Dunedin
Located on South Island, Dunedin is located on the Otago Peninsula approximately 5 hours south of Christchurch and 4 hours east of Queenstown. It has a Scottish heritage that is mirrored in the elegant homes of Larnach Castle and Olveston which are both open to visitors. Piping and marching are among some of the popular events held in and around the City. The gardens are beautifully manicured, with some holding the prestigious honour of being Gardens of National Significance. During October Dunedin holds the Spring Festival and the flowers put on a show, as do artists, wineries and gourmet foodies. Places of interest include Speights Brewery, The Cadbury World Factory and the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. The Taieri Gorge Railway takes you on a 78km rail journey through Dunedin and the surrounding countryside and through the Taieri River Gorge. Otago Museum is one of the best in the country holding a comprehensive collection of international pieces. Otago Peninsula is well recognised as one of the best places for seeing wildlife in their natural environment. New Zealand fur seals and Hookers Sea lions bask on the rocks and colonies of Yellow–Eyed and Little Blue Penguins make their way in and out to sea. Otago Peninsula is the only place on the mainland in the world that has a Royal Albatross Colony. There are a variety of tour and cruises available which take you on a wildlife adventure not to forget.
Dunedin has a vibrant Café and Restaurant scene in part to the high concentration of university students. Many of the restaurants are award winners including Fleur’s Place which is a delightful stand alone restaurant in the sleepy fishing village of Moeraki an hour’s drive north. Moeraki is also home to the interesting Moeraki boulders and has a Yellow-Eyed penguin colony which is viewable from a hide on the hill above the beach. In the City the pubs are warm and inviting serving hearty meals, the cafes line the streets and the choice of restaurants is diverse. Try the award winning Pinot Noir or a Speights beer to feel the true soul of the south. Outdoor activities include Mountain biking and Salmon fishing in the cool clear rivers. The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium is a great place to view New Zealand marine life and has an interactive touch tank to get up close and personal. Accommodation is everything you’d expect of a large City with hotels, motels and backpackers galore. Staying in an Edwardian style lodge is the best way to experience Dunedin’s special charm. Dunedin has a very good range of gourmet food shops with everything made on the premises from cheese to ice cream. For fresh produce head down to the Farmers Market down by the Dunedin Railway Station on a Saturday morning.