Vacation rentals in Mosgiel

Located just outside of the city of Dunedin on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Mosgiel feels a lot like an English rural town, complete with picturesque houses, soaring oak trees, hawthorn hedges, and narrow roads. Formerly a center for the wool industry, today it’s a relaxing base to explore the hilly countryside.

A series of rugged beaches dot the coast nearby. Visitors often take a side trip to the historic village of Outram, which was once the location of a river ferry crossing that took hopeful prospectors to the region’s gold mines. Another unique attraction near Mosgiel is Woodside, a late-19th-century Tudor Renaissance-style mansion in North Dunedin designed by one of New Zealand’s first well-known architects.

Even with its variable weather, Mosgiel is a great place to visit all year long, thanks to its wide array of activities and attractions. Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to what you might be used to. During the summer (December to February), you can explore the stunning beauty of the Otago Peninsula or spend hours relaxing on one of the nearby beaches. If you want to avoid crowds, the shoulder seasons are great options, and you can expect fall foliage in the countryside. Weather can be a bit unpredictable, so make sure to bring plenty of layers and an umbrella. It can get surprisingly chilly in the winter (June through August), but this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the nearby college town of Dunedin, which has fascinating museums and great options for dining and nightlife.

Otago Museum

With one of the largest museum collections in New Zealand, this fascinating natural history museum is home to thousands of marine and bird specimens as well as two complete moa eggs, the giant prehistoric flightless bird that used to roam the countryside. There are exhibits showcasing the peoples and cultures of Oceania, including an extensive collection of Māori cultural artifacts such as carved woodworks and delicately woven clothing.

Otago Peninsula

This hilly peninsula covered in emerald-green grass is home to penguins, royal albatrosses, and rare New Zealand sea lions. A wide range of hiking trails throughout the 12-mile-long peninsula offer sweeping views of the rolling hills and the South Pacific. You can kayak around the peninsula for a more intimate look at the turquoise waters and sheer cliff faces, and for a chance to see the wildlife up close.

Tunnel Beach

This beautiful, rugged beach is just 15 minutes away from Mosgiel. One of the joys of coming to Tunnel Beach is the pathway that leads down 500 feet below street level to the beach. The mile-long trail takes you through a hand-carved archway past blooming wildflowers to the beach, surrounded by sandstone cliffs carved by the waves. You’ll want to explore the beach’s dramatic rock arches and fascinating caves.