Coastal Dunedin & Otago
Dunedin, named after the old Gaelic for Edinburgh, is proud of its Scottish heritage. The city enjoys a beautiful location at the head of Otago Harbour, and beyond the city environs lie the wildlife colonies of the Otago Peninsula. The peninsula forms the southern boundary of the harbour and is home to the royal albatross, penguins, seals, shags and migratory birds, giving Dunedin a reputation as the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Other attractions on the peninsula include historic sites, lovely gardens and famous
Larnach Castle. To the north of the city, the beautiful coast takes in
Moeraki, famous for its giant boulders, and historic
Oamaru with its blue penguin colony. To the South lies
Balclutha, the gateway to the
Catlins Coast.
Attractions:
- Royal Albatross Colony
Taiaroa Head, at the eastern end of Otago Harbour, is the only place in the world where the giant Northern Royal breed on an inhabited mainland. The birds stand 76cm high, with an average wing span of 3 metres.
- Larnach Castle
New Zealand's only castle was built during the 1870s, and visitors can also stroll through its 13ha of elegant gardens and grounds.
- Penguins
See the yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho) - the world's rarest - from a series of tunnels and hides at Penguin Place on Otago Peninusla.
- Portobello
This small seaside village on the Otago Peninsula is popular for its craft outlets and aquarium.
- NZ Marine Studies Centre
New Zealand's southern marine species are displayed in specially designed touch tanks.
- Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
Located at 430 Portobello Road, the garden has 120sq km of garden and bushland surrounding an historic homestead. There are magnificent rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, roses, fuchsias and magnolias, as well as a licensed café on site.
- Moeraki Boulders
These large, pearl-shaped boulders are found on the beachfront at the fishing village of Moeraki. Almost spherical, the rocks once lay deep in the mudstone cliffs that back the beach.
- Oamaru
North of Dunedin, historic Oamaru is known for its beautiful historic buildings crafted from the local creamy-white limestone.
- Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
See the little blue penguins as they make their way ashore each evening at Oamaru.
- Balclutha
Dominated by its giant bridge which spans the mighty Clutha River, Balclutha is South Otago's largest town and the gateway to the beautiful Catlins Coast.