Dunedin

Dunedin was founded on the hard toil of whalers, gold-miners and determined Scottish settlers. The city’s name is the old Gaelic word for Edinburgh. Dunedin is known for its close proximity to wildlife – penguins, albatrosses, fur seals and sea lions. There is no rainy season to dampen the spirit of Dunedin. The city receives less than 800mm of rainfall each year. It has extended twilight in summer, rich autumnal tones full of texture, romantic winter nights nestled in front of open fires. During winter the hills surrounding Dunedin may see the occasional snow fall, which clears within several hours. Temperatures in August range from a low of 4 to an average of 13 degree Celsius, while during February temperatures hover around the low to mid 20's.One aspect that makes Dunedin unique is its Scottish heritage.

Dunedin City is set in the eroded core of an ancient volcano. The City Centre, situated at the south end of Otago Harbour, occupies the central part of an ancient volcanic system, a pile of lava flow some 25 km across which erupted between 10 to 13 million years ago. Dunedin's temperate climate and coastal setting amongst hills and valleys creates a range of micro-climates and environments suitable for plants from around the world. Where else can you visit collections of alpine plants and rock gardens, and within a few minutes just down the road, wander amongst rhododendrons in a woodland glade where choice plants such as Nomocharis, Trillium, Lapageria and Meconopsis flower and thrive. The Botanic Garden is famous for the Rhododendron Dell, its exotic beauty celebrated every year in the third week of October with the Rhododendron Festival. The number and variety of private gardens available for all year round viewing says something of the passion held by the people who created them and so loving tend them. Viewing these gardens is a real treat, as often the gardener will share insights and personal observations with you. Many of these private and public gardens are featured in the brochure Focus on Dunedin Gardens.

The area is definitely the place to take a walk on the wild side. Guided wildlife tours to view and photograph colonies of Royal albatross, the rare Yellow-eyed penguin, New Zealand seals and sealions operate on Otago Peninsula all year round. Visitors can also take a drive to the Otago Peninsula, which is just 15 minutes drive from the Octagon in central Dunedin. The most spectacular flying visitor to the Otago Peninsula is the Royal albatross. This giant bird, with a wing span of up to 3m and which flies an estimated 190,000 km per year, lays its single egg at a colony at Taiaroa Head during November. After eleven weeks incubation chicks hatch during late January and early February.Young birds remain at the colony until late September, when they leave the peninsula to skim the oceans before returning three to six years later to breed. A modern visitor information centre at Taiaroa Head provides detailed interpretative displays and audio-visual on these majestic birds, and other Peninsula wildlife. Nearby is the viewing area which is open year-round except between 16 September and 24 November when the birds are mating and laying eggs.

Dunedin will host 2 pool games in the 2011 RWC, one on 14 September Scotland v Europe 1 and the second on 24 September England v Play-off winner. Carisbrook Stadium, Awatea Street, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.

Accomodation

Choose from a wide selection of accommodation in Dunedin; luxury hotels and motor lodges, self-catering lodges and motels. Holiday parks have self-catering motels, budget accommodation, campervan and campsites. Bed & breakfasts and guesthouse establishments and farmstays round off the list. To find accommodation near the stadium or in the area check out the following listings just click on each name:

Hotels, Motels

Bed and Breakfasts

Holiday Parks or Camping

Car Hire

We are sure that many of you will be looking for car hire whilst you are in New Zealand. So click here to see our Pegasus page.