Sensory Friendly Hours around Dunedin

Student

Support

Sensory Friendly Hours and Locations around Dunedin

If you experience sensory sensitivities, going out can be exhausting. And trying to figure out whether or not quiet hours are offered can be a bit of a quest. So, we've put together a resource that contains current information about businesses and organisations around Dunedin that offer quiet hours or low sensory experiences.

And remember that at Otago Polytechnic we have a low sensory room, Rūma Wahangū G313, available for you during building open hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Location	Day/Time	Link	Notes
Countdown “Quiet Hours”	Wednesdays 2:30-3:30pm	Click here for the Countdown Quiet Hours webpage	Lighting throughout the store is reduced. In-store radio is turned off. Checkout volumes are lowered. Trolley collection and shelf-stocking is kept to a minimum. There are no PA announcements, except in emergencies. City Centre location follows these procedures; other locations may vary
Roslyn Fresh Choice "Quiet Hour"	Wednesdays 2:30-3:30pm	Starting July 2024	Half of the store lights turned off Music turned off Volume of the checkout beeps turned down
Tūhura Otago Museum “Quiet Afternoons”	One afternoon per month, 3-5pm. See website for dates.	Click here for the Quiet Afternoons details and dates	Quiet afternoons feature reduced light and sound for a sensory-friendly experience in the galleries and science centre.
Rialto Cinemas “Sensory Screenings”	Occasionally	Click here for the dates and times of Rialto's sensory screenings	All tickets $12 Low-level lighting and sound Session will not have allocated seating No pre-show Judgement free zone Family-friendly films
Steamer Basin Brewery Taproom “Silent Book Club”	First Tuesday of the month. 6:30-7:30	Click here for the Silent Bookclub details	6pm - 6.30 : Arrive, order drinks/snacks, share what you're reading 6.30 - 7.30 : Quiet reading hour  7.30 - 8.00 : Share recommendations, or just keep reading  Children and dogs welcome. Seating is limited so please RSVP.
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum	Occassionally	Events \| Toitū Otago Settlers Museum Official Website	On occasion for specific exhibitions, see events page Quietest times to visit are weekdays from 2-5pm
Dunedin Ice Rink	Weekday daytime public skates	Dunedin Ice Rink ice skating information	Does not specifically offer low-sensory times at present, but there are no flashing lights during weekday daytime public skates (there are flashing and coloured lights during evening and weekend public skates). During weekday daytime skates, you may talk to staff and they will turn off music/dim lights within reason Weekday public skates also tend to be less busy during term time
Dunedin Public Art Gallery	Occassionally	Events \| Dunedin Public Art Gallery	On occasion for specific events. See events page for info.
Dunedin Public Library	Wednesdays 1:00-2:00pm	Information on Dunedin Public Library's Quiet Hour	Mosgiel, South Dunedin, and City Libraries will all offer a low-sensory hour each week for those who need it.

If you know of any additional sensory-friendly offerings that aren't included on this list, feel free to email the information to Claire at claire.lacey@op.ac.nz or to communications@op.ac.nz.

For more information about sensory inclusivity, including tips to help you plan an Autism-friendly event or space, check out Autism NZ’s resource page.