Dunedin

Dunedin dunedin– sounds like a name with a past, a name worthy of a long history yet a name with a ring of the wild. Nearly 850 square miles of wildlife and history twines with a coast that stretches from the Waitaki River north of Oamaru to the mighty Clutha River south of Dunedin giving form to the snaking long coastline. Nearly four centuries ago the original inhabitants of the New Zealand’s, the Maoris were drawn to the mystic hills surrounding a long and inviting natural harbor on this coast. Then came the gold miners and the whalers, followed by immigrants from Scotland and china, modernity has been gracious to Dunedin.

History has left an undeniable mark on the landscape of Dunedin, home to some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the entire southern hemisphere. Amidst the enticing beauty of the waitaki landscape lays the historical architecture in Whitestone. The Flemish renaissance era architecture of the railway station is one of Dunedin’s main attractions. A traveler’s paradise, Dunedin has the rarest penguin on earth called Hoiho also known as the yellow eyes penguins as its proud resident. Along with another rarity, the world’s only mainland Albatross colony, sea lions and fur seals makes up the mélange of sea faring wildlife.

Wildlife and modernity must be at loggerhead everywhere else in the world but here at Dunedin they live in harmony and peace. Travelers will come upon rolling grasslands and idyllic fishing spots thrown in with all the surprises of the wild. The oldest seat of learning in New Zealand, the University of Otago was founded in 1869 in Dunedin. Yet, one can easily fly into Dunedin from anywhere in New Zealand all round the year.

Dunedin Activities

Listing view

Cadbury World

 

The Cadbury World tour is a chocolate-lover’s dream that overwhelms the senses! As you walk into the factory, the enticing scent of Jaffas, Turkish Delight, or cocoa welcomes you in, causing most visitors to let out a satisfied, “Ahhhh.” But that’s nothing compared to the all-encompassing chocolate scent wafting through the kitchen. Not only will your nose be working overtime, but with hundreds of buttons being made as you walk by, thousands of Roses being packaged, and one tonne of melted chocolate cascading down five stories, your eyes will have a feast to gaze upon as well. But don’t worry, your taste buds will have their chance too! In addition to receiving a bag full of samples, you’ll also have the pure liquid joy of tasting melted, still-warm chocolate. Cadbury World is located in the centre of Dunedin at the Cadbury factory site. The Visitor Centre is a colorful and educational envi....
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Dunedin City Sightseeing Tour

 

Explore Dunedin's most interesting sites and get a real taste of what the city has to offer. We show you student culture, local history, rampaging Jaffas and other generally amazing incidents ... Scope out the city's main attractions, landmarks & culture. Discover Dunedin's unique place in the history of New Zealand. Tour duration: 3 - 4 hours, bookings essential....
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Larnach Castle Tour, Dunedin

 

Bottom Bus provide a scheduled coach service and fully guided tour to Larnach Castle twice daily (except Christmas Day). This service leaves the Dunedin Visitor Centre (in the Octagon) at 9am and 3.00pm. Arrangements can be made to be picked up from and returned to your accommodation on request. A full commentary of local landmarks is given on the journey to the Castle. New Zealand's only Castle. Unique architecture, a Neo-Gothic Castle with Colonial veranda. Fascinating history, of William Larnach, his three wives, his career in politics and banking, and his eventual scandalous suicide. Castle's history, periods of neglect, abandonment and restoration Ghostly presence. Magnificent carved ceilings carved by the best European craftsmen. Breathtaking views from the Tower, 360° Views of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, Harbour & Pacific Ocean. Antiques, a superb collection of New Zealand antiques, includi....
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Penguin and Seal Tour

 

Travel on an 8-wheel drive all terrain vehicle for an exhilarating cross country tour. First stop is the mythical "Maori's Footprint" location which offers 720-degree panoramic views (because you will look around twice). Descending from 189 meters above sea level, we stop during the nesting season at a breeding colony of Cormorants (Spotted Shag) nestled on a rugged cliff face rising from the crashing Pacific below. Continuing on we arrive at a hide for a very close encounter with a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and their pups basking on the rocks and swimming in natural pools in front of you. From here a beach-front ride takes us to a covered, all weather track leading down a purpose built hide on Penguin Beach to view little blue penguins in their nests (in season) and spot the rare and shy yellow eyed penguin in the nest or on the beach any time of the day. Then return to the ....
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Royal albatross centre + penguin viewing

 

The Royal Albatross Centre provides wildlife and cultural tours of Taiaroa Head where you can visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, the historic Fort Taiaroa and see the Little Blue Penguin colony at Pilots Beach. People come from all over the world to enjoy the spectacular views on the Otago Peninsula and together with its 20 km long harbour, is the home of an abundance of magnificent world famous wildlife.....
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Speights Brewery Tour

 

Still on the same site it has occupied since 1876, Speight’s Brewery has become on of Dunedin and Otago’s biggest icons. Not just the “Pride of the South”, the Speight’s brand is one of New Zealand’s most loved beers. The Speight’s Brewery Tour is an award winning interactive and informative tour guided tour through an historic working brewery. You’ll see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients which go into making Speight’s beers and discover how Speight’s became a legend in the south. Learn about the antiquity of beer in Babylonian times, through to the introduction of beer in New Zealand and then the history of Speight’s Brewery, before entering the brewery itself to learn about our unique brewing process. No tour would be complete without sampling the fine product. Welcome to our brewery bar where you can pour your own and you will enjoy an appreciation session of six Speight�....
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Taieri Gorge Railway

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Afternoon journey Dunedin/Pukerangi/Dunedin - The Taieri Gorge Limited train is Dunedin's prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station. Departing daily (seats are limited on Christmas day) it takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. With full commentary, photographic stops and on board refreshments the train offers year round, all-weather entertainment. With full commentary, photographic stops and on board refreshments the train offers year round, all-weather entertainment. You can make the return journey to Pukerangi, or Middlemarch, or use the train as the one leg of your journey to or from Queenstown and Central Otago on our connecting 'Track & Trail' coach. Ask your Kiwiway consultant for more details. WINTER TIMETABLE May to September - Train departs t....
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