Dunedin City - South Island, New Zealand

Sitting at the head of Otago Harbour, a sheltered harbour framed by rugged hills, Dunedin is New Zealand's Scottish city, founded by Scottish settlers in the 1848.

The hub of the city is the Octagon, a green tree-filled oasis surrounded by a number of fine, architecturally diverse buildings. Gold rush wealth in the later half of the 19th century produced a grand Victorian city, which is evident in the graceful stone Victorian buildings.

The Octagon is home to the world class Dunedin Public Art Gallery, with international and local collections as well as visiting international exhibitions.

The city is home to 20,000 students at the country's oldest university "the University of Otago" which ensures a lively arts scene and gives good cause for Dunedin to be considered a cultural and intellectual centre.

The city is renowned for its nightlife - from excellent restaurants and cafes to cosy Scottish pubs, there are plenty of ways to spend an evening. Shopping in the central city is also excellent - Dunedin is renowned for fashion designers who are gradually putting Dunedin on the international fashion map. There is even a Passion for Fashion Walk.

Dunedin has one very recent attraction to add to its list - an authentic Chinese Garden, one of only three that exist outside of China. This sanctuary was built to recognise the presence of Chinese immigrants in the city. The garden was actually built in China, then reassembled onsite. It has pebbled mosaics, lacquered pavilions, bridges, a limestone mountain, a Ming gate and a zigzag bridge.

Dunedin City Activities

In contrast to the city, a day out on the Otago Peninsular offers a wide variety of attractions with wide open white sandy beaches and a likely encounter with a local sea lion, fur seal or yellow eyed penguin.

There are numerous walking tracks with breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean. But the best view to be had is the spotting of a royal albatross. These regal birds have a wingspan of up to three metres and reside on the tip of the Otago Peninsular at the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony over the winter months to mind their chicks.

Dunedin City Accommodation

There is a wide choice of accommodation in Dunedin. There are some hotels in the city centre and many motels in the centre and dotted around the city. The best B&B's and homestays are in the hillside suburbs just out of the city centre.

There are plenty of backpackers hostels and a selection of campsites. For a rural outlook, there are places to stay out on the Otago Peninsular. Booking ahead in summer is recommended.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Dunedin city accommodation and Dunedin city activities allowing you and your family/friends to have a fantastic holiday in the action packed city of Dunedin.