‘Edinburgh of the South’

Dunedin the Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere retains a distinctly Scottish flavour, from the street layouts around the city centre through to bagpipers and a  Haggis Ceremony. Indeed the name Dunedin is the Scottish Gaelic translation for Edinburgh.

Originally settled in 1848 the city has stood the test of time and now has a population of 121,000 people. Wonderful Edwardian and Victorian buildings grace the octagonal layout of the city's streets, a legacy of early settlement when thousands of gold prospectors flocked to the city around 1861 when news spread of a large gold find. The gold lasted for around 10 years, this period became known as the "Central Otago Gold Rush" making Dunedin the largest and most prosperous town in New Zealand for a while.

University students provide the entire city with a youthful and energetic atmosphere. The University of Otago, New Zealand's first university established in 1869, currently has some 19,000 students enrolled with campuses in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Many cafes, bars and sporting clubs cater all year round to their exuberant energy thus providing for a vibrant youth culture.
 

Music is also a part of this youth culture with many local bands and entertainers playing at local establishments. Dunedin bands have a distinct style all their own, the inspiration of Flying Nun Records which originated in the city. Another distinction about Dunedin is its obsession with rugby. The city has been known to attract 80,000 spectators to a match!

Today the city provides many activities for the visitor and locals alike. Olveston House and Larnach’s Castle are New Zealand’s two most stately homes and both in Dunedin! The Dunedin Art Gallery in the heart of the Octagon is quite possibly better than the National Gallery in Wellington and the city boasts two very fine museums, the Otago Museum and the Otago Settlers Museum. Two of the city’s most enjoyable tours are the Speight’s Brewery tour and Cadbury World, both with free samples! Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours provide the ultimate thrill for nature lovers who will see Albatross, Seals and Penguins who all call the city limits home. Maybe they are rugby lovers too! If you have the time to include a day tour on the Taieri Gorge Limited train to the quant town of Middlemarch you will be rewarded with stunning mountain, river and wildlife views. The train departs from New Zealand’s grandest railway station which is worth an inspection even if you aren’t travelling.

After a busy day of sightseeing you can enjoy a live show at Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre, home to the city’s professional theatre company.

With so much to see and do in Dunedin you really should allow at least two days stay in town. The city also has the South Island’s best shopping as there are no shopping malls sucking the lifeblood from the city’s heart.

Dunedin has excellent backpacker’s accommodation as well as a wide choice of motels and hotels. Compared to other locations Dunedin hotel rates are usually good value as many people overlook the city which is a genuine mistake.

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