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Josh Jenkins
Check out the top 20 things to do and see in Dunedin, New Zealand.
1. Royal Albatross Colony
The Royal Albatross Centre is situated at the bottom of Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula. It is the only mainland breeding colony of these massive seabirds in the world.
To sight a soaring Albatross is unforgettable - a spectacle touched with a dignity and majesty no other bird can excel. Held aloft on slim wings up to 3 metres (9'6") across, the great Albatross is capable of swooping speeds of at least 115 kph+. Its pure ecstasy in the air, yet distinctly clumsy on the ground.
The social and family life of the breeding colony is fascinating. Chicks, delicious white balls of fluff are fussed over by devoted parents; adolescent’s party, just like adolescents everywhere; courtships proceed with lots of kissing and cuddling and "marriage" is usually for life despite long separations at sea. And the life of an Albatross is indeed long - one bird at Taiaroa, fondly known as "Grandma," raised her last chick at age 62!
Albatrosses on remote storm-bound islands have little to fear, but when these large, conspicuous birds nest near a city it presents a very different situation. Between 1914 and 1919 Royal Albatrosses were known to land at Taiaroa Head, and in 1920 the first egg was found there. In 1937, Dr L.E. Richdale, an ornithologist of Dunedin, strove to protect the colony from interference. Their efforts were rewarded in 1938 when the first Taiaroa-reared chick flew. The colony is now home to 130 birds and hosts thousands of visitors who enjoy this unique experience.
2. Penguin Place– Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve
The Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve at Penguin Place offers visitors the opportunity to visit a working conservation programme and to experience and photograph undisturbed penguin activity at close range through a unique system of hides and covered tunnels.
The reserve is a private conservation effort to save one of the world’s most endangered penguins, the yellow-eyed penguin, from extinction. The reserve is funded entirely through the profits from the Penguin Place tour operation
Yellow-eyed Penguins were called Hoiho ("noise-shouter") by the Maori.
Yellow-eyed Penguins gain their names from their yellow iris and the characteristic yellow head band. They only live in New Zealand and they are one of the rarest penguins in the world with a total population of about 4000-5000 individuals.
Daily foraging trips usually alone or in pairs take the penguins between 5 and 25 km off the coast. They leave the colony at sun-rise and usually return every evening.
Viewing these wonderful birds in the evening is often a noisy affair as they return from a hard day fishing. Surfing in on the waves and waddling ashore calling for their mates or just talking about their adventures at sea that day.
3. Natures Wonders
Natures Wonders will show you the wild side of the spectacular Otago Peninsula with a thrilling cross-country adventure in the ultimate all terrain vehicle, an 8 wheel drive ARGO. You’ll see stunning coastal scenery and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the world’s rarest Penguin, the Yellow Eyed, in its natural habitat.
You’ll get close to breeding colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals and Cormorants, and see Oyster Catchers, Gulls, Paradise Ducks, Hawks and Swallows. One of the tours covers the Maritime and Military History of Fort Taiaroa, with visits to the wreck of the Tyrone, the largest steamship to founder in New Zealand.
A soft adventure experience combined with wildlife and stunning scenery makes it a fun family experience.
At the end of the adventure you can relax in the large restaurant area taking in the stunning panoramic coastal while enjoying some light refreshment.
www.natureswondersnaturally.com
4. Larnach Castle
Built in 1871, experience Larnach’s history and the grandeur of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. The tower of the castle provides panoramic views of the 35 acres of beautiful gardens surrounding the castle, as well as views of Dunedin City, the Otago Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.
The castle has been lovingly restored by the Barker family since they purchased the near ruin in 1967. Over the proceeding years Margaret Barker and her family have searched New Zealand for the original pieces of furniture and artefacts, Constance’s boudoir (the third wife of William Larnach) even contains her original wedding gown. The castle is now fully restored and furnished and a national treasure.
The scandal and history of William Larnach, his three wives, his political and merchant career, through to his suicide and the rumours of his son’s affair with his third wife add to the intrigue of a visit to the castle.
Larnach Castle is set in 35 acres of magnificent gardens and grounds and is renowned as one of NZs finest gardens and rated a “Garden of National Significance” You can sit having a coffee in the original ball room and gaze out at the ever changing garden vista and imagine the time and effort that has gone into bringing what was virtually overgrown land with sheep grazing on it, to the beautiful gardens of today.
5. Monarch Wildlife Cruises
MV Monarch is a 55 year old classic motor vessel offering unrivalled viewing of a diverse array of wildlife during one hour cruises around Taiaroa Head. See what cannot be seen from land.
There is always wildlife to be viewed no matter what the season. Winter although not the warmest time for passengers is often the best time to view the wildlife, with the prevailing wind usually being a strong sou'wester which flattens the sea.
Aside from the northern royal albatross at Taiaroa Head, blue penguins and the rare yellow-eyed penguin, an amazing diversity of wildlife can be seen. New Zealand fur seals playfully dip in and out of the water or sunbath on the rocks. Sea lions lie about on Otago Peninsula's grassy banks not far from penguin hides.
Experienced guides, with a running commentary, information sheets, warm jackets, binoculars and refreshments all enhance the experience.
6. Taieri Gorge Railway
Sit back and relax as your train negotiates this exhilarating narrow river gorge and cliff hugging tunnels and viaducts soaring above the river. The train ride takes you through some isolated and always scenic areas before arriving at Pukerangi or Middlemarch some 2 to 2 1/2 hours later depending on the final destination. Take a photo on the open air platforms or wait until the train stops for a scenic photo opportunity. With a live commentary, friendly well informed staff, sightseeing stops, modern and traditional carriages and a fully licensed snack bar this is an all weather family experience not to be missed.
The train ride from Dunedin to Pukerangi or Middlemarch is popular with the cyclists who enjoy the chance to relax before they start their three day cycle journey on the Otago Rail Trail.
“The Seasider” is a new summertime venture run by the Taieri Gorge Railway. It explores the wonderful section of railway between Dunedin and Palmerston and offers spectacular views over Otago Harbour and the wild Otago coastline. It is run on a seasonal basis.
7.Olveston House
Gifted to The City by the Theomin family this home has become
Olveston is a modern masterpiece in the Edwardian Era, yet its collections reflect a collecting fashion more akin to the zest of Victorian collectors. The 35 room mansion complete with original collections was opened to the public in 1967. In historic terms, it is already priceless- a time capsule.
Visitors are very conscious of the family throughout the home, enjoying and experiencing the many treasures that were and integral part of the family day to day life, Olveston captures this lifestyle completely. There is no more accurate or definitive example in New Zealand.
Olveston was designed for David Theomin by London architect Sir Ernest George and build between 1904 and 1906. The Jacobean style grace and grandeur of Olveston is distinguished by a wealth of decorative detail. It possessed a service lift linking all four storeys. The house was centrally heated and had an internal telephone system, all very much ahead of its time.
8. Dunedin Chinese Gardens
The Chinese Garden was a gift to the city and for all of New Zealand, honouring the past, contributions the Chinese have made in the settling on Otago and the rest of New Zealand.
The garden’s design is based upon the private gardens in Suzhou from the 10th to the 19th centuries and in keeping with the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911, these gardens are small and informal in design.
The gardens are constructed in a traditional fashion, using almost entirely authentic materials imported from China. Built in Dunedin by 35 artisans from the Shanghai construction Company, using traditional techniques.
The garden will be the first authentic garden of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere with opening date scheduled for May 2008.
9. Cadbury World
And who doesn’t love chocolate? An experience for the young, old, male and female chocoholics out there!
The Cadbury World Visitors Centre is a unique, fun filled, interactive chocolate themed environment where you will discover all sorts of fascinating facts about the history of Cadbury and chocolate through the ages. Personal guided tours of the Cadbury Dunedin factory where visitors will experience the total chocolate experience in sight, smell and sound, with product sampling along the way.
Included is a visit to the unique chocolate fall housed in a five story silo. The tour finishes in the retail store where you can purchase even more chocolate.
10. Speight’s
Dunedinis home to Speight’s Brewery now recognised as New Zealand’s most popular beer. The brewery still occupies the same site where it all started in 1876 where today 7 beers are made (which you will of course get to try at the end of the tour). The Speight’s Heritage Centre provides an informative tour of the working brewery looking at not only the history of Speight’s but the history of beer from Babylonian times through to its introduction in New Zealand. The site is also home to the original Speight’s Ale House which can now be found all over New Zealand with London being the latest Ale House city.
You don’t have to be a beer lover to enjoy this tour the history and the beer making process alone is enough to enthral.
11. OtagoMuseum
Enter Southern Land, Southern People and experience the natural and cultural heritage of the southern region of New Zealand. Explore world-class collections in the Tangata Whenua, Pacific Culture, People of the World, Maritime and Nature Galleries. Step back in time in Animal Attic. For hands-on science visit Discovery World.
The latest arrive at the Otago Museum is the Tropical Forest and is already proving a popular family all weather activity.
A lush, living, tropical environment, the Tropical Forest brings visitors face to face with some of nature’s most beautiful butterflies. Hundreds of these enchanting creatures roam free – some even stopping (on you) to say hello! Visitors will experience a hot and steamy rainforest from above and below, encountering an amazing array of flora and fauna within.
Featuring around 1,000 imported tropical butterflies, the Tropical Forest is also home to live tarantulas, turtles, finches and other hot-weather-happy inhabitants. A gardener’s paradise, the rainforest includes wide variety of lush tropical plants including orchids, bromeliads, bananas, coffee, cardamom, passion fruit and more!
Discovery World Tropical Forest is the only three level live butterfly experience in Australasia, allowing visitors to experience it from above, through the centre (via an amazing glass swing bridge) and at the forest floor. Hot (around 30 degrees) and humid (around 80% humidity), the Tropical Forest is guaranteed to be the hottest place in town
12. Otago Settlers Museum
One of New Zealand’s finest social history museums, the Otago Settlers Museum stands to the south of Dunedin’s Railway Station and forms and integral part of the historic Queens Gardens precinct. The museums permanent and temporary exhibitions feature the rich cultural diversity of Otago’s people. The visitor can explore themes of cultural interaction, technological innovation and developments in everyday life.
Here you can discover what makes Otago unique. People have come from all corners of the earth to settle in Dunedin and the wider area of Otago. From Southern Maori to Scottish pioneers and hard- working Chinese gold miners, this is a place of staunch individuals and vibrant communities. Come and experience Otago's history for yourself.
The museum was founded to mark the 50th anniversary of the planned Scottish settlement of Dunedin. A purpose-built gallery was opened in 1908 and is still part of today's museum, carefully retained as an Edwardian-style showcase for the display of early settler portraits, furniture and memorabilia.
13. Dunedin Public Art Gallery
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery, located in the heart of the city, is one of the finest in the country. The Gallery houses an impressive collection of New Zealand works covering the period from 1860 to the present. The Gallery also has significant holdings of historical European art, Japanese prints and decorative arts.
The Gallery maintains an impressive and varied programme of regularly changing exhibitions. This focuses strongly on the very best of local and New Zealand art, with touring overseas exhibitions and short-term artists’ residencies contributing an international component to the programme.
We present a wide-ranging events programme of lectures, floor talks, film and video screenings, performances and workshops. Guided tours are available for key exhibitions or by arrangement. The Gallery’s very popular education programme attracts school groups from all over the Otago region and beyond.
14. Otago Farmers Market
Situated in the car park of the historic Dunedin Railway Station, the Otago Farmers Market offers the freshest and best of Otago’s wonderful fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, eggs, wine and many other products including delicious, healthy foods. Up to 75 vendors are present every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm with all vendors passionate about the product they have grown, raised, made and prepared. Since the market began in March 2003 it has grown to become a weekly event on Dunedinites calendars. Features of the market include Havoc Pork (who travel in every weekend from Waimate), Who Ate All The Pies, Organicland (organic beef, veal and lamb), The Gourmet Ice Cream Company (with there famous “Speight’s Old Dark Ice Cream), Evansdale Cheese, Indigo Bakeries, Basecamp (Wild Salami), Blue Water Products (fresh fish) and the Otago organic Group (organic herbs and vegetables). The Otago Farmers Market Trust has a policy where they “have plenty of everything but not too much of anything”.
15. DunedinRhododendron Festival
Held annually, towards the end of October, the Dunedin Rhododendron Festival includes a variety of events over 4 days with highlights including Gardening in the Kitchen with well known food identity Judith Cullen, Cargill’s Garden Tours and Floral Designs at Gladbrook Station, in Middlemarch. Dunedin‘s climate is ideal for the growth of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and can be seen in abundance throughout residential areas as well as Dunedin’s three gardens of National Significance – Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Larnach Castle and Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens. Private homes open their doors to the public. Photographers compete for best floral image and guest speaker’s debate and entertain. A time when the city is ablaze with colour and whether you do some organised event or simply take a stroll in the Rhododendron Dell at the Botanic Gardens, it’s a time and a season in Dunedin that should not to be missed
16. Middlemarch
Middlemarch is a small town (pop. 300) within the limits of Dunedin City. 80kms west of Dunedin City, Middlemarch sits at the foot of the Rock and Pillar Ranges in the broad Strath Taieri valley through which flows the upper reaches of the Taieri River.
Middlemarch is mainly a service town for the local farming community it also provides the starting point for the Otago Central Rail Trail. The natural beauty of the area is set up perfectly for recreational activities. There are various walks through the Rock and Pillar ranges and Sutton Salt Lake, New Zealand’s only inland salt lake. The Taieri River, New Zealand’s third longest, has a variety of great spots for the recreational fisherman with Brown Trout and Salmon being the most notable species found.
17. Dunedin Railway Station
The ‘Gingerbread House’ Glory of Dunedin Railway Station was opened in 1906. Its sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments earned architect George A. Troup the nickname of ''Gingerbread George''. Troup designed the Dunedin station in the Flemish Renaissance style, similar to that of Otago University and the nearby Law Courts. It is built
of Kokonga basalt with Oamaru limestone facings and incorporates a variety of shapes, textures and materials. The building went through a major restoration in 1999 to bring it back to its former glory.
This is reputably the most photographed building in New Zealand; however it is without doubt a beautiful building.
18. Cadbury Chocolate Carnival
Held annually in the second week of July school holidays, the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival has been a major part of Dunedin’s event calendar for the past 7 years. Dunedin has been the home of Cadbury’s in New Zealand for over 70 years and the factory is visited by over 100 000 visitors a year. The highlight for many is the Cadbury Jaffa race down the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street. 20 000 Jaffa’s are rolled down raising nearly $70 000 for charity. Each individual Jaffa is numbered and sold to the general public and businesses for $1 per Jaffa. Prizes include travel, a mobile phone, an accommodation package and Cadbury chocolate hampers.
There is something for everyone during the week. Choc-Art of Creativity Classes will be on for the children where they will have the opportunity to chip and shave a chocolate block into a stunning sculpture – plus keep the chocolate sculpture at the end of course. Chocolate art classes will also run throughout the week including painting, decorating and moulding.
The Chocolate, Jazz and Shiraz evening is held at The Atrium on George at Cargill’s Hotel. The evening provides the opportunity to indulge in some smooth live jazz tunes while enjoying a three course meal, superb wine and Cadbury chocolate treats. During the evenings live entertainment will be present at Dunedin’s only professional theatre, the Fortune Theatre. The carnival is completed with the Cadbury Chocolate Cabaret. The evening is full of surprises and chocolate, the perfect combination for an unforgettable night, and the perfect culmination to a week of Cadbury chocolate celebration.
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Dunedin is located on the South East coast of the South Island. It is a city nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a spectacular harbour.
By Josh Jenkins