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| Otago, South Island, New Zealand |
The historic city of Dunedin lies on the south-east coast of New Zealand’s South Island and is well known for its heritage architecture, beautiful gardens and fantastic location. It is the second largest city on the South Island being home to approximately 115,000 residents and is the principal city of the Region of Otago. The city stands in a picture perfect location at the head of the large, natural Otago Harbour, and is surrounded by a string of hills that are the remnants of an extinct volcano and which form part of the picturesque Otago Peninsula. This beautiful peninsula is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins and the New Zealand Fur Seal, and if you are interested the underground fortifications of Fort Taiaroa.
Like many other settlements on the South Island the Dunedin area was in the 1830’s originally a whaling community, but by 1848 the area was settled by a predominantly Scottish population who named the new town Dunedin, which is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh (i.e. Dun Eideann). During the early 1860’s Dunedin became a wealthy centre due to the activity of the gold fields, and it was from this accumulated wealth that the heritage buildings that we see today remain. In 1869 Dunedin founded the University of Otago which is the oldest university in New Zealand and part of the city’s identity as a centre of excellence in tertiary education and research.
Dunedin is a compact city and is centred around the ‘Octagon’ which is lined with the city’s more important buildings including the Municipal Buildings and St. Paul’s Cathedral, and within the city precincts can be found other notable architecture such as the memorable Dunedin Railway Station, the Gothic styled First Church of Otago and Knox Church all of which reflect the heritage of this beautiful city. Other interesting heritage buildings within Dunedin and the surrounding area are the beautifully located Larnach Castle and its magnificent gardens, Olveston House and the typical Edwardian villa of Fletcher House.
Dunedin is a unique city with a strong Scottish heritage including great golf courses and pipe bands, and to follow the growth of the city it is worth a visit to the Otago Settlers Museum which is New Zealand’s finest social history museum and a testimony to the early settlers of the region. Culturally the city also benefits by the exhibitions of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, the superb Otago Museum, the Botanic Gardens and the authentic Chinese Garden which was built to commemorate the contribution of Chinese people in the history and culture of Dunedin. Other attractions that visitors may want to see include the world’s steepest street (Baldwin Street), the grand building of the Otago Boys High School, the Engine House which is considered to be Dunedin’s oldest building, the local Speight’s brewery, the famous Captain Cook Tavern which is reputably the oldest in Dunedin and of course the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. One more thing which is worth considering if you have time, is taking a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway which departs from the stunning historic Dunedin Railway Station, and runs for approximately 60 kilometres passing through the spectacular scenery along the banks of the Taieri River to Pukerangi and Middlemarch in the Strath Taieri.
Like most big cities, Dunedin offers a large and varied range of accommodation, excellent shopping and a plethora of eateries. However one thing Dunedin offers that no other city can is its position, as it stands within easy reach of the southern half of the South Island, which encompasses the exciting city of Queenstown, the ‘Adventure Capital’ of New Zealand, the stunning beauty of the south-west Fiordland National Park, the majestic Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Cruises | Tours |  |
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Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Dunedin
 |  This stylish hotel has a fresh contemporary design, with clean lines and dramatic features softened by natural elements such as timber and neutral tones. It is well located just two blocks from the Octagon and close to shops, parks, city attractions and services. The rooms are generously proportio... |
Larnach Castle
Dunedin
|  Larnach Castle is the only castle in New Zealand and definately well worth a visit. It should not to be compared with European castles at all, though it does have its own unique history. Staying at the Castle is a great experience and includes a full cooked breakfast in the historic Stables. If y... |
Bluestone on George Motel
Dunedin
|  This new luxurious executive motel is situated in the centre of Dunedin City and offers a perfect blend of style and comfort. It offers the latest in technology architectural design and ambience with patios or balconies off every room and various outdoor courtyard settings. The motel is set back w... |
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Dunedin
 |  Kingsgate Hotel is located in the centre of the city just three minutes walk from Octagon, and is ideal for business and leisure travellers. The hotel provides good accommodation in a convenient location and the staff are friendly and efficient. |
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Dunedin
Dunedin
 |  The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is located in an historic landmark building dating back to 1883. Having been recently refurbished, the hotel offers a charming decor with all the modern comforts guests expect. The staff are friendly and efficient. Be sure to try their restaurants or bar, there is ... |
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Peninsula Encounters
Wildlife Watching
Dunedin |  This multi-award winning, scheduled, daily, 'small group' tour departs from Dunedin city in the mid-afternoon for the Otago Peninsula wildlife 'hotspots'. The tour combines tourism and conservation in a symbiotic relationship and provides absolutely unrivalled viewing of estuarine and marine wildlif... |
Speight's Brewery Tour
Tour
Dunedin |  Speight's Brewery started in 1876 and it has a long and interesting history from the beginning when three employees of North Dunedin's Well Park Brewery resigned and set up a new brewery in a redundant building in Rattray Street, Dunedin. Speight's is still in the same location to this day and has ... |
Penguin Place
Wildlife Watching
Dunedin |  Penguin Place is home to the yellow-eyed Penguin and is a conservation project entirely financed through guided tours. The project was established in 1985 when there were only 8 breeding pairs and at last count there were 19 breeding pairs. The guided tour will take you through the colony for some... |
Taieri Gorge Railway
Train
Dunedin |  The Taieri Gorge Railway is a popular tourist railway which runs daily between Dunedin and Pukerangi or Middlemarch, depending on the service and the time of year. The train is known for using the historic Dunedin Railway Station as one of its boarding and departure points, for being comprised of r... |
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White Cloud Wonder
14 nights |  Cruising from Brisbane, discover why New Zealand is internationally renowned as one of the most untouched beauties on earth. Visit eight of the country’s most noteworthy locations starting with a scenic cruise of Fiordland National Park at the bottom of the South Island and making your way up to the... |
Kiwi Discovery
10 nights |  Discover the majesty and beauty of New Zealand's coast with this new 10 night cruise. This fabulous experience commences with a breathtaking visit to New Zealand's famous Fiordland National Park. Explore historic Dunedin on day 5 of your cruise. On day 6 you'll stop at Lyttelton, from where you can ... |
White Cloud Wonders
13 nights | Cruising from Sydney, discover why New Zealand is internationally renowned as one of the most untouched beauties on earth. Visit eight of the country’s most noteworthy locations starting with a scenic cruise of Fiordland National Park at the bottom of the South Island and making your way up to the B... |
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Southern Tourer
9 days |  This tour is a great way to get a taste of all that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Christchurch, you will have the opportunity to wander around this charming city, before heading out the next morning. Board the TranzAlpine train and take in stunning scenery as you ... |
New Zealand Experience
14 days |  This fourteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights and attractions here. After arriving and spending your first night in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to the West Coast and visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki before heading to Fox G... |
Scenic Highlighter - 15 Days
15 days |  The Scenic Highlighter is a great introduction to the major attractions that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Auckland and spending one night you will travel to Rotorua and the geo-thermal reserves for two nights. You will have lunch at a working farm, and visit Whakarewarewa Village fo... |
New Zealand Phenomenon
13 days | Discover the key attractions of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand over an unforgettable thirteen days. From the moment you arrive in the 'city of sails' to your departure from Christchurch, this tour is sure to impress. From Auckland you travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two ... |
Southern Experience
10 days |  This ten day trip of the South Island of New Zealand is a great way to see all the major attractions and stunning scenery in this beautiful part of the world. On arrival in Christchurch you will be delighted to find your hotel right on Cathedral Square, close to all major attractions. From there yo... |
Southern Sensation
9 days |  This tour is perfect for those who want to see the major attractions of the South Island in the comfort of a luxury coach, with a small group of like-minded travellers. Some of the accommodation is more exclusive and you will feel special on this trip. After arriving in Christchurch there is time ... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
New Zealand Splendour
14 days |  After arriving and spending your first night in Auckland, you travel to Rotorua for two nights. Here you will experience this amazing geothermal region and also enjoy some Maori culture with a Hangi feast and concert. You will drive past Lake Taupo and Huka Falls on the way to Wellington, where yo... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days | This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
New Zealand Highlights
15 days |  This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. You will see the stunning Huka Falls and Taupo... |
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