New Zealand’s oldest city has plenty to offer. Here are 10 reasons to visit this winter.
1. Butterfly House
This tiny oasis of warm tropical rainforest in the rugged south is the perfect escape in the chilly winter months.
Dunedin’s younger visitors will love the colour of the butterflies, turtles and other exotic creatures, but for adults the butterfly garden has a Zen quality about it that makes it the perfect break form the bustle of the city.
2. Botanic Gardens
Dunedin’s extensive botanic gardens are nestled between the student area and the North East valley, and feature an Aviary, a glass and many more botanical marvels. This is particularly pretty when the daffodils, cherry trees or rhododendrons are in flower.
3. Preservation Society
Beware, this is hands down the best op shop ever and if you leave without buying something, you’ve certainly got some willpower. The selection of clothing from the 1900s is breath-taking and the design of the shop is enough to warrant a browse.
The staff know their products and can often tell you the story of any item you pick.
St Kilda beach
4. St Kilda
Although the beach is a popular surf spot for locals, St Kilda also has a pleasant offering of cosy cafes that you can shelter from the cold in. Starfish, Esplanade and Salt are all great options for getting tucked away and face out onto the Antarctic. A jacket is highly recommended.
5. Royal Albatross Centre
The centre is the place to go to see the only mainland breeding colony of Albatross in the world. There are also Tiki tours and blue penguin (the cutest things ever) viewings from the centre.
6. Tunnel Beach
I have already mentioned Dunedin’s beaches, and they are beautiful. Tunnel beach is one of the best, not because it is only 7.5 kilometres from the city but purely because of the thrill of descending down through a long, thin stone tunnel cut through the middle of the cliff. If you are feeling brave, go at night and turn off your torch when you reach the sand – the rock alcove is the perfect star viewing location with no lights for miles around.
Stargazing in Dunedin
7. Southern Lights
On a cold clear night, when the solar weather is right, you can go out to the south facing beaches and see the lesser known kin of Aurora Borealis: our very own Aurora, Aurora Australis, only viewable from a few places outside of Antarctica.
To check the conditions, download an Aurora tracking app. They are still a rare sight, but it is worth keeping tabs on, because if you manage to see the southern lights, you will never forget them.
8. Larnach Castle
It is New Zealand’s only castle, so we’re lucky it’s a good one. It was constructed in 1871 for a local businessman and politician and added to up until 1887, including a ballroom for his daughter’s 21st birthday. Take a stroll through the gardens and chat to one of the tour guides about the castle’s rich history – it’s as scandalous as any period drama.
9. Olveston House
Another historic home well worth a visit is Olveston House. Though Olveston is not a castle, the décor in this house is just as grand as that of Larnach. The house is beautifully furnished and has all the mod-cons of 100 years ago including an electric toaster and internal telephone system (so quaint.)
Again, the tour guides are your best source of information about this cool little time capsule. However, there are also croquet events, tea in the garden and picnics served on the lawn if you would prefer to get a taste of life in 1907.
10. Cadbury World
This place is full of chocolate. And you get given samples. Need we say more?
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