Dunedin

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Introduction

Railway Station in Dunedin

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Dunedin (Ōtepoti in Maori) is located on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, on the Otago Peninsula. It is home to numerous 19th century buildings from an era when it was New Zealand's largest city. It is home to the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university and the South Island's largest employer. During the university summer holiday (November - February), the city is notably quieter as a result.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

• Dunedin Railway Station is the city's most important architectural building.
• Otago University is the country's oldest university. There are some nice grounds to walk around and good local cafés and bars nearby.
• The Royal Albatross colony at Taiaroa Head is the world's only mainland nesting site of albatrosses.
• Otago Museum was founded in 1868 and has a collection of 2 million+ artifacts and specimens from the fields of natural science and human history.
• Otago Settlers Museum.
• Dunedin Public Art Gallery is New Zealand's oldest public art gallery and houses a considerable collection of works from various eras by New Zealand and overseas artists. It has one of the largest collections of works by Frances Hodgkins, who was born in the city.
• Carisbrook is the city's main sporting venue, and a good place to catch some rugby.
• Otakou marae is a Maori church / meeting-house that gave the Otago Peninsula its name.
• Larnach Castle
• Cadbury World, run by the Cadbury Chocolate Company, allows an insight into the running of a chocolate factory. Full tours (75 mins) run from Monday to Friday and cost $18 per adult (16+), $12 per child and free for under 5 year olds. On the weekends a shortened tour (45 mins) costs $12 per adult and $7 per child. The tours run from 9am to 3.15pm, with extended hours during school holidays.
• Speight's offers tours of its brewery. $19 for adults, $7 for children (under 18), free for children under 5. Tours run at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 6pm and 7pm Mondays-Thursdays. Friday to Sunday they run at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. ^[1]

Events and Festivals

• The Southern Festival of Speed is a classic car road-race run in January.
• Every other February, checkers players meet in Dunedin for the New Zealand Masters Games.
• The Dunedin Summer Festival is held in February.
• Id Dunedin Fashion Week is in March.
• Capping week (University of Otago) including the Capping Show is run by the Otago University Students' Association in May.
• The Otago Rally (May).
• New Zealand International Science Festival (every other year in July).
• Taste Otago Dunedin Food and Wine Festival (July).
• Cadbury Chocolate Carnival (July).
• Dunedin International Film Festival (July-August).
• Samstock Music Festival (September).
• Otago Festival of the Arts (and Fringe Festival) (every other year in October).
• Rhododendron Week (October).
• Santa Parade (December).
• Whare Flat Folk Festival (December-January).
• New Year's Eve Party Octagon (December).

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Dunedin International Airport (DUD) has a number of flights. Air New Zealand flies to/from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.
Virgin Blue, operated by Pacific Blue, flies to/from Christchurch, Auckland and Brisbane.

By Train

The Taieri Gorge Railway journey, and the Pacific Coast Railway journey to Palmerston and back are the main scenic railway journeys.

By Car

By Bus

Intercity has buses to Oamaru (1,5 hours), Christchurch (6 hours), Queenstown (4,5 hours), Te Anau (4,5 hours) and Invercargill (4 hours).
Southern Link goes to Christchurch and Oamaru and Coastline Tours goes to Oamaru as well.
Naked Bus connects Dunedin with Christchurch, Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill. Bottom Bus does a circuit to Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown and back to Dunedin. Catlins Coaster goes to Invercargill, returning via the Catlins.
There are quite a few more shuttle bus services going to the places mentioned above, and also to Wanaka.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

• University of Otago - the oldest university of the country.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post