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Thousands turned out around Otago brandishing placards and chanting in a show of unity to highlight a lack of action on climate change.
The events were part of global action aimed at sending a message to world leaders ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Paris beginning today.
An estimated 2000 to 3000 people turned out to march down George St about 1pm yesterday.
Dunedin march co-organiser Jen Olsen, of Broad Bay, said the march was ''brilliant''.
''This message is that people want something done. People are concerned,'' she said.
''I think New Zealand could be a leader in dealing with climate change. We should be. We're in an ideal position to be.''
The gathering started from the Dental School made its way to the Octagon where several people spoke on the impact of climate change, including Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull.
''The march today and the pleas that this march is making are not new,'' Mr Cull said.
''[Last week's environment commissioner's] report brings the reality right back home here - on our doorstep. It will get worse. This is impacting on our community now. I want action and I want it yesterday.''
Chris Hawkins (13), of Bayfield High School, told the crowd more education in schools may help.
Huirapa upoko [head] David Ellison, of Karitane, said people ''must do all they can'' to stop climate change.
''If our rivers, our lakes, our foreshores, our seas, are in good shape, so will [be] all the people living in [our country].''
About 200 people marched through Wanaka demanding action.
After speeches by environmentalists, a good-humoured crowd sang their way through the streets of the town, across Pembroke Park to the lake shore.
In Queenstown, about 25 people turned out to show their support.
About 120 people marched in Alexandra on Saturday morning.
A life-size polar bear, adorned with newspaper headlines on climate change, was carried aloft during the march.
Polar bear creator Chris Naylor, of Springvale, said he suspected polar bears would become a symbol of climate change.
Earlier in the week, Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper signed the Local Government Leaders Climate Change Declaration.
The declaration is a collective recognition, led by mayors, of the need for urgent action to address climate change.
In other centres, including in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, thousands of people turned out to demonstrations urging the Government to take a tougher stance on climate change.
Officially, 35 marches were organised in New Zealand and 2000 worldwide over the weekend.