Official Language:
English
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Currency:
New Zealand Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 115,000 people call Dunedin home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Dunedin: Cooler than the other tourist areas in New Zealand is crisp and refreshing. The summer months are December through February. Autumn months are March through April. Winter months are May through August. jun and jully are coldest months Avg Maximum 48°F/9°C. January and February are the hottest months January Avg Minimum-Maximum 53-68°F/12-19°C, February
Avg 60-68°F/16-20°C.
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283km (148 miles) S of Queenstown; 366km (227 miles) S of Christchurch; 220km (136 miles) N of Invercargill. Dunedin is located at the top of the inlet on New Zealand's South Island and is the 4th largest city in New Zealand. Founded by the Presbyterian Scots. Dunedin is the capital of the province of Otago and made up of a collection of small towns. In the early days it was the largest and richest city in New Zealand and is known to be the most perfectly preserved Victorian city anywhere. Dunedin is known for being the home to many firsts, such as the first to have gaslight, water mains, steam trams and hydro power. Dunedin is an important manufacturing city and a busy port as well. You will find Dunedin's Scottish heritage all about the city.The landscape is unlike any other found in the country, and the weather, while much colder than the other tourist areas, is crisp and refreshing. The city itself is vital, and you'll quickly notice that the streets are filled with young people. It is the main business center for Otago province, and nearby Otago Peninsula is home to several internationally recognized reserves, where some of the world's rarest wildlife can be viewed year-round in their natural habitats.
The splendor of many of its grand city buildings reflects Dunedin's economic and cultural preeminence in Victorian New Zealand, and today it has a justly deserved reputation as one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The original 344 Scottish settlers, who arrived in the area in March 1848, would be proud if they could witness the outcome of their early endeavors.
Things can be, and often are, a little different down here. Where else could you find a kilt shop in New Zealand, plus a thriving population of alternative musicians and artists, a castle, New Zealand's only whisky distillery, a haggis maker, a colony of albatross, some of the best student pubs in the country, and a chocolate factory? It's a slightly disconcerting mix that will charm the socks off you. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Dunedin (tel. 03/472-7890), located in Port Chalmers. Located 12km from central Dunedin, you can arrange for taxi or bus service to take you to the city center. City Buses (tel. 03/477-2224) travel throughout the city of Dunedin frequently during the week and a little less frequently on the weekends. If you prefer to take a taxi, contact Dunedin Taxis (tel. 03/477-7777) for rates and more information. Keep in mind that Dunedin is also a terrific walking city, so if the weather is nice and you are feeling energetic, take a stroll and enjoy your surroundings!
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Attractions |
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Wilson's Distillery:
New Zealand's only scotch distillery.
Railway station:
See locomotives that are reproduced in stained glass.
Cadbury Chocolate Factory:
Home of the famous and delicious chocolate.
Larnach Castle:
Located on the Otago Peninsula, the castle is open daily for tours. Inside you will find a fine antiques collection and beautiful gardens.
Octagon:
This eight-sided park in the heart of Dunedin reflects the city's Scottish heritage with a statue of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.
St. Paul's Cathedral:
This impressive Anglican Church is constructed with Oamaru stone. It features fine interior woodwork and stained-glass windows.
Edwardian Railway Station:
Completed in 1904, the station is decorated with stained-glass windows and a beautiful mosaic floor.
Royal Albatross Centre:
It seems a cruel irony that a magnificent bird such as the royal albatross, which can stay in the air for weeks on end, should make such an ungainly landing when it finally decides to come down to earth. But we can be thankful that it has chosen to do so at Taiaroa Head, the only mainland colony of albatross in the world. One-hour tours will show you the birds only; 90-minute tours add the tunnel complex of the old Fort Taiaroa and the last working example of an Armstrong Disappearing Gun. The best times to visit are January and February, when the chicks are hatching; in late afternoon, you'll see courtship displays. After 6:30pm, the sea breezes come up, and juveniles come in from the sea. It's important to remember, though, that this is wildlife and there are no guarantees. Sometimes you can see birds as close as 3.6m (12 ft.) away, sometimes much farther. But with binoculars and a telephoto camera lens, you're bound to get good results. During the mating season, the main observatory is closed, and viewing is from an alternative spot a little farther away. It's a 2-minute walk up a path to the observatory; mobile carts are available for visitors with disabilities. A souvenir shop, cafeteria, and wildlife displays are on the grounds. Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula tel: 03/478-0499. albatross.org.nz
Penguin Place:
When you consider that every yellow-eyed penguin has 200 feathers per square inch, you realize there's likely to be a whole lot of preening going on in the heart of this excellent conservation project. The 1 1/2-hour tour begins with an informative talk and slide presentation; you're then driven 5 minutes across farmland to an extensive network of tunnels and hides that took 8 years to build. Here you'll be able to watch the world's rarest penguins at close quarters without disturbing them. Fifteen years ago, there were eight breeding pairs; today, there are over 35 pairs in the colony, which represents 20% of New Zealand's mainland yellow-eyed population. You'll need sensible walking shoes, as there's at least 500m (1,640 ft.) of walking involved, much of it uphill and steep. But you'll be rewarded with fabulous coastal views, colonies of fur seals, possibly Hooker sea lions if you're lucky, and incredible, swirling tangles of sea kelp -- all fantastic photographic opportunities. www.penguin-place.co.nz
Otago Museum :
Established in 1868, this is New Zealand's fourth largest museum with over 1.7 million items; most people are surprised by the depth of its large ethnographic, natural-history, and decorative-arts collections. It also has the best Pacific and Southern Maori collections in the country.The museum has undergone an NZ$18 million (US$9.9 million) upgrade and increased its size by 70%. Along with a new and improved foyer, cafe, and shop, you'll find a new special-exhibitions gallery, a stylish atrium, a new 6-minute introductory video (the best way to begin your visit), and a stunning gallery called Southern Land, Southern People, which tells the human and natural-history story of the southern region. Allow an hour for this new section and to get the best from it take a guided tour, which can be pre-booked. 419 Great King Street (03/479-2094). The prize possession of the museum is a rare moa egg, one of only a handful in the entire world. Visitors can meet the extinct giant moa in a gallery that includes the museum's world-class collection of complete moa skeletons and one of the few complete moa eggs in the world; and fans of old-style museums should not miss the new Animal Attic, which replicates the Victorian timbered gallery of the museum as it was in 1868. It's quite unforgettable for its visual impact and zany collections of stuffed animals (which kids will love), birds, and New Zealand spiders. And don't overlook the fun factor of Discovery World, one of those terrific places for children where you end up playing yourself. Allow 2 hours for a good look around www.otagomuseum.govt.nz and http://www.discoveryworld.co.nz
Olveston:
Olveston is one of New Zealand's best-known stately homes and should be on the agenda of any Dunedin visit. Designed by London architect Sir Ernest George, the 35-room, Jacobean-style mansion was built between 1904 and 1906 by the much-traveled and very prosperous Theomins. It sits on an acre of tree-sheltered grounds, and since it was bequeathed to Dunedin in 1966, it has been carefully maintained in virtually its original state. David Theomin had a passion for Eastern decorative arts, and he filled his home with bronze, cloisonné, ivory, ceramics, jade, and over 250 paintings. On top of its unique interior finery, the house itself is a work of art and pays homage to the skills of 19th-century craftsmen. Those with reservations are given preference; house viewing is by 1-hour guided tour only. Reservations are required for the 2-hour painting tours.www.olveston.co.nz
Beaches and Outdoor Sports:
While it may be true that many other regions in New Zealand have much more renowned beach areas, Dunedin does feature some hidden gems. The water is typically quite cold, but if you are there on a warm day you will be in for quite a treat. The two best beaches for surfing are St. Clair and St. Kilda. If you're just looking for a peaceful walk along the shore, don't miss Brighton Beach. Between the months of October and April, the trout and salmon fishing in Dunedin is fantastic. Grab your rod and get to work by contacting Otago Harbour Salmon Fishing Charters, which is located at 7 Henderson Street (03/453-6614). Besides standard fishing outings, they offer deep-sea fishing and shark fishing expeditions, both of which are outstanding.
Golf :
St. Clair Golf Club Perched on the cliff next to Cargill's Castle with the famous 15th hole, rated one of the "Best 18 Holes of Golf in New Zealand", and featured in the December, 2000 issue of "The Cut". The St Clair Golf Club was founded in 1905 and since that time has given pleasure to many people. The Otago Golf Club Balmacewen Course (03/467-2096) was built in 1896, and has been in operation ever since. This 18-hole championship course offers panoramic views and a fully-equipped pro store.
Shopping:
For high quality leather jackets and sheepskin items made in Dunedin, visit Hides, located at 185 George Street (03/477-8927). Fluxus Contemporary Jewellery is located at 99 Stuart Street (03/477-9631) and is full of designer New Zealand jewelry. The pieces here are gorgeous, so keep an eye on your wife if she's carrying your credit cards.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Dunedin:
Dunedin Travel Information
Dunedin Tourism Guide
www.visit-dunedin.co.nz/
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