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Dunedin –
It is all right here!
Dunedin City and Otago Peninsula
Dunedin is the fifth largest city in
New Zealand. In terms of land area, Dunedin is the
largest city in New Zealand. It is a beautiful harbour
city nestled amongst the surrounding hills. It has a
population of 120 000 and has a wide variety of tourist
attractions, places to see and experience first-hand.
But take a warm jacket with you – we do have a
changeable climate, often getting all four seasons in
one day. Yes- we have a reputation for being a cold
place. However, the warmth of the southern hospitality
certainly makes up for any inclement weather conditions
you may experience!
A must see for even the shortest of
stays is the Otago Peninsula and its unique
wildlife, where the majestic albatross, the rare
yellow-eye penguins and the loafing seals thrive in
their natural habitat. Follow the scenic harbour
coastline on your way out and then head for the hills on
the way back, stopping off for a stroll around the
gardens and the interior of Larnach Castle, New
Zealand’s only castle. It is indeed like stepping back
in time. The view from the tower on a crystal clear day
is simply stunning.
A coastal settlement, Dunedin has
many beaches to visit with the two closest being St
Kilda and St Clair beaches. These are renowned as
surf beaches and with the vigilant surf patrol on guard,
they are excellent spots for relaxing and swimming on
warm summer days. For those not so keen on the surf, the
open-air Hot Salt Water swimming pool at St Clair
provides a fantastic environment for families. St Clair
Esplanade also features a bustling cosmopolitan café and
restaurant scene.
Dunedin is also known as a
“university town”, with an influx of up to 20,000
tertiary students providing a youthful North Dunedin
area. Being the first university in New Zealand,
Otago University is steeped in tradition and
academic excellence. This is no more evident than in the
historic architecture that sits alongside modern
innovative design. As the largest employer in the city,
Otago University takes pride of place as a vibrant
institution of learning.
A visit to Dunedin would not be
complete without venturing into the central city
itself. The CBD is compact and unlike many other urban
centres, everything is within easy walking distance.
Modern culture abounds within the city limits.
Experience the hospitality of more than 140
cafes, restaurants and bars scattered throughout
Dunedin. It is easy to find your niche no matter what
your taste – whether it be fine French dining, Asian,
Mediterranean or stepping back into 1950s New Zealand
with oysters, fish and chips at the Best Café.
If it is shopping that you crave –
Dunedin has it all. Dunedin is often called the
fashion capital of New Zealand with a number of
designers living, working and selling their high-end
garments in stores within the city. Hunt out the
boutique shops or browse through the more recognizable
retail outlets.
As has been hinted at up until this
point, Dunedin is historically rich. The history
of the area and its golden glory days can be seen in
some of its fine architecture – the railway station,
municipal chambers, Olveston, First Church - to mention
a few. Visit the Otago Museum, next to the
university, and see how Dunedin was the most pioneering
and influential city in early New Zealand. This museum
also attracts other internationally renowned exhibitions
as well as providing their own informative displays. You
must also see the butterfly enclosure at the museum –
walk within the enclosure with the butterflies but be
careful you don’t take any unsuspecting escapees away
with you.
The Otago Settlers Museum,
located close to the highly photographed railway station
focuses on people and the past of Otago, as well as
innovative developments that made colonization easier.
Displays depict the different waves of settlers to Otago
from the Māori, the Scots, the Chinese and subsequent
groups and their influence.
The most recent development in the
city has been the new Chinese Garden, situated
next to the Early Settlers Museum. This magnificent
garden is recognition of the historical links with the
Chinese gold miners in the 1860s through the modern
sister-city relationship with Shanghai. It is one of
only three authentic Chinese gardens in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Of course there are other tourist
“must dos”! A trip to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory
for the “sweet-tooth” or the Speights Brewery
tour for the “thirsty” should not be forgotten.
With so much to see and experience,
we invite you to stay at our motel while you
explore our region. |
