The Dunedin slander is something I’ve grown used to as one of the few Otago Uni students actually from here. I’m used to the complaints from outsiders and locals about this city and its apparent lack of interesting activities outside of getting pissed on Castle Street. With such a strong drinking and drug culture in this city, it pays to remember that there are plenty of things to do. As someone who takes pride in their ability to conjure up date ideas in a so-called ‘hole’ of a city, I’m taking the liberty of providing you, dear reader, with some certified 10/10 activities that’ll lighten up that dark space in your mind reserved for Dunedin commentary.
For the sake of this article, each activity has been given a ‘Green Solo Rating’ measured by how much the activity will cost based on the price of a spearmint disposable solo vape ($9.99). It’s not a perfect rating system, but it’s interesting to see what else your money can get you that’s not a nicotine addiction.
Disclaimer: This list is also targeted more towards you youngsters who really need to get better at coming up with first-date ideas that aren’t Netflix and Chill, dinner, or seeing a movie. Take that special-someone somewhere interesting for once. There are no excuses; there is always something to do. If you can afford a Green Solo, you can afford these.
TŪHURA OTAGO MUSEUM
Starting off with the obvious: Tūhura Otago Museum. You can’t go wrong. Big-ass Moa when you walk in, big-ass ocean sunfish, and big-ass collection of Aotearoa history. You can make a whole day out of this place if you really want to. It’s free, and you might even learn something. Or, alternatively, you could spend that vape money on a ticket to get inside the infamous Science Centre. It's really for younger kids but even at the ripe age of 18 I still thoroughly enjoy the slippy slide.
Green Solo Rating: 0 – 2 Green Solos
DUNEDIN PUBLIC ART GALLERY
If you don’t like science or history, valid. Hence the existence of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. It’s free entry and located right in the Octagon. The constant switching up of the exhibitions keeps it fresh. There are lots of beautiful pieces to admire from a distance if you’re that kind of guy. Unfortunately for the midwest-emo fiends, there are no drinks allowed inside, so you can’t look all sexy and mysterious with your headphones and iced latte. Sorry about that.
Green Solo Rating: 0 Green Solos
DUNEDIN BOTANIC GARDENS
Another classic, roughly a five minute walk from the University of Otago, and evidently beautiful. Doesn’t matter the time of year, the Botans are a wonderful place to wander and exercise both body and mind. And it’s completely free! If you look hard enough past the buried bongs and beer cans you may even find some lovely spots to sit for a while. Chill with the ducks for a bit, and let time pass.
Green Solo Rating: 0 Green Solos
INCH BAR
Located in North Dunedin right near the New World and Botanic Gardens, the Inch Bar lives up to its name as a cozy wee destination. It’s a perfect Sunday evening filler with jazz nights from 4pm onwards each week (except for the first week of every month). So, if you want to feel like a sophisticated adult, chuck on some real-people clothes and tag along. They do the occasional comedy night on Wednesdays, as well as gigs by local artists throughout the year that you can track through their social media. Some events do require a door payment, so there is no guarantee it will be free, and it’s also pretty likely you’ll end up with a drink in your hand by the end of the night. Hence, the Green Solo rating.
Green Solo Rating: 0 - 1 Green Solos
YOURS
Feeling that anti-establishment kill-a-CEO vibe? Try ‘Yours’! Yours is a cafe/venue for all you rapscallions and radical activists that ache for the true punk lifestyle. This space reimagines our current methods of goods and service exchange by accepting a variety of payment forms outside of money. You could do some dishes, bring in some home-baked goods, or tell a really good joke. They offer gigs, drag shows, quiz nights, dance, poetry, and so much more underground bits and bobs from Dunedin's finest. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s an absolute delight.
Green Solo Rating: 0 - 2 Green Solos
THE GLOBE THEATRE DUNEDIN
If you think the Capping Show is shit, you could save up some pennies and head to the real thee-ay-ter (theatre) for some banger entertainment, courtesy of ‘The Globe Theatre Dunedin’. They’ve always got something in the works, and it should make you feel good to get those poor theatre kids their week's rent money. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a theatre-nerd to enjoy a good performance. The in-house immersion will always beat a movie screen, and this one is far too underrated. With masterful set-design and talented actors involved, you’re guaranteed to get your Green Solo’s worth with this one.
Green Solo Rating: 1-2 Green Solos
MINI GOLF
Now, I know the choice may be overwhelming, but you’ve got two whole options here for mini golf. ‘Megazone Entertainment Centre’ does offer mini golf along with arcade games and laser tag. However, ‘Fros-Tee’s Mini Golf’ has a lovely outdoor course that I personally prefer, and the pricing is far cheaper. Besides, with St Kilda beach only a few minutes walking distance and a wonderful churro truck that sits outside, it’s a must-do if you feel like letting it out on some tiny balls-in-holes.
Green Solo Rating: 0.9 - 1.2 Green Solos
ICE SKATING
Not far from the aforementioned Fros-Tee’s Mini Golf is the ‘Dunedin Ice Stadium’. People love to dog on ice skating like it’s a Communications degree, but all the same I think both are pretty worth it. With a $15 student entry, if you want the drunken experience without the alcohol, Friday evening ice skating is the perfect starting point for all you uncoordinated folk out there. You get all the fun white-girl music, disco lights, and the feeling like you can’t move in a straight line, without a hangover the morning after. All the better if you’re decent or even
good at the sport (assholes), but for those who aren’t, they do give out large, plastic supporting polar bears you can hold onto if tripping around ain’t your style.
Green Solo Rating: 1.5 Green Solos
ICE CREAM TACOS
No, that’s not a sexual euphemism. Not enough people are aware of the ice cream tacos at Patties and Cream. Yes they are $9, yes that is insane, but holy shit they are phenomenal. With a soft, curling, seasoned waffle cone encasing velvety, smooth ice cream
topped with decadent, crackling chocolate, these dessert tacos are revolutionary. They switch up the flavours every week or so and none have been a let down so far. These luxurious delights sit politely in a tall freezer situated near the back of the establishment. Everyone should try this at least once. Trust me, they’re worth it. If you don’t think so, you’re welcome to address me personally and we can have a constructive conversation about why you’re wrong.
Green Solo Rating: 0.9 Green Solos
Moral of the story, there’s a lot you can do with Green Solo money. Or, a lot you can do for free if the high rent prices have got you down about not being able to afford said Green Solo. Dunedin isn’t so bad anyhow. There’s far more things to do beyond this list. All it takes is a bit of hard thinking or for you to tear this list out and stick it somewhere memorable.