DUNEDIN TOURISM AND TRAVEL OVERVIEW:
It is the second largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and is
blessed with inspiring nearby seascapes and wildlife. With New Zealands oldest
university, and a thriving youth culture and rock music scene, abundant pubs,
cafes and bars, this is the place for a lively night life as well as discovering
the history of early European settlement. It is also home to some of New
Zealand's top fashion designers along with vibrant cafes and bars.
Dunedin is a coastal city in the province of Otago and is surrounded by
beautiful beaches with some of the best surfing in the country. However, the
Octagon, at the center of town, is the city's hub. Memorable for its historical
architecture, Dunedin is hailed as one of the most preserved Victorian and
Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. For historical and cultural
reasons, Dunedin is considered to be one of the four main centers of New
Zealand.
LOCATION:
Dunedin is located on the South East Coast of the South Island of New
Zealand, 280 km (175 mi) east of Queenstown, 362 km (226 mi) south of
Christchurch.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF DUNEDIN AND SIGHTSEEING:
Public Art Gallery - Dunedin Tourism:
This Gallery was opened in 1996 with lovely display spaces. The galleries
are distinguished by native wood parquet flooring and hand crafted wrought iron,
while natural light streams into the glass ceiling foyer. There is a huge
collection of European masters such as Turner and Gainsborough, along with New
Zealand and Otago artists. The museum also regularly mounts innovative
contemporary shows.
Dunedin Railway Station:
This is a massive bluestone structure in Flemish Renaissance style, lavishly
decorated with heraldic beasts, coats of arms, nymphs, scrolls, a mosaic floor
and even stained glass windows portraying steaming locomotives. The station has
far outlived the steam engine and for all its magnificence receives few trains
these days.
Otago Museum:
The museum's first curator was a zoologist, and many of the original animals
collected from 1868 are still on display. Other galleries focus on Maori and
pacific Island artifacts, animal and insect specimens, and natural items,
including ship models and Whale skeleton. One exhibit that should not be missed
is the Otago history hall, with it's exhibits on the 2.5 meter tall moa, the
greatest bird that ever lived. Located adjacent to Otago University in North
Dunedin, Otago Museum is an excellent place to visit.
Olveston Mansion - Dunedin Tourism:
This mansion was built between 1904 and 1906 for a wealthy businessman and a
patron of art who amassed a massive collection of antiques and contemporary
furnishings. The house and its furnishings are undoubtedly a treasure from an
elegant age. It looks more like a mansion of England rather than of New Zealand.
You must take a one-hour guided tour.
Cadbury World:
While walking on Dunedin's central streets, its hard to miss the aroma coming
from the Cadbury chocolate factory, which produces most New Zealand made
chocolate. You can actually see candy being made and don't miss the chocolate
waterfall.
DINING:
Some of the popular restaurants of Dunedin are - Bell Pepper Blue, The Ale
House Bar & Restaurant, Palms Restaurant, Abalone, Two Chefs.
HOTELS:
Some of the good hotels in Dunedin are -, Dunedin City Hotel, Scenic Circle,
Corstorphine House, Otago Peninsula Motel, 858 George Street, The Brothers
Boutique Hotel, Hyland House, Southern Cross Hotel, Lisburn House.
SHOPPING:
Dunedin Tourism offers great shopping. It is popular for its art products, some of the good places for buying
these products are -
The Marshell Seifert Gallery:
This is a triangle shaped building with a dizzying spiral staircase, it is
overflowing with rare and collectible fine art, antiques, prints and
contemporary New Zealand art history.
Milford Galleries - Dunedin Tourism:
This is the largest fine art-dealer gallery in New Zealand. The gallery has
the work of every major artist of New Zealand.
Dunedin is truly a remarkable travel and tourism destination.
