Dunedin Itinerary
The Otago Peninsula, just 20 minutes drive from Dunedin, is renowned for its unique wildlife colonies and New Zealand's only castle, Larnach.
Start the day in Dunedin's heart, the Octagon, where a superb collection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture includes the Dunedin Railway Station (Flemish Renaissance style), the Dunedin High Court, First Church, St Paul's Cathedral and the Municipal Chambers feature. Drive past the stately historic home of
Olveston on Royal Terrace, which is open to the general public.
Drive along North Road to Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street, and continue to Signal Hill Lookout for views over city, peninsula and harbour. Start the Otago Peninsula journey by taking Highcliff Road along the top ridge of the rolling green hills, alongside stonewalled farms. Enjoy spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean, peninsula beaches and Otago Harbour.
Call at
Larnach Castle to see the stately home and its 14ha of manicured gardens, before continuing on to Hoopers and Papanui Inlets, which are home to a large variety of wading and water birds. Carry onto Portobello, a small seaside village where craft outlets and the Westpac Aquarium can be found.
Further along Harington Point Road is
Penguin Place - a yellow-eyed penguin conservation site offering a 90-minute tour. Close at hand is the
Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, the world's only mainland albatross colony. Small groups are guided through the interpretive displays before moving on to the main observation area to see these birds in their natural environment.
Head back along Harington Point Road to Wellers Rock Jetty, one of the ports of call for
Monarch Wildlife Cruises. A series of one-hour cruises on the Otago Harbour focuses on the geology, wildlife and history of Taiaroa Head and surrounding coastline.
Return to
Dunedin along Harington Point Road and Portobello Road (45 minutes).