From wildlife to edgy fashion and its very own castle, Dunedin is a destination that should be on everyone’s list in the coming months.
Natures Wonders, a family run eco-tourism venture on a sheep station in Taiaroa Head, takes visitors on 4WD wildlife tours to see a baby seal nursery and adorable little blue and yellow-eyed penguin colonies. They also offer private coastal eco cruises around Otago’s wild and rugged coastline giving you a sea-based perspective on Dunedin’s unique sea and marine creatures. From this vantage point it could be the most memorable way to see an albatross in flight or enjoy the spectacle of the spotted shag at play.
Sometimes, perspective is everything and, when it comes to stargazing in Dunedin, it’s the place you view the sky from that makes the experience out of this world. Described as watching the heavens unfold, exploring the dark skies of Dunedin can be visually breathtaking and it’s something unmatched by anything Auckland City night life has to offer.
Horizon Tours Southern Skies Stargazing tours weave a magical experience by sharing Maori tales of the celestial bodies and waiata under the stars as you sit snugly wrapped in blankets, plied with hot soup and garlic bread, taking in the views along the hidden bays and beaches of the peninsula.
Your local holiday can always have a fairytale ending if you choose to visit our country’s only castle as part of your trip. Not only is Larnach Castle one of the country’s most significant conservation projects, it’s also a visual feast inside and out. The meticulously restored castle boasts 360 degree views from its turret lookout and offers a range of unique castle experiences.
Indulging in a delicious high tea in the castle ballroom, then exploring the beautifully appointed gardens, is a great way to experience it as it was designed to be used. But attending the annual Victorian Ghost Stories event provides a different kind of thrill. Imagine ghost stories by the ballroom fire over a meal, followed by a torchlit tour of the castle. It’s an experience the entire family will remember.
With less pressure from international tourists, Larnach Castle’s Larnach Lodge is one of the many places in the city offering incredible accommodation deals. There are accommodation styles and price ranges to suit all budgets and whether you opt for fully catered luxury or somewhere more basic, checking out the critically acclaimed farmers market is a must.
www.dunedinnz.com www.horizontours.co.nz www.natureswonders.co.nz www.horizontours.co.nz www.otagofarmersmarket.org.nz www.larnachcastle.co.nz www.nomdstore.com