SOUTHLAND, DUNEDIN AND CENTRAL OTAGO

Dunedin, often known as ‘Edinburgh of the South’ is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities. It was founded over 150 years ago and was first port of call for fortune hunters from around the world who’d come to make it big in the gold fields of Central Otago and the South Island’s west coast. The heart of Dunedin is the Octagon and most attractions are walking distance from it. You’ll find shops, cafes and restaurants galore around here, along with the main information centre, museums and cinema. The other focal point of Dunedin is the beach – head for St Clair for a bathe in the hot salt water pools. Even in winter the beach is worth a stroll – tuck into a hot chocolate and admire the die-hard, year round surfers!

Invercargill is both the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand as well as being one of the southernmost settlements in the world! Situated on the Southern Scenic Route that follows the coast from Dunedin to Te Anau, the city has a population of around 50,000. The local beach, Oreti, is just a few kilometres from the town centre, while Bluff – closest settlement to the South Island’s southern most point, is just 19km away.

Stewart Island – only an hour’s ferry ride from Bluff or a half hour small plane flight, brings you to one of the world’s truly hidden paradises. With stunning bays, inlets, golden sand beaches and densely forested hills, Stewart Island combines a spectacular mix of landscapes. 64 kilometres in length and 40 kilometres at its widest, the island boasts a miniscule population of just over 600 people, making it one of most sparsely populated islands in the world. Its subsequent solitude has ensured its status as a haven for rare NZ birds. These include the Tui, Parakeet, Kaka, Bell bird, Robin, Dotterel, Fern bird and of course New Zealand's adorable treasure, the Kiwi. Other wildlife includes little blue Penguins, Deer and Possums.

Central Otago - covering the region of the South Island from Dunedin on the east coast right through to the Southern Lakes, Central Otago is known for its wild, rugged beauty, scorching hot summer days and snowy winters, golden tussock, random and startling rock formations, the beautiful colours of the Clutha River, wineries and goldminding, and of course, the now famous Otago Central Rail Trail.

Dunedin / Southland Specific Articles

Stewart Island

DUNEDIN 


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SOUTHLAND


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