Dunedin - The Wildlife City
Set at the head of beautiful Otago Harbour, Dunedin is famous for its Scottish heritage and its stately heritage buildings. But if you’re looking for a destination that combines a lively city culture with incredible natural scenery and wildlife, Dunedin is the place for you.
Dunedin is a lure for nature lovers who come to visit the magnificent wilderness area of the Otago Peninsula. Stretching down the southern edge of Otago Harbour, the peninsula is an easy drive from the central city, and renowned as one of New Zealand’s most precious eco tourism areas.
A round trip of the peninsula (64km) takes you past lush green pastures, bays and inlets, sandy beaches and rugged hills. A handy route is to take the harbourside road out to Taiaroa Heads and return to Dunedin via Highcliff Road, which offers panoramic views. En route, you’ll discover unique opportunities to view a remarkable range of wildlife including New Zealand’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, the world’s rarest penguin – the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), native sealions plus a wide variety of water and wading birds. Of course you don’t have to confine your explorations to the land. Enjoy a wildlife cruises which will take you up close and personal to this wonderful wildlife from the water.
You’ll also find some pleasant walks and detours to divert you along the way. Don’t miss exploring the Peninsula’s colourful history with a visit to stately
Larnach Castle, or stop off for a stroll through the stunning Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens. There are plenty of cafes, villages, studios and craft outlets to discover as well.
Go Cruising:
Monarch Wildlife ToursWatch the mighty albatross swoop in from the ocean, and see native fur seals, penguins and water birds as you cruise Dunedin’s harbour.
Stop & See:
Speights BreweryJoin Speights Brewery in a daily guided tour at Dunedin’s historic 1876 brewery, and get to bottle, label and pack your own Speight’s beer.
Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
Explore 30 acres of peaceful harbourside gardens and enjoy the colourful displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and fuchsias. (Garden tours can be arranged by appointment). Located at 430 Portobello Road, Otago Peninsula.
Larnach Castle
Explore the rooms of New Zealand’s only castle, set in 14 hectares of beautiful gardens. Located on Camp Road, Otago Peninsula
The Westpac Trust AquariumFeed the fish and see octopus, crayfish, sharks, seahorses and more on the daily guided tour at 10.30am. Located at Hatchery Road, Portobello.
Penguin PlaceTake a guided tour through the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve for some close up viewing of the rare and beautiful birds at this award-winning eco adventure. Located at Harrington Point, Otago Peninsula
Royal Albatross Centre
Your chance to get up close these huge sea birds, which boast a 3 metre wing span. The centre has a café and giftshop. Located at Tairoa Heads.
Useful sites:
www.dunedinnz.com - Tourism Dunedin’s official website
www.cityofdunedin.com - Visitor information, news, events and features
Upcoming Events:
Dunedin Rhododendron Festival, October–November
During the main flowering season (September to November) the city’s public and private gardens are ablaze with colour. People enjoy the festive week of activities, guest speakers and garden tours.
Dunedin Food and Wine Festival, March
Students, residents and visitors enjoy new tastes by local restaurants, food producers, winemakers and breweries.
Scottish Week, March
The city highlights its Scottish traditions with concerts, activities, Highland and Scottish dancing, pipe bands, genealogy research, public dances and more.
Dunedin PGA Golf Classic, March
Set at the stunning Chisholm Park Golf Links by the sea.