Life at No.22, New Zealand

5 Reasons to Visit Dunedin

Suzanne

We had the pleasure of having five grand days in Dunedin (Otepoti), it wasn’t so much to re-explore as it was to visit friends who were soon off on another overseas adventure housesitting.  Though when one of them is a tour guide, we had the opportunity of having a knowledgable local guide to show us the sights.

It was certainly fun.

With that in mind here are just a few reasons to stop your engine and see what Dunedin has to offer:

Urban meets Nature

Dunedin landscape1

There are amazing green belt areas throughout the city.

While just 15 minutes out of the city there are wild beaches, wildlife, and plenty of remote hills and coastal walks. Dunedin is a city for nature lovers.

The Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens.jpg

The Chinese Gardens – East meets West with various plant life.  Acknowledgement of the Chinese community input into this city.

Fitness Tests Abound

Baldwin Street

Feeling guilty about the lack of cardio workouts while on holiday?  There is never a shortage while visiting Dunedin.  Yes, most of you have heard about the steepest street, Baldwin Street.  Well, let me just say that there are quite a few that would not fall short in the slanted ground requirements to call themselves “steep”.

So enjoy all that glorious food while visiting Dunedin as you are more than likely to work it off exploring all that there is on offer down there in one of our underrated smaller cities, the Edinburgh downunder.

Art for Everyone

Art in a Lane

Dunedin is a place that fosters creativity and encourages unique ideas.  The incredible street art.  Personally, I’ve found the most creative cities around the world have a lively art scene, and usually have the right amount of murals and street art around town, and Dunedin is no exception. It really does help in understanding the people and culture of Dunedin.

Check out what I thought of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery

A Thriving Cafe Scene

Best Cafe

For an old fashioned plate of Fish and Chips, look no further than the “Best Cafe”.  Even has a homemade tartare sauce made with condensed milk, though do try it before placing it all over your food.  Not too everyone’s liking.

One of our daytime treats came in the form of Potpourri Vegetarian Cafe which has been going since the 1970s.  That is impressive.  So many funky looking cafes to chose from that you will be spoilt for choice.

The Otago Farmers Market – it was cold and damp the Saturday we were there.  So we opted for coffee and a chat in the warmth.  On a previous visit, the Squire and I did get to experience this market and can testify it is worth a visit.

Sadly, the Cadbury Factory has closed down.  Don’t despair there is an alternative.  Using true southern grit and determination, another Chocolate company was created.  It goes by the name of OCHO.   Some would say it really is superior to the old Cadbury bars by far.

Astounding Old Architecture

Larnock Castle

Many a local are quite grateful that Dunedin came to a standstill and there was a shortage of interest from property developers.  The result can be seen while pounding those steep streets in the selection of “old” character buildings dating back to the 18th century and the era of the gold rush.  There are still a few that need a helping hand to bring back their beauty, and the motivation to do so can be seen in the number that has been renovated.  Just beautiful and really does remind me of Scotland with a kiwi touch.

These are just some of the highlights, and I am sure when you do go down for a visit others will be added to your list.  If joining others for a familiarity bus tour to pick out parts of the city to explore, then I would recommend giving Good Company Tours a ring.

Whatever way you do choose to explore Dunedin I am sure it will be a stunner.

Dunnerstunner

 

Goodbye sign in secondhand bookstore

5 Reasons to visit Dunedin

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

65 thoughts on “5 Reasons to Visit Dunedin”

    1. Oh, two weeks around the South Island would have been wonderful. Unfortunately, with most travel plans they seem to change once arriving at our destination. All part of the fun. We have always limited the amount of places and had more quality time at the places we stayed. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to return, Dunedin will be still there and perhaps with more to see.

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  2. I think Dunedin is my favourite NZ city. I’d happily live there if it wasn’t quite so far away from the boy-child (at least at the moment). You’ve done it justice!!

    I am smiling at the thought of the old condensed milk dressing being turned into tartare sauce. No wait, it’s not a smile, it’s an attempt not to throw up. I remember that dressing smothering everything when I was a child and just thinking about it does terrible things to my stomach. 🙂

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    1. Well, Su you made me smile at your comment about the old condensed milk dressing [every kiwi kid has to remember that dressing!!!] Let me just say that the tartare sauce was not a highlight of the meal 🙂 The fish was delicious and not greasy at all!
      We enjoyed the trip and my opinion of Dunedin certainly changed to a more positive one.
      It did feel like we went overseas 🙂

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      1. Hehe. I can’t imagine it being the highlight of any meal. I had completely forgotten about it (assuming it had been consigned to the bin of horrible history), but when we came back from the UK in 2000 I discovered my m-i-l still made and used it. 😬

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          1. I think you’re right. I wonder when it first became a thing. I have a NZ cookbook from 1938 that has two boiled salad dressings both of which involve ordinary milk (and neither of which looks remotely appetising) 😂

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            1. That would be fun looking through an old cookbook just to see how our tastes and cooking styles have changed. I reckon it is a seventies “thing” using condensed milk. I might have to do more googling 🙂

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                1. Hey Su, love that idea about collecting old cookbooks. It’s a way of knowing more about the “ordinary” lives of people via food. An important part of all cultures is the bringing together of people and food for various occasions.

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        2. My South African mother-in-law used to make ice cream from caramelised condensed milk (boiled slowly in the can) and it was delicious! I cannot imagine it used for a salad dressing though.

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          2. Best not to even try and think about it. When Suzanne and I started talking about it, I tried to find any references to condensed milk in savoury dishes. But no; lots of yummy things like your m-i-l’s icecream, Scottish Tablet and variations, and nice caramel-y sauces, but it seems NZ is the only place where someone could look T a tin of sweet syrupy milk and think salad dressing 😂😂😂

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    1. Hi Natalie, that is one street I would dislike living on!! Especially with icy conditions, a nightmare. Pleased to hear you have Dunedin on your list, hopefully you have a chance to explore our southern areas.

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  6. I loved Dunedin, Suzanne. I reminded me very much of Scotland. It has been about 15 years since I was there so it has probably changed but I would love to revisit one day. NZ is so close to Australia and we have visited 3 times so I think another visit is in order. Thanks for linking up at sharing at #MLSTL and I’ve shared on social media. xx

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  7. What a beautiful place – I loved the backdrop of the rolling hills – and those gorgeous old buildings. All of that plus great food and room to walk it all off – what more could you ask for?
    Thanks for linking up to #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx

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    1. We are very fortunate that we still have these gorgeous buildings. The harbour and around the coast are breath taking and worth a visit or two. Thanks for commenting, Leanne.

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    1. Fun for a novelty those steep streets. Having said in Portugal I saw quite a few elderly women carrying their groceries up steep streets with steps. Locals get used to it.

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  11. We loved our time in Dunedin and getting away up the coast was delightful. The city is full of artrworks and old style. I must admit we visited that steep street when we were there!! Thanks for the tour and the reminder of fun times.Pinning for #mlstl

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    1. Apologies Rachael I thought I had replied to you. There is an old cemetery in the Botantial gardens that has 1000 roses. Quite a feat! I also love Farmers Markets. Used to visit quite a few in the UK.

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    1. I’m pleased I could introduce you too the delightful Dunedin. Hopefully you have an opportunity to visit downunder. Thanks for commenting Michele.

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  17. Hi Suzanne,
    Visiting from #MLSTL
    Lovely photos…I would so like to visit your corner of the world some day!
    Enjoyed the post very much.

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    1. Thanks Ross, your feedback is much appreciated. We both certainly enjoyed our second visit, having you and Wyn showing us around certainly made it far more enjoyable than our first. You are a superb tour guide!

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  19. It’s funny how and why you notice things. I never heard of Dunedin before…until I moved to Florida in January of this year. There’s a Dunedin on the west coast of Florida, it was named by two Scotsmen.

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    1. Hi Jennifer,  Dunedins name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. There are a few double ups of names around the world. Your Dunedin couldn’t be more different than ours down south, temperature wise.

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  22. Love the photo of the house on the steep hill! We have our fair share of steepness over here, which I’m sure you’ve encountered on your UK travels, (I used to live on one). Love the wall art, wow there are some very talented graffiti artists out there. Lovely post Suzanne

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  23. I have a friend who lives in Dunedin (or used to). I’ve always wondered what it’s like. You’ve given me a wonderful insight. Thank you.

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  24. We had stayed in Dunedin for 2 days in 2011.It was really a very beautiful town!
    Your blog brought back wonderful memories of the place.hope to visit again!

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