Dunedin (East Antarctica Embarkation Point) Travel Guide
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Many of the ships that set sail for East Antarctica do so from Dunedin, which is widely regarded as the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage city in the southern hemisphere. It is also home to some of New Zealand's top fashion designers and vibrant cafes and bars. The Clock Tower at the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest and most pre-eminent University, tolls the hours for the lively students who make up almost a fifth of the city's population.
Otago Peninsula, is renowned for the world's only mainland albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head and various other ocean bird, seal and penguin species, including one of the world's rarest, the yellow eyed penguin. The rugged but welcoming hinterland can be accessed via the Taieri Gorge Railway which enables a link to Middlemarch and the Otago Central Rail Trail. Alternatively it scales the cliff tops to provide spectacular views of Port Chalmers and the Pacific Ocean coastline on its Seaside route.
Dunedin is located on the south east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a city nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a spectacular harbour. Dunedin is the centre of and gateway to the Otago region. Dunedin's geographic boundaries extend to Lake Waihola in the south, Waikouaiti in the north, Middlemarch in the west and Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula in the east.
Attractions in Dunedin (East Antarctica Embarkation Point)
There are many things to do and see in and around Dunedin. Tiaroa Head, on the Otago Peninsula, is the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross, large majestic seabirds with a wingspan of 3 metres and Dunedin is home to the world's rarest penguin, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin or ‘Hoiho’.
A city of firsts, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s first botanic garden, University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university and the first in New Zealand to admit women to all their classes, whilst Otago Girls High School is the longest established girls' high school in the Southern Hemisphere and said to be the sixth oldest in the world.
Baldwin Street is the steepest street in the world, don't miss the city railway station and Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle. Not far away, Lake Sutton in Middlemarch is New Zealand's only inland saltlake.
Activities in Dunedin (East Antarctica Embarkation Point)
Dunedin is a sporting paradise. Fancy a game of golf? There are 12 golf courses. You can fish off the coast, catch salmon in the harbour and there's trout in Lake Mahinerangi and the Taieri and Waikouaiti rivers. Dunedin is world-famous for its surfing and the harbour is gaining a big reputation for windsurfing. There's mountain biking on Signal Hill and in the mountains behind the city.
Facilities include the new international-class velodrome in Mosgiel, artificial hockey turf, Moana Pool and Aquatic Centre, Caledonian athletics and soccer stadium, bowls stadium, Forbury Raceway, a tennis centre, the Dunedin Ice Stadium and the giant indoor Edgar Centre for a variety of sports, including netball and tennis. Then there's Carisbrook, home of the blue and gold Otago and Highlanders rugby supporters and scene of many great All Black rugby and Black Cap cricket victories.
Picturesque golf courses, fishing opportunities, and stunning walking and biking trails only add to the diverse range of opportunities that Dunedin offers.
The Otago Central Rail Trail is a unique recreational facility and tourism attraction which preserves, largely intact, 150km of the former railway line, an important part of Otago's history. It is now available for use by walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders who can enjoy the unique Central Otago scenery and experience a sense of remoteness and history in the South Island of New Zealand.
Relaxing
The cafes spill out onto the pavement in the Octagon, Dunedin's unique version of a "town square". Along George and Princes Streets, the main shopping thoroughfare, small cafes exude a tempting aroma of coffee. Explore the side streets and suburbs too for cafe options.
Getting Around
Dunedin is a very accessible city, but is also hilly. If you arrive in the city and do not have a vehicle, bus transportation and taxi companies can be used.
Distances to places of interest in Dunedin are not great, therefore taxis are reasonably cheap by New Zealand standards.
There are a number of tour companies who give you the opportunity to experience Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula without the hassle of organising it yourself. Choose from a structured tour with a set itinerary or have the flexibility of hopping on and off at various attractions around the city.
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