 Attractions
Larnach Castle: New Zealand's only castle was built in 1871 and holds magnificent architecture, fascinating history, New Zealand antiques and spectacular views from its tower, not to mention the delicately carved ceilings. Tea and lunches are served in the Castle Ballroom and there is country style accommodation with enchanting gardens and tearooms.
Otago Museum: With excellent displays of Maori and Pacific Heritage, the museum is walking distance from the city centre. World archaeology, maritime displays and New Zealand's natural history from penguins to the reconstruction of the extinct moa. Discovery World is a hands-on science centre with museum shop and cafe.
Penguin Place: Located at Taiaroa Head one hours drive from Dunedin, it features the Yellow eyed penguins, the world's rarest, they return here from mid afternoon after a days deep sea fishing. Southern fur seals laze on rocks just 5 metres of shore. Educational tours and accommodation are available.
Otakou Marae and Church: Located on the Otago Peninsula, this prominent centre of Maori cultural life includes an ornate church, meeting house and gateway, built in the 1940's as a Treaty of Waitangi centennial project.
Otago Early Settlers Museum: This is New Zealand's leading collection of colonial memorabilia and contemporary social history with displays telling the story of Dunedin and Otago from the mid 1800's to the present. Experience the nostalgia of pioneering days, the changing times between the two world wars and the social history of Otago.
Ducks Unlimited's Simclair Wetlands: Part of one of the most important wetlands in New Zealand. Deep dark pools of still water are fringed with secretive places where birds can nest. This serenity attracts indigenous and exotic waterfowl, including the New Zealand Scaup, the shoveler and Mallards. See the striking Black Swans and the shy Fernbird. There have even been sighting of the very rare Whio, or Blue Duck and the elusive New Zealand Otter.
The Octagon: Located in the heart of the city, it is a centre of outdoor entertainment and an enjoyable place to sit and have lunch. Radical refurbishment in 1989 gave the Octagon a new identity and new potential for outdoor entertainment. There are vibrant craft markets every Friday.
Speights Brewery: One of New Zealand's oldest breweries. At the brewery they remember when quality and the Brewer's art were still important, see the traditional techniques and sample the end product.
Cadbury Confectionery Ltd's: New Zealand's leading manufacturer of chocolate and confectionery products including such favourites as Cadbury Milk Chocolate and Continental. Factory tours are available with prior bookings.
St Pauls Cathedral: Located at the Octagon, it is a landmark building in the city centre. Erected in 1915-19 of Oamaru stone, its creamy stone vaulted ceiling, interior woodwork and stained-glass windows are outstanding. Guided tours are available.
First Church: The seat of Presbyterianism in Otago, it is a masterpiece of Gothic revival. Dedicated in 1873, the church took six years to complete and has a 56 metre high spire which contains a ring of 12 Whitechapel bells installed in 1975. Located at Moray Place.
Dunedin Botanic Garden: Established in 1863, the Dunedin Botanic Gardens are New Zealand's first Botanic Gardens. Situated in North Dunedin, it features many extensive plant collections and includes a world renowned Rhodendron Dell, Geographical borders, Native flora, Rose garden, Herb garden, Herbaceous borders, Rock garden, Camellias, Winter gardens and Aviary.
Unique Taiaroa: The only mainland Albatross Colony in the world, these giant sea-birds nest on the top of Historic Fort Taiaroa. There is a cafe, souvenir shop, extensive wildlife displays and a modern visitors centre. Located at Otago Peninsula.
Taieri Gorge Railway: Dunedin's prestige train with year round regular departures to various destinations through the spectacular historical Taieri River Gorge.
Port Chalmers: Dunedin's deep-water port in the lower harbour. The town has retained its seafaring character, and 19th century architecture and art and craft businesses in heritage buildings offsetting the bustle of a modern port.
Wildlife: Dunedin has outstanding scenery, flora and wildlife. Here warm South Pacific waters meet the cold southern ocean currents bringing penguins, seals, Hooker sealions, migratory birds and the magnificent Royal Albatross. The world's rarest penguin, the shy Yellow-eyed penguin, lives on many Dunedin beaches.
Monarch: Otago Harbour Cruises: Get up Close! Albatross, seals, penguins, cormorants, waders. A "Monarch" cruise is a voyage of discovery to a very special place. The otherwise inaccessible cliffs of Taiaroa are alive with twelve species of wildlife. Regular afternoon cruises; morning salmon fishing, evening smorgasbords.
Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens: Otago Peninsula. Open daily, peaceful harbourside gardens of 30 acres, superb displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and fuchsias. Information Centre, Potters Studio, gifts, crafts. Chalet Garden Restaurant for lunches, morning and afternoon teas, Sunday buffet lunch.
Dunedin Railway Station: Cumberland Street- New Zealand's most striking Edwardian railway and a focal point of the Anzac Square precinct. The Taieri Gorge Railway office is housed within.
|