Dunedin

Dunedin - Scarfies

Today Dunedin is very much a university town famous for it's 'scarfies', the local student population. It's also still home to a distillery and a brewery both of which can be visited.

Otago Peninsula

The prize jewel in Dunedin's crown is the Otago peninsular. This remote weather beaten headland is home to a plethora of native sea birds and marine mammals. Tairoa head at the tip of the peninsular is home to the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal albatross in the world. These massive birds have a wing span of around 3m and are thought to travel nearly 200,000 km per year, that's nearly eight times around the world! The viewing centre is closed during the breeding season from mid September until towards the end of November.

Wildlife in Otago

The peninsular is also host to numerous other forms of wildlife including fur seals, Hooker Sea Lions, (the rarest in the world), and occasionally leopard and elephant seals. There's also a wide variety of penguins including the hoiho, fijordland crested, erect crested, Snares island and from time to time you may get lucky and see an emperor or royal penguin. An excellent way to check out the very best of this areas is with an informative, knowledgeable guide. Natures Wonderland Tours are totally passionate about their 'back yard' they offer trips around the rugged coastline by an eight wheel argo all terrain vehicle giving you an experience you're not likely to forget.

From Dunedin to Christchurch

The drive from Dunedin to Chirstchurch takes about 5 hours if you drive directly. There are some great spots to stop at along the way which is an excellent way to break the monotony of the long straight roads of the coastal plains.

For the avid nature lover, there's a yellow eyed penguin observation hide at Shag point about 70km north of Dunedin. The only draw back is you can only see them at dawn or in the evening when they travel between their burrows and the ocean.

Moeraki Boulders

Moeraki features a number of large round boulders scattered in the sea. Legend has it these rocks are gourds that spilled into the sea when the great voyaging waka Araiteuru crashed against the rocks.

Oamaru

Oamaru flourished during the Otago gold rushes of the 1860's, it's grand limestone buildings, expertly crafted from local stone, a reminder of when the streets were awash with the buzz of people returning from the gold fields with pockets laden and the excitement of those about to set off and seek their fortune. Stop and go for a wander around the port area, it's a great insight into N.Z. life during the height of the Victorian era. Oamaru is also home to a colony of Blue penguins, the worlds smallest penguin. The Blue penguins stay at the same colony year round so there are always some there.The best time of the year to view is between Sep and Jan. Like the yellow eyed penguin they also only travel between their burrows & the see at dawn and dusk.

Did you know?

Larnach Castle, - 'Castle of lies'. The history of Larnach castle reads something more like a modern day soap opera than an exsert from the annals of Dunedins history. William Larnoch built the castle in 1871 for his wife. The construction took 200 workmen 3 years to complete and 12 years for the interior to be completed by European craftsman. Sadly, despite all efforts, his unhappy wife didn't like the castle and he had to provide alternate accommodation in the town. Mrs Larnoch passed away, her ghost is believed to still inhabit the castle & she's not very happy! It turns out after she died Mr Larnoch then married her sister. But wait, that's not all, poor Mr Larnach was to find more unhappiness when his second wife passed away. He married for the third time only to discover his new wife was having an affair with his second son. It all got too much for William who ended up shooting himself in the parliament buildings. His son Donald also later committed suicide.