Dunedin: 3 Hour Artisan Food Walking Tour

Exploring Dunedin through its food scene offers an authentic taste of this vibrant city on New Zealand’s South Island. This 3-hour artisan food walking tour takes you through the city’s most iconic culinary stops and lesser-known local gems, making it a perfect choice for food lovers and curious travelers alike.

What’s immediately appealing about this experience? For starters, the chance to sample Dunedin’s oldest fish & chips shop, enjoy award-winning ethical chocolates, and taste legendary pies crafted by local butchers. Add in the visit to a wellness elixir dispensary with foraged ingredients and a sustainable gin distillery, and you’ve got a well-rounded tasting tour.

A possible consideration is that it’s a walking tour covering about three kilometers — so, it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and in fair weather. If you’re after a relaxed, immersive culinary experience in a compact timeframe, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who want a mix of tradition, innovation, and local storytelling all in one outing.

Key Points

Authentic Dunedin Flavors: Focused on local, small-scale producers offering genuine tastes.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Ross and Tracy enrich the experience with stories and insights.
Well-Rounded Tasting: From fish & chips to chocolates, pies, and gin, the tour covers a wide spectrum of Dunedin’s food culture.
Small Groups: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging atmosphere.
Value for Money: The $126 price includes multiple tastings and a guided walk, delivering a well-balanced experience.
Active & Educational: It’s a walk that combines delicious bites with local lore and artisan stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Atmosphere

The tour kicks off outside the iSite, where your guide, clearly identifiable with a name badge, greets you. From there, you’ll step into Dunedin’s lively streets, ready to explore both historic and contemporary food scenes. The group size remains intimate — capped at 10 — fostering a friendly, conversational vibe that makes asking questions easy.

First Stop: Dunedin’s Oldest Fish & Chip Shop

The tour begins with a visit to Dunedin’s oldest fish & chip shop. Here, you’ll experience crispy, perfectly battered fillets that have become a local legend. One reviewer, John from the United States, mentioned that their guide Tracy’s storytelling kept the pace lively and engaging. Expect a classic seafood treat with a history rooted in the city’s maritime past, offering both nostalgia and top-notch quality.

Ethical Chocolate Tasting

Next, we’re off to savor award-winning ethical chocolates. These chocolates are crafted with sustainability in mind, often using locally sourced ingredients. The focus on ethically produced confections adds a meaningful layer to the experience. Manuela from Germany praised the tour as “very impressive and extremely delicious,” highlighting how the chocolates stood out as a highlight. You might find yourself chatting about the chocolatiers’ dedication to both flavor and the environment.

Pie-Loving Paradise

A visit to a local butcher unveils the city’s legendary pies. Known for their craftsmanship, these pies are more than just comfort food — they embody Dunedin’s culinary dedication. Reviewers appreciated the taste, with one noting how the pies felt like “city legends.” The butchers have a storied reputation, and tasting their creations offers a glimpse into Dunedin’s meat and pastry traditions.

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Wellness and Foraged Ingredients

The tour then takes you into a wellness elixir dispensary. Here, local ingredients foraged from Dunedin’s lush surroundings are transformed into potent tonics. This stop provides insight into traditional and contemporary approaches to health, rooted deeply in the local environment. It’s a surprising highlight that showcases Dunedin’s innovative side, blending nature and wellness.

Sustainable Gin Experience

The final stops include a visit to the most sustainable gin business in New Zealand. The distillery’s commitment to eco-conscious practices shines through, and you’ll get to sample their carefully crafted spirits. This aspect appeals to eco-conscious connoisseurs who want to support sustainable local businesses while enjoying a quality gin.

Tour Logistics and Value

The three-hour tour covers roughly three kilometers, walking through central Dunedin and its suburbs. The pace is moderate, with plenty of time at each stop to savor the flavors and listen to your guide’s insightful commentary. The ticket price of $126 per person is quite reasonable considering the variety of tastings included, from chocolate and pies to gin and wellness tonics.

Reviews emphasize the guides’ expertise and friendliness. Ross and Tracy, in particular, are praised for their knowledge and ability to keep things fun. One reviewer, Manuela, called the tour “highly recommended,” emphasizing how much she enjoyed the tastings and the engaging storytelling.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• Authentic Local Flavors: The tour emphasizes small-scale, passionate producers, giving you a genuine taste of Dunedin.
• Diverse Food Stops: From fish & chips to chocolates, pies, and gin, it covers a broad range of local specialties.
• Educational Content: Beyond tasting, you learn about the artisans’ dedication, sustainability efforts, and local ingredients.
• Intimate Group Size: Small groups lead to personalized attention and lively conversations.
• Convenient Duration: Perfect for a port day or short city visit—three hours is a sweet spot for a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.

This walking food tour is ideal for travelers who love to eat and learn about local food cultures. It suits those who enjoy a mix of tradition and innovation, with a curiosity about sustainability and artisan craftsmanship. Because it involves walking and some standing, it’s best for those with average mobility who are prepared for about three kilometers of strolling.

If you’re a foodie wanting to uncover Dunedin’s culinary secrets, or simply prefer guided experiences with storytelling and tastings, this tour offers excellent value. It’s also a fantastic way to meet like-minded travelers in a relaxed, friendly setting.

This Dunedin artisan food walking tour isn’t just about tasting; it’s about connecting with the city’s soul through its food artisans and local ingredients. For just over two hours, you’ll indulge in some of the city’s most iconic flavours — from historic fish & chips to innovative wellness tonics and sustainable spirits.

The small-group format and expert guides make it a comfortable and engaging experience, perfect for those who prefer a personalized touch. The variety of stops ensures you get a rounded sense of Dunedin’s culinary scene, with enough storytelling to deepen your appreciation for each bite.

If you’re in Dunedin and want to discover its food scene beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour offers genuine value and memorable flavors. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers eager to taste, learn, and explore in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours and covers about three kilometers of walking.

What is included in the price?
The price of $126 per person includes food tastings, gin tasting, chocolate sampling, a guided walking tour, and the company of a knowledgeable local guide.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing and a reusable water bottle to stay comfortable during the walk.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 15 due to the walking distance and tasting focus.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments because of the walking involved.

Do you get to try local spirits?
Yes, there’s a visit to a sustainable gin distillery for tastings.

What if it rains?
The tour takes place rain or shine unless otherwise advised, so dress accordingly.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Can I purchase extra food or drinks?
Extras are not included; you can buy additional items at each stop if desired.

Is there a chance to learn about Dunedin’s history?
While the focus is on food and artisans, guides often share interesting local stories and background.

To sum it up, this Dunedin artisan food walking tour offers a delicious, authentic taste of the city’s culinary scene in a friendly, small-group setting. Whether you’re a food lover, a curious explorer, or someone eager to support local artisans, it’s a worthwhile way to spend a few hours discovering Dunedin’s flavors. The combination of tasty bites, insightful guides, and a focus on sustainability makes it stand out among city tours and offers genuine value for your travel dollar.

You can check availability for your dates here: