DUNEDIN

DRIVING DISTANCES:

DUNEDIN TO:

Christchurch 365 kms, 5 hrs

Queenstown 282 kms, 3 hrs 30 mins

Te Anau 290 kms, 4 hrs 15 mins

Mt Cook 325 kms, 4 hrs 30 mins

Invercargill via Gore 215 kms, 2 hrs 45 mins

Invercargill via The Catlins 275 kms, 5 hrs 30 mins

OTHER DISTANCES:

City to Larnach Castle 15 kms, 30 mins

City to the end of the Peninsula 31 kms, 45 mins

SPECIALEVENTS:

Oct 2023 -

Arts Festival Dunedin

01-02 Apr 2023

Otago Rally

Jun - July 2023

Puaka Matariki

TOP NATURAL ATTRACTIONS:

» The rugged scenery & abundant wildlife of the Otago Peninsula including Yellow-eyed Penguins (the world’s rarest), Little Blue Penguins, Royal Albatross, Spotted Shags, Cormorants, New Zealand Fur Seals and Sea Lions.

» The Botanic and numerous private gardens open to the public such as those at Larnach Castle and Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens.

» Late Oct/early Nov for the stunning displays of rhododendron and azaleas.

» The Taieri Gorge – best explored aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway.

ARCHITECTURAL ATTRACTIONS:

» Dunedin is regarded as having the finest collection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.

» Built in 1906, the Dunedin Railway station with its fine Edwardian architecture is one of the world’s most photographed stations.

» Jacobean style Olveston House.

» Built in 1871, Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula has a fascinating history and is New Zealand’s only castle.

» University of Otago buildings.

Located within easy walking distance of the Dunedin Botanic Gardens and Otago University, in the city known for its lively atmosphere and rich history. This motel offers a range of services and accommodation options for a comfortable, satisfying, and enjoyable stay. Complimentary WiFi and off-street parking.

DUNEDIN Distinction Dunedin Leisure Lodge DUNEDIN

The city’s largest and most established hotel, home to Dunedin Casino and extensively refurbished to provide guests with modern style, outstanding quality, convenience, and exceptional service. Featuring two restaurants, café, bar, 24-hour reception and room service, two guest laundries, free WiFi, and car parking (paid direct).

Nestled in landscaped gardens, Distinction Dunedin Leisure Lodge is located adjacent to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, within walking distance of Otago University. The hotel features 76 spacious rooms and suites, each with a balcony or outside patio, plus ample complimentary parking, FREE unlimited WiFi and McGavins Restaurant and Bar.

858 George Street

This architecturally designed, award-winning motel complex captures the essence of the George Street character, and provides a range of luxurious accommodation including one accessible unit. Within walking distance of the university, museum, polytechnic, botanic gardens and Forsyth Barr Stadium. Free WiFi and off-street parking.

Transformed from the 1937 Chief Post Office into today’s luxury premier luxury premier hotel, located in the vibrant heart of the city. Elegant rooms and suites feature top quality furnishings and amenities with a microwave and washer/dryer, as well as soundproofing. Amenities include FREE unlimited WiFi, restaurant, bar, room service, 24-Hour gym access and valet parking.

Purpose-built within the castle grounds, the lodge was designed as a re-creation of a colonial farm building, positioned with spectacular harbour, ocean, and peninsula views in 35 acres of gardens and grounds. The 12 themed rooms encapsulate the historic setting and combine antique furnishings with contemporary amenities.

This glamourous country house is situated just 500m from the Larnach Castle gate. The five spacious bedrooms are luxuriously decorated in neoclassical style with attention to comfort; particularly special features are the fireplaces and pastoral views. Cooked and/or continental breakfast is prepared for you by your host and evening dining is available at the castle (must be prebooked by 5pm)

LARNACH CASTLE & GARDENS

Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built in 1871 by the Australian, William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. This superbly crafted building with magnificent architecture showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques. The enchanting garden is Castle owner Margaret Barker’s creation and has been listed as a “Garden of International Significance” by NZGT. Spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens complete this enjoyable award winning experience. The ballroom café is open 9.30am to 4.30pm daily for an extensive selection of local food and beverages. The Castle opens daily at 9am; for self guided tours, last entry to the castle is 5pm. (Oct-Mar open till 7pm) Larnach Castle and Garden is a 20 mins drive from the Dunedin city centre and 20 mins drive from the Peninsula's wildlife attractions.

Tour & Lunch Package – A self guided tour of the castle and grounds and your choice of lunch from the café blackboard menu – includes a main course, cake or slice and tea or coffee.

Natures Wonders

Experience a unique guided wildlife adventure, travelling on an all-terrain Argo 8 wheel drive. Take an exhilarating ride across the Reid family farm to the breeding habitat of Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue penguins, and New Zealand Fur Seals. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views, private beaches and up close and personal encounters with nature. This tour suits all ages, and a low level of fitness is required. Cameras are a must. Tours depart from 10.15am and throughout the day until one hour before dusk in all weather. The tour duration is one hour, and visitors must report to Natures Wonders reception 30 minutes prior to departure. Minimum is 2 pax.

Wildlife tour $102 $46

MONARCH WILDLIFE CRUISES & TOURS

Get closer to our unique southern wildlife. Watch magnificent royal albatross soar across the ocean and return to their breeding colony. See a great variety of seabirds while fur seals play and sprawl on volcanic rocks; maybe even dolphins or sealions. You’ll get a great commentary, multi-language info sheets, binoculars and warm jackets. Courtesy city accommodation transfers for all tours except T1.

Your only chance to see the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding Colony. See the albatross throughout their breeding cycle from nesting, guarding and feeding huge chicks. Be awed by their 3 metre wingspan when they fly overhead. Just a short drive from Dunedin. Open 364 days. Guided tours leave each half hour in summer and each hour in winter. Reservations recommended.

Unique Taiaroa – The ultimate tour combining the Albatross Classic and Fort Taiaroa tours. Learn about and view Northern Royal Albatross. Hear the cultural history of Taiaroa Head, from the first settlement by Māori, through two world wars, to today’s Nature Reserve and iconic wildlife attraction. 1.5 hours.

Albatross Classic – Enjoy an intimate insight into the lives of the amazing Royal Albatrosses and their breeding cycle, followed by a visit to our exclusive viewing observatory at the nature reserve. 1 hour.

Fort Taiaroa – Explore hidden tunnels under the nature reserve. Hear the headland’s military history from a 1600’s Māori Pa to 1880’s Russian invasion scare through to both world wars. Fort Taiaroa also boasts the world’s only fully restored 1886 Armstrong Disappearing Gun. 30 minutes.

Tour 1 – Wellers Rock Wildlife Cruise - Get full commentary about the wildlife, history and geology as the boat explores the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastline close to the entrance of the Otago Harbour. You will see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross. Watch the NZ Furseals breed, fight and play on the rocks around their breeding rookeries. Out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals. Don't be put off by cold, damp or windy days, the local wildlife love it - we often see more activity in a cool southerly wind! Departs Wellers Rock wharf, 45 min drive from Dunedin (included in all other tour options).

Times: Oct-Mar: 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm (all 60mins). Apr-Sept: 2.30pm.

Tour 2 – City to Sea Wildlife Tour - Cruise one way along New Zealand’s most picturesque harbour and see beautiful bays, hills, farmland, forest and coast. Hear of the harbour’s history and volcanic past. Experience Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise. Bus one way along the scenic roads of the Otago Peninsula. Times: Oct-Mar: 8.30am to 12.30pm or 3.30pm to 7pm. Apr-Sept: 1pm to 5pm (cruise both ways).

Tour 2L - Half Day Castle to Cruise - Journey back in time to be immersed in the rich, turbulent and scandalous lives of the Larnach family. Explore the lovely gardens, and marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of New Zealand’s only castle, built during the Otago gold rush. Then enjoy our renowned Wellers Rock Wildlife Cruise. Times: Oct-Mar: 10.30am to 3.30pm (bus both ways). Apr-Sept: 11.30am to 5pm (bus out, boat back).

Tour 3 – Full Day The Royal Tour - Bus one way along the scenic Otago Peninsula. Take a guided tour of the Royal Albatross Centre with time to purchase lunch at the cafe. Take a guided, Yellow-eyed Penguin tour at Penguin Place, then join an oceanic Wildlife Cruise and a relaxing harbour cruise back to Dunedin. Times: Oct-Mar: 10.30am to 7pm. Apr-Sept: 10.30am to 6pm, no harbour cruise (bus both ways). Minimum 4 people

Adult Child (5-17yrs)

$21

Adult Child (5-14yrs)

Tour 1 – Wellers Rock Wildlife Cruise $58 $23

Tour 2 – City to Sea Wildlife Tour $96 $40

Tour 2L - Half Day Castle to Cruise $145 $70

The New Zealand Book 2023 - 24 | North America | New Zealand Dollars DUNEDIN 131

SPEIGHT’S BREWERY TOURS

The Speight’s Brewery Tour is a guided 90 minute tour through an historic working Brewery which has been on the same site since 1876. The tour was re-developed in August 2017 which included an upgrade to the Tour Experience, Retail Space, Tasting Bar and a new Cellar Door so visitors can take the beer away with them. You will discover our significant history and learn about what Speight’s is up to today making it one of New Zealand’s most popular beers. The tour takes you through our brewing process with a great mix of the old and the new. Our old Brewhouse which was de-commissioned in 2013 has been left purely for visitors to see and from here you will go to our modern state of the art Brewhouse to see the contrast. The Tour is completed in the Brewery Bar with our range of beer on tap. After the tour drop down to the Speight’s Ale House where they have great southern fare and all of the Speight’s range fresh from the tap.

The Alehouse Package – Lunch or Dinner combo - Combine your Speight’s Brewery tour with a delicious 2-course lunch or 2-course dinner at The Alehouse, right next to Speight’s Brewery.

BONUS: Includes a 12oz beer of your choice when booking the Alehouse package.

Adult Child (5-17yrs)

Speight’s Brewery Tour only $31 $14

The Alehouse Package - Tour & Lunch $63 $63

The Alehouse Package - Tour & Dinner $72 $72

Olveston Historic Home

For Lovers of Fine art, Culture, music, literature and social history; ‘Olveston Historic Home’ authentically recalls the style, grace and grandeau of opulent Edwardian era.

Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home from 1906. Authentically furnished with all the original fixtures and fittings, decorative details and furnishings.

Entry inside Olveston House is by guided tour only. Olveston is open 7 days (excluding Chrsitmas Day).

Adult Child (5-17yrs)

Entry $24 $15

Horizon Tours

Join our expert guides, Lyndon Perriman who has 30 years conservation experience working with albatross, penguins, cormorants, seals and sea lions, and James Karawana, of Te Arawa and Ngāti Porou descent, who will provide a wealth of Māori cultural insight.

Learn about Dunedin’s unique wildlife, coastal character, Māori and European history through stories that bring our natural landscapes alive.

Southern Skies Stargazing – Join us on a journey of discovery to learn about the unique celestial features of the Southern sky, while also sharing stories and waiata (songs) about how Māori viewed the night sky. Enjoy Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) with a light supper and hot beverage. Sit back, relax and be enchanted. Duration: 3-4 hours.

Departs: 8pm Oct-Mar and 6pm Apr-Sep

Taste of Dunedin & Peninsula Tour - Get a taste of what Dunedin has to offer and learn about Dunedin's rich cultural and natural heritage. This is the tour to take if you are short on time and really want to get an insight into what Dunedin has to offer. Join us as we take in the iconic Dunedin sights and sounds of the city and Otago Peninsula. Learn about this great city of ours as we journey past historic buildings including the Dunedin Railway Station, St Paul's Anglican Cathedral and The First Church of Otago and see evidence of Dunedin's early heritage before we head onto the Peninsula to view spectacular coastal scenery. Listen as we share, our stories about Dunedin and why we love living here.

Taste of Dunedin, Peninsula & Larnach Tour - As the above tour learn about this great city of ours as we journey past historic buildings including the Dunedin Railway Station, St Paul's Anglican Cathedral and The First Church of Otago and see evidence of Dunedin's early heritage before we head onto the Peninsula to view spectacular coastal scenery. Listen as we share, our stories about Dunedin and why we love living here. You will then visit Larnach Castle, referred to by many as New Zealand's Castle. Built in 1871 by businessman and politician William Larnach, it is now a life long restoration project for the Barker family who are the current owners. This tour includes Castle, Gardens and Grounds access which includes, the tower, ballroom cafe, gift shop, gardens, grounds, historic stables and outbuildings

Home To Unforgettable Sights

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s majestic South Island the Mackenzie Region is renowned for its incredible clear starry nights, remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green and snowcapped mountains.