Dunedin

This city was founded by Scottish settlers in 1848 at the head of the Otago Harbour. It is built on a limited area of flat land, and housing has spread over the hills and beyond. It had a sudden increase in wealth when gold was discovered in Central Otago in 1861. This resulted in some fine buildings being built in the city . Dunedin has kept its old buildings and many of its Victorian and Edwardian houses and a walk around the city is of great interest to anyone exploring the history of architecture.

Dunedin - Railway Station [ A Landmark ] - Credit- Peter Hunt

Dunedin is a university city and the fine buildings of the University of Otago are close to the city centre

Close to the university is the Otago Museum. well worth a visit. A short distance further north the Dunedin Botanic Gardens spead over the hillside and s particular attraction in the spring is the rhododendron dell.

On the Otago Peninsula a mansion in the style of a Scottish baronial castle was built in 1871 by William Larnach and the present owners open it to the public.

The albatross colony at Taiaroa Head is across the water from Dunedin's port at Port Chamlmers. It is possible to book to visit the colony except at breeding times or when there are no birds to be seen.

Of course the city has a range of good accommodation and restaurants, fine swimming baths, sports grounds and pleasant walks, especially in the Town Belt - a green area half way up the hills behind the inner city.