Welcome to Dunedin
Once flourishing in an era of grandeur and goldseeking, the Scottish-founded city of Dunedin (meaning ‘Edinburgh of the South') retains a shabby-chic vintage glamour and is home to a unique creative culture of its own.
Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city, is home to some of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere, carefully maintained and restored to proudly exhibit the city's heritage. Some of the most stunning examples include the Dunedin Railway Station, Larnach Castle, the original buildings of Otago University and many churches and cathedrals, which all sit comfortably in their surroundings without compromising the modern functions of a bustling southern city on the move.
As New Zealand's ‘university city', the partly transient population and temperate to cool climate means Dunedin can fluctuate from peaceful, warm summers to lively yet brisk winters, when the city's famous student culture is at its peak and young people from around New Zealand and the world come out to play. The result is an eclectic and multi-cultural atmosphere, where creativity, entertainment, upbeat night-life and a traditionally vibrant music scene reign. Experience a wide range of international foods and accommodation to suit every taste and budget, and explore the local shops, with both local and international design flair.
Step outside the city to explore the wild wonders of the Otago region, which range from wild beaches and rolling hills to ragged cliffs and rivers. Take the historic Taeiri Gorge Railway to explore some of the most remote and scenic parts of the region. Travel through rugged seaside coves or plunging mountainous gullies, and feel what it's like within the country's true southern heartland.
Steep, dramatic hills frame a long, sheltered harbour and create numerous bays and coves, dotted along the long winding roads that stretch to the tip of the diverse and ruggedly beautiful Otago Peninsula. On the city side, find the charming port town of Port Chalmers, with its growing number of local artists selling their creations in small shops along the main street. Many unique seaside towns populate the small bays that lead all the way along the road to the sandy beach of Aramoana ("Pathway to the Sea"), which looks out to the open Pacific Ocean.
On the far side of the harbour, drive along a seaside road that leads along the bottom of the cliff, to reach the bustling village of Portobello and Taiaroa Head, the home of the worlds rarest penguin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin, New Zealand's only mainland albatross breeding colony and a wide array of other wildlife, undisturbed in its natural habitat. A short drive over the hills of the peninsula will take you to some peaceful yet wild, sweeping sandy beaches and coves, many undisturbed by human footsteps, all less than 40 minutes drive from the city.
Whatever kind of holiday you seek, in the Otago region and the city of Dunedin you're sure to find a rewarding adventure and experience that true, world-renown friendly southern hospitality.
The Train Station in Dunedin, Otago