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21st August 2020
Welcome to the next luxurious step in our quest for Travel Inspiration. Our “Awaits You” collection will delight, inspire and enthrall as we highlight some hidden gems and luxury sanctuaries of the world, starting at home, with the help of our Travel Advisors.
This week Dunedin Awaits You and we’ve spoken with local Travel Advisor Alex Hannagan to get her key tips to make the most of your trip to the south!
Why Dunedin from Alex’s perspective
"Dunedin is so underestimated! As Edinburgh's southern sister city, Dunedin owes its existence to the boat loads of brave 19th Century Scots pioneers who settled the shores of the Otago Harbour - establishing a hub of enterprise and laying the foundations for a modern city that still reflects its strong Scottish roots today. This is demonstrated through the city's amazing Edwardian and Victorian architecture, wonderful array of eateries, unique places to stay and great New Zealand designer shopping (just to name a few). Dunedin just oozes an incredible vibe that will make you wish you had discovered and visited this great city earlier."
Top things to do
One of the things I love most about Dunedin is that there is just so much to do and see! Every weekend I can find something new to do and see, or I can visit some of my timeless favourites for experiences that are phenomenal!
1. Number one on my list is that you definitely should visit Olveston Historic Home. On Sundays you can even book for high tea which is a real treat!
2. Go visit and experience the Royal Albatross Sanctuary out at the Peninsula which is also home to colonies of sea lions and rare yellow eyed penguins.
3. Not to be outdone, the Shopping is fantastic too with a number of New Zealand designer shops such as Company of Strangers, Plume, Slick Willys, Belle Bird and many more!
4. For something a bit yummier, visit and do a tour of Emerson's and/or Speights Brewery.
5. Plus, experience Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. (Very cool), the Otago Museum which has a tropical butterfly house AND the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
Places to stay
With so many incredible places to stay in Dunedin, it’s hard to choose just a couple, but I’d have to recommend the options beneath!
1. Chamberson Hotel is super cool and definitely one of my favourites. You can stroll down the road and visit Gallery de Novo and buy a lovely piece of artwork. It is a unique and vibrant gallery established 15 years ago promoting contemporary New Zealand art.
2. To mix it up while visiting the Albatross Sanctuary and the peninsula why not stay a night at Camp Estate and have dinner in one of the rooms at Larnach Castle. (Currently closed however will open up in time for summer). As one of New Zealand’s premier pieces of European Architecture and one of our only castles, it’s a delight and a real treat to stay there.
3. The Fletcher Lodge. It is a Boutique accommodation located only a short stroll from the Dunedin City Centre. Built in 1924 and has a real unique and timeless charm to it!
Top places to dine
We all love good food, and every country has it’s glowing hubs of cultural cuisine - here are a few of my favourites!
1. Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant. The best in Dunedin, especially the Steak! Located upstairs overlooking the Octagon which provides a stunning setting and a stunning wine list to match !
2. Have an amazing cocktail at Mr Fox Tapas Bar. Located in the Octagon down the stairs in an Old Bank Vault. Just like a fox going down its hole - a den for eating, drinking and chatting.
3. Venture out to St Clair Beach and have a great pizza and some vino at the Esplanade.
4. Grab the best coffee in town and a breakfast croissant at the Perc Cafe which humms from 7 am in the morning.
Want to discover more about beautiful Dunedin? Click here to view what we have to offer!
