Dunedin And Waitaki Named One Of The World’s Best Places To Visit In 2027

The secret’s officially out: Dunedin and Waitaki have been named among the world’s top destinations to visit in 2027 by Lonely Planet.

The South Island regions are the only New Zealand destinations included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027, joining international heavyweights including Quebec, Chengdu and the Swedish Riviera.

"This comes as no surprise to those of us who have long known of Dunedin’s appeal, but it’s great the rest of the world has caught on," says Mayor of Dunedin Sophie Barker. Meanwhile, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says it was "Fantastic to see Dunedin recognised alongside international destinations. From its unique wildlife and dramatic coastline to its rich heritage, vibrant food scene and thriving arts and culture offerings, Dunedin has so much to offer visitors."

Described as one of Aotearoa’s “coolest and quirkiest” corners, the duo of destinations were recognised for a mix you’d struggle to replicate elsewhere, from Dunedin’s restaurants, cocktail bars and creative scene to Ōamaru’s Victorian architecture and steampunk culture. It comes off the back of recent coverage for the region too as the setting for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden. 

There’s plenty beyond the cities, too. Coastal bays, dramatic green hills and nightly little blue penguin arrivals sit alongside the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, the only UNESCO Global Geopark in Australasia, and the region’s lakes, rivers and wide-open landscapes.

The accolade places Dunedin and Waitaki before a major global audience of travellers planning their 2027 adventures—and gives Kiwis another reason to explore the lower South Island closer to home.

Image credit: Lonely Planet | Supplied