But the pickings are not easy - they know there is a fine art to getting pedestrians to part with their coins.
Often there are young musicians, honing their skills on the violin or recorder in George St or Albion Pl, winning with the cute-factor and earning encouragement money.
But at lunchtime yesterday, there were only three busking groups - all of them top quality - and with so many great tunes wafting on the warm summer breeze, busking was a competitive business.
Aiden Kelsall's point of difference was playing what he called "muppet music".
"It's a bit of U2, the Beatles, some Crowded House, and the odd tune of my own thrown into the mix.
"They're called muppet songs because everyone loves them."
It seems to work for the Dunedin 15-year-old.
He has been out every day for nearly two weeks with his guitar and harmonica, and on average, he has made about $60 per day.
However, he admits the financial success is not all because of the music.
There was a certain amount of psychology involved.
"The trick is to hide most of the coins people give you.
If you only put out a couple of dollars on display, people think you haven't got much.
"People won't give money to buskers who look like they already have lots."
For Aiden, his takings are not just pocket money.
He is saving for his trip to France for a student exchange next year.
He said passing pedestrians didn't know what their money was going to - they just loved the music.
Despite the competitiveness of busking, Aiden recommended going to Albion Pl where he said a Tasmanian couple were "sounding awesome".
Sure enough, Felicity Lovett (19) and Harry Edwards (23) were hauling in the coins with their blend of gypsy jazz providing a bit of culture and atmosphere.
For them, busking was a way to buy groceries around New Zealand on a five-week holiday.
Felicity said they had been busking hard for the past week to raise enough money to continue on to Christchurch and Kaikoura.
Down the alleyway, Aroha Ngatai (37) strums, drawing listeners with her strong voice.
She spends most of her week working at Dunedin Hospital but on days off likes to sing and play guitar, which she's done since she was 17.
Once upon a time, she played in bands.
More recently, she took up busking, and she believed, successful street entertainment was about "location".
"You have to be in a place that's not confronting.
"People need to have a place where they can stand and enjoy the entertainment away from foot traffic.
"Pedestrians also like the music to be in the background.
I've positioned myself outside this cafe because, if I was in there, I'd like to listen to me while I was having my cup of coffee."
Every busker has their reasons for busking.
For Aroha, it's a great way to spend a nice hot sunny day.
"I just do it for the love of singing," she said
