A lively, architecturally rich city framed by a magnificent harbour, Dunedin is the wildlife and heritage centre of New Zealand and gateway to a striking hinterland. Located on the east coast of the South Island, you’ll want to stay much longer than planned.

Originally a Scottish settlement, Dunedin is widely regarded as the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage city in the southern hemisphere. It is home to some of New Zealand’s top fashion designers, boutique shopping and a vibrant cafe and bar scene close to the town square, known as the Octagon.

Local attractions include the much photographed Dunedin Railway Station, the Clock Tower at the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest and most pre-eminent University, and Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle.

Stretching along the southern edge of Otago Harbour from Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco tourism areas.

Predominantly of volcanic origin, Otago Peninsula, is renowned for the world’s only mainland albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head and various other ocean bird, seal and penguin species, including one of the world’s rarest, the yellow eyed penguin.

The natural unassuming splendour of Otago is a major draw card. The rugged but welcoming hinterland can be accessed via the Taieri Gorge Railway which enables a link to Middlemarch and the Otago Central Rail Trail. Alternatively it scales the cliff tops to provide spectacular views of Port Chalmers and the Pacific Ocean coastline on its Seasider route.

Located on the coast mid-way between Dunedin and Oamaru, don’t miss the magical Moeraki Boulders, formed around 60 million years ago. According to Maori legend, the circular boulders are gourds washed from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand some 1000 years ago.