploring George Street can reveal more affordable choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The end of the square offers great vantage points for city street views and distant shots of the train station. The Robert Burns statue and the surrounding civic buildings also make for excellent photographic subjects.
The Octagon can offer pleasant lighting during golden hour, and the city views from the end of the square might be particularly scenic at sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds within The Octagon itself, its central location means you're never far from other family-oriented attractions in Dunedin. The open space allows for a bit of freedom, and the visual interest of the civic buildings can be engaging for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
For dining, exploring George Street adjacent to The Octagon will reveal a range of cafes and eateries that cater to various budgets. Packing a picnic to enjoy in the plaza is also a great way to save money while still soaking in the city center's ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Dunedin
Beyond its historical significance, The Octagon is a vibrant hub for daily life. Cafes and shops line its perimeter, offering places to relax, refuel, and browse. The area is also a starting point for exploring other nearby attractions, such as the Dunedin Railway Station and the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, making it an ideal base for any visit.
While the daytime offers a peaceful atmosphere for sightseeing and photography, the evenings bring a different energy with various bars and eateries coming alive. This duality makes The Octagon a dynamic space that caters to a range of visitor interests throughout the day and night.
Exploring Dunedin's Heritage
Surrounding The Octagon, visitors can explore key civic buildings that reflect the city's history and architectural evolution. The Dunedin Cathedral, with its imposing presence, is another landmark that speaks to the city's past. For a deeper dive into the region's history, the nearby Toitū Otago Settlers Museum offers comprehensive exhibits.
Even the infrastructure around The Octagon contributes to the historical narrative. The Dunedin Railway Station, a short walk away, is a magnificent example of Edwardian architecture and a popular spot for photography, often mentioned in conjunction with Octagon visits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit