Wild Dunedin Festival Launches Programme Celebrating New Zealand’s Wildlife Capital

The programme for the Wild Dunedin New Zealand Festival of Nature is now live, featuring more than 200 events celebrating the wildlife, landscapes and conservation stories that make Ōtepoti Dunedin world renowned for its biodiversity and firmly established as New Zealand’s wildlife capital.

Running from 10 to 19 April during the autumn school holidays, the festival invites locals and visitors from across New Zealand to experience the extraordinary wildlife and natural environments that surround the city.

Now in its 11th year, Wild Dunedin has grown into a nationally recognised festival that highlights both the unique biodiversity of the region and the conservation efforts helping to protect it. Last year the festival attracted more than 30,000 attendees, with organisers expecting strong interest again this year.

Dunedin is home to some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife. The Otago Peninsula hosts the Northern Royal Albatross, the only mainland breeding colony in the world. The region is also home to the kororā (little blue penguin), the world’s smallest penguin, and the hoiho (yellow eyed penguin), one of the rarest penguins on the planet. Along the coast visitors can also encounter New Zealand fur seals and sea lions, while inland habitats support rare native reptiles including jewelled geckos and the Otago skink.

Festival Director Carla Munro said the festival continues to grow each year as people become more interested in wildlife, nature and conservation.

“With more than 200 events across ten days, there is something for everyone. Wild Dunedin celebrates the incredible wildlife and landscapes we have here while also connecting people with the important conservation work happening across the region,” she said.

One of the festival’s largest events returning this year is NatureDome at Forsyth Barr Stadium, which attracted more than 5,000 people last year. The family friendly event transforms the stadium into a celebration of nature with interactive activities, science displays, a sustainable market and a giant humpback whale installation visitors can walk through.

Another major event for the festival will be Pitch Choir, bringing hundreds of voices together on the stadium pitch to sing the iconic New Zealand song Nature by The Mutton Birds, led by choir leader Arlie McCormack. The evening will conclude with a performance by legendary New Zealand songwriter Don McGlashan.

Festival organisers have also introduced Wild Ride, a new event celebrating Dunedin’s harbour cycleway. The experience encourages people to explore the scenic pathway linking Port Chalmers and Portobello while learning about the harbour environment along the way.

Wild Dunedin Co-Founder and Festival Trust member Kerry Buchan said the festival continues to grow in scale and national recognition.

“What started as a local idea has become a festival that attracts visitors from across the country,” she said.

“We want people from around New Zealand to come to Dunedin during the festival and experience just how special this place is. Few cities anywhere in the world have wildlife like this right on their doorstep.”

Alongside major events, the programme features a wide range of talks, workshops, guided wildlife experiences and Wild Dining events celebrating local food and produce.

The full programme is available now at wilddunedin.nz, with organisers encouraging people to book early as many events sell out each year.

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