Location : 283km (south of Queenstown); 366km (south of Christchurch); 220km (north of Invercargill)
Dunedin is New Zealand's fourth-largest city and is the main centre of Otago, a region recognised for its spectacular scenery. Dunedin, the city of grace and grandeur is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Dunedin, a Southern Gem is a city by the sea. It has white sand beaches, bush clad hills, tidal inlets and volcanic landforms. Last century, when Dunedin was New Zealand's commercial capital, the foundations were laid for its strong tradition in education which today remains as one of the city's most impressive qualities. The heart of the city is lined with restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Modern shopping complexes trade alongside boutiques, galleries and weekly craft markets. Things are often a little different down here. Imagine a kilt shop in New Zealand, and a thriving population of alternative musicians and artists, a castle, New Zealand's only whisky distillery, a haggis maker, a colony of albatross, some of the best student pubs in the country, and a chocolate factory !

Dunedin's dramatic hills surround a long, natural harbour, which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. Later from its humble beginnings as a small Scottish settlement in 1848 (settled by the original 344 Scottish immigrants under the Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland), Dunedin grew rapidly with the discovery of gold in the Otago hinterland in 1860. More recently the area was settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China. City of Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture, regarded as the best collection in the Southern Hemisphere. The Flemish Renaissance-styled railway station (New Zealand's most photographed building) is one outstanding example. The city is equally renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife and Unique wildlife experiences.

The University of Otago:- Dunedin is also New Zealand's first University City, with educational buildings and traditions that are still the envy of the country. Founded in 1869, New Zealand's oldest and largest university "The University of Otago" gives Dunedin its reputation as a centre of learning. The energy and creativity of the vibrant student culture adds fun to daily life in Dunedin.

Penguin Place:- Home of the World's rarest Yellow Eyed Penguins (Hoiho). Penguin Place takes you on a guided tour through the colony for some close up viewing of these beautiful birds. Covered trenches and observation huts will hide us so the penguins will not be frightened and we can observe them going about their daily business unperturbed by our presence.

This Reserve is a private conservation effort to save one of the world's most endangered penguins, the Yellow-Eyed, from extinction. Penguin Place offers you the opportunity to visit a working conservation programme and to experience and photograph undisturbed penguin activity at close range through a unique system of hides and tunnels. Every Penguin here has it's own personality: each is banded with a metal ring around the right flipper and they each have names. Each is thus known to us, protected individually and each life story is recorded.

Larnach Castle:- the only castle in the Southern Hemisphere Discover New Zealand's only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. 200 workmen spent three years building the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family. This superbly crafted building with magnificent architecture showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques, with a tragic and scandalous history. Spectacular tower views and beauty of the 35 acres of gardens and grounds complete this enjoyable award winning experience.

Tairoa Heads Royal Albatross Centre:- Situated at Tairoa Heads on the Otago Peninsula the Royal Albatross Centre gives visitors a chance to view interpretative wildlife displays, learn of the historical use of the area, and experience the famous Unique Taiaroa guided tours including the Royal Albatross Colony - the only mainland breeding colony of albatross in the world. This is also the place to see tunnels of Fort Taiaroa, established over 100 years ago to counter the threat of invasion from Tsarist Russia. View the only Armstrong Disappearing Gun of its type in the world, still in working trim, in its original gun pit. Inspect at first hand the great 1886 six inch calibre hydraulic disappearing gun - imagine, it's complete in every detail, sitting in its gun pit in full working order - just waiting for the word to fire!

Monarch Wildlife Cruises: Monarch Wildlife Cruises are voyages of discovery among a unique diversity and abundance of wildlife (10-20 species), great beauty, dramatic views and significant geological features. Take a cruise up the Otago Harbour aboard The Monarch and see spectacular wildlife and scenery that cannot be seen from land including the mighty Northern Royal Albatross as it sweeps in from the open Pacific Ocean and soars above the spectacular inaccessible cliffs of Taiaroa. Operating since 1983 and winner of two New Zealand Tourism Board awards this is definitely another "must see" activity whilst visiting Dunedin.

Taieri Gorge Limited:- The Taieri Gorge Limited train is Dunedin's prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station. It takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. With full commentary, photographic stops and on board refreshments the train offers year round, all-weather entertainment.

Cadbury World:- Dunedin's tastiest tourist attraction Cadbury World is located in the centre of Dunedin city at the Cadbury Factory site. We offer the chance to tour our Visitors Centre and view many heritage and interactive displays - lots of fun for all ages. Learn about the history of chocolate and Cadbury in New Zealand and some of the secrets and tricks of handling and cooking with chocolate. A sensation in sight, smell and sound. View your favourite chocolate products being made, experience the mystique of a working chocolate factory, sample and purchase special products and much more.

Speights Brewery Tour:- Still on the site that it has occupied since 1876, Speight's Brewery has become one of Dunedin and Otago's biggest icons. The Speight's brand being perhaps the best known commercial symbol to have originated in the city. The Speight's Heritage Centre provides an informative tour through the unique "gravity fed" working brewery (and museum) of the beer and brand, which is a passionate part of the history and culture of southern New Zealand.

Waitaki : Oamaru and Palmerston

Drive north for a day trip and visit the historical townships of Palmerston and Oamaru in the Waitaki region.
The Waitaki region with its stunning landscape offers an exhilarating environment for active pursuits. Waitaki is the perfect place to relax. Life operates at a much more civilised pace here than it does in the hustle of the cities and more populated parts of the country so it's very easy to just find your own space to relax and enjoy. A short drive south of Moeraki is Palmerston town, the gateway to the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail, stands at the junction of SH1 and SH85. Macraes Mine is the largest gold mine in New Zealand, and tours are available. Puketapu - the sacred hill - is Palmerston's landmark, with its monument to an early politician, Sir John McKenzie. Take a guided tour to Macraes Gold Mine and historic Golden Point Battery near Palmerston.

Oamaru is the heart of Whitestone Waitaki. The town's renowned Whitestone Victorian architecture, little Blue Penguins and rich history are only surpassed by the warm southern welcome you will receive in the beautiful town of Oamaru. Admire Oamaru's historic stone architecture - many buildings feature Oamaru stone, a form of local limestone. View the penguins coming ashore at dusk at the Oamaru Blue Penguin colony. Marvel at the perfect roundness of the mysterious Moeraki boulders, which lie uncovered by the sea 33km south of Oamaru. Oamaru is a marvellous town to walk in, full of interesting sights and interesting people. Don't be surprised to see locals in Victorian dress, or riding around on Penny Farthing cycles, Oamaruvians and the country people of North Otagoare very proud of their heritage.