Dunedin

New Zealand’s Scottish city of the south is a delightful university centre with well preserved heritage buildings and a lively social, arts and music scene.

Dunedin’s fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings are spread around the city’s Octagon. Its suburbs climb into forested hills and extend around the shores of a magnificent harbour noted for rare wildlife and eco-tourism.

This elegant and historic city is a great place to visit and there is much to see and do as follows:-

Stroll around the Octagon and the compact city centre
There are a surprising variety of kerbside cafes, and high quality art, craft, jewellery and fashion stores. Dunedin has a very friendly atmosphere.

Pick up a leaflet from the Visitor Centre and follow the Heritage Trail
Admire the grandest Railway Station in the Southern Hemisphere as well as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Town Hall and statue of Robbie Burns.

Wander through the Botanic Gardens at the northern end of George Street
Enjoy the peace and serenity of the rose walk and the rhododendron dell.

Investigate the region’s social history in the Otago Settler’s Museum
See the portraits, manuscripts and displays in the early settler’s gallery.

Visit the newly renovated Otago Museum
There are a variety of themed galleries notable for Maori and Pacific Island artefacts and a hands-on scientific Discovery World.

Tour the Discovery World Tropical Forest at Otago Museum
A lush, living tropical environment, the Tropical Forest brings you face to face with hundreds of beautiful, live exotic butterflies.

Call in to the Marine Centre and Aquarium
Discover the deep secrets of the Southern Ocean and its denizens.

Don’t miss the Cadbury World Chocolate Factory
Enter this colourful and interactive environment with expectant tastebuds and perhaps combine it with a ‘Southern Man’s’ Speight’s Brewery tour.

Walk or drive up the hill to Olveston
Marvel at this handsome Jacobean-style stone house and peek into the luxurious turn-of-the-century lifestyle of the Theomin family.

Grab a show at Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre
The local thespian groups are deeply committed to professional theatre so you’ll enjoy the show.

Drive to some lookout points for great views
Mt Cargill lookout is a good start, followed by Lawyer’s Head north of St Kilda Beach, Signal Hill, Lover’s Leap and the Chasm.

Set out on local walks on the Otago Peninsula and Ocean Beaches
Pilot’s Beach, the Pineapple Trace, St Kilda and St Clair beaches and the Tunnel Beach walkway are worthwhile treks. So is Baldwin Street in North Dunedin – the world’s steepest street.

Drive along the Peninsula to Larnach’s Castle
This splendid residence was built in the heady gold rush days when Dunedin was New Zealand’s financial centre.

Continue on to the Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head
View the excellent displays and see these majestic birds from the hilltop hide. Also visit the cute yellow-eyed and blue penguins nearby.

Return to Dunedin via Portobello Road and visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
This peaceful haven is a microclimate where a huge variety of trees and plants thrive. Dunedin has dozens of private gardens open to the public as well.

Climb aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway for a great adventure
This four hour return trip traverses rugged country over bridges and viaducts that span amazing deep winding gorges.

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