Dunedin: A Scotland Down Under

Dunedin is a southern gem -- sometimes gray, bleak, and freezing in winter, but a gem nevertheless. It has dramatic scenery and some of the finest historic buildings in the country, and the immediacy of its funky university life lends an alternative air to what is inherently a strongly Scottish Presbyterian base.

With a population of about 120,000, Dunedin is New Zealand's fourth-largest city and the second largest in the South Island. The city itself is vital, and you'll quickly notice that the streets are filled with young people. It's the main business center for Otago province, and nearby Otago Peninsula is home to several internationally recognized reserves, where some of the world's rarest wildlife can be viewed year-round in their natural habitats.

A thriving city of Scottish heritage, Dunedin possesses a combination of cultural riches, fine architecture and natural wonders, blended with a special feeling of vitality created by the residents of this unique city. Situated on the south-east cost of New Zealand's South Island, Dunedin has a population of around 120,000. It is the main business centre for the region of Otago, an area long recognised for its spectacular scenery, colourful history and the character of it's people.

Dunedin's dramatic bush-covered hills form the basin of a long, natural harbour, which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. In 1848, Scottish migrants established a town here, giving it the ancient Gaelic name of Edinburgh. Thirteen years later gold was discovered about 120 kilometres inland, in Central Otago and the small settlement of Dunedin became the commercial centre of the nation.

From this gold rush wealth sprang an array of wonderful architecture. Soaring cathedral spires, a magnificent Flemish Renaissance-style railway station, fine banks and civic buildings, a nineteenth-century castle, heritage university buildings and a neo-gothic convent are among the city's architectural treasures.

The Dunedin Public Art Gallery, the Otago Museum, the Hocken Library and the Otago Settlers Museum contain some of the best collections in New Zealand. Dunedin's 'living' heritage is also second to none, with such fine examples as Olveston and Larnach Castle.

An eclectic mix of writers, poets, crafts people and artists add vibrancy and colour to the city.

People of all ages enjoy a wide array of sporting pastimes, from sailing on the Otago Harbour to Rugby Union at Carisbrook. For those looking for something a little different the city heart contains numerous boutique shops, department stores and galleries. Relax with a coffee at any of the unique cafes lining the main street and watch the world go by!

Also found within the city boundaries are internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world and the shy Yellow-eyed Penguins at home in their coastal colonies.

This is a city of many parts, a city that is different, that is exciting and intriguing. Picture this. Picture Dunedin.