Dunedin Architecture
Dunedin was founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. These buildings incorporate a diverse array of styles, including the Italianate clock-tower of the Municipal Chambers, the grandiose Flemish Renaissance railway station, the Gothic revival-styled First Church and the Victorian architecture of New Zealand's first university, Otago. Tudor, Jacobean, Georgian, Carpenter, Gothic and Arts and Crafts styles also feature. Dunedin is regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the Commonwealth.
Landmark Buildings:
- Olveston
This stately Edwardian mansion was the turn-of-the-century home of wealthy Dunedin businessman David Edward Theomin and his family. The 4-storey manor contains period furniture and chattels, and houses several international treasures.
- Larnach Castle
Built in the style of a Scottish baronial manor, New Zealand's only castle stands on a knoll looking out to the Otago Heads. The mansion, complete with turrets, was built in the 1870s by Dunedin banker and financier William Larnach for his wife, who was of French royal descent. It is surrounded by 14 hectares of gardens and grounds.
- Dunedin Railway Station
An Edwardian-styled building with vast mosaic-tiled floors and stained-glass windows. The station is the starting point for the historic Taieri Gorge trip.
- First Church
Built in 1873, during the height of the gothic revival, the church was designed by prominent Dunedin archtiect R. A. Lawson. Lawson also designed Otago Boys' High School, the Municipal Chambers and the Trinity Methodist (1869) and Knox Presbyterian (1876) churches.
- Modelled on the University of Glasgow, the university's gracious buildings date from 1878 and reflect the typical characteristics of Victorian design.
- Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
Located 10 kilometres south east of the city centre, this beautiful homestead was built during the 1860s for Dunedin businessman George Gray Russell, but has been altered considerably since then. The gardens are planted with rhododendrons, azaleas and roses, with Japanese bridges and peacocks.