Dunedin, New Zealand
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encounters with wildlife and history
The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River north
of Oamaru to the mighty Clutha River south of Dunedin.
The Waitaki district is a place of haunting natural beauty,
complemented by Oamaru’s historic whitestone architecture. Travellers
come to see the diverse wildlife, idyllic fishing villages and rolling
green pastures.
Dunedin's dramatic hills surround a long, natural harbour,
which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. More
recently the area was settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from
Scotland and China. Memorable for its historical architecture, Dunedin
is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern
Hemisphere. On the doorstep of the city, you can find incredible wildlife
- the world's rarest penguins, a mainland albatross colony, fur seals
and sea lions.
The Clutha district, gateway to the deep south, provides
rural experiences, superb fishing and wildlife adventures along majestic
sweeping beaches.
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perfect example of the Gothic tradition of church architecture,
First Church was designed to overlook the town from
the top of Bell Hill. It took six years to build, opening
for worship in 1873 (by which time it was actually the
third church). The magnificent spire rises to 54 metres. |
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Photo
by Kieran Scott (www.kieranscott.co.nz) |
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on the image for larger version |
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Key Features
Otago Peninsula.
The Otago Peninsula is home to rare and unusual coastal wildlife. Discover
hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), little blue penguins and the world’s
only mainland albatross colony. Sea lions and fur seals also live here.
Heritage architecture. The Otago gold
rush left a legacy of ornate Victorian and Edwardian buildings, regarded
as the best collection in the Southern Hemisphere. The Flemish Renaissance-styled
railway station is one outstanding example.
The University of Otago. Founded in
1869, New Zealand’s oldest and largest university 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.
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