Dunedin: An overview - Part 2

Places to stay and basic information.

The current population of Dunedin has had an effect on the accommodation available. That is to say that you can be sure to find something to fit everyone’s needs as it has hotels, hostels or bed & breakfast locations. It does not matter what you pick as I am sure you will feel welcome here.

Kaimata Retreat sits high on a waterfront cliff on the Otago Peninsula with floor to ceiling glass and designer amenities. This is an upmarket location with nature as your backdrop, not to be missed if you can afford it.

Lanarch Castle offers a unique experience where you can stay at one of twelve themed lodge rooms. As an example they have rooms that are called; Enchanted Forest, New Zealand, White, Victorian and Scottish.

Mercure Dunedin Leisure Lodge is a fully renovated and restored Victorian hotel that lies in the heart of the city. It claims to be a boutique hotel and features 76 rooms and suites.

Kingsgate Hotel is just fifteen minutes’ walk from the Otago Museum. You can drive to the beach in 10 and the Central Business District is outside.

When you are in the city make sure you go to Scenic Circle which has an ideal location in the city centre. You can find it two blocks from the Octagon.

Basic Information you might need.

Dunedin International Airport is located 30 kilometres from the city centre. There are no public transport services to the airport so you will need to arrange a shuttle or get a taxi. A taxi to town will cost about $90 and the journey takes 20 minutes. Shuttle service costs are around $25-$30 for one way. The time it will take will depend where you are on the drop off route. If you are first then it’s similar to a taxi but if you are last then expect about 45 minutes. You can book a ticket in advance on their website. There is a public transport system in the downtown city centre but it is easy to walk to most locations. The public transport system has buses operated by different companies with a single ticket costing $2. Current exchange rates are 2 $NZ to the £. The city has taxis working 24 hours and costs around $2 per kilometre with an added flag fall fee. Most places in town are no more than twenty minutes away, the Otago Peninsular is about fifteen minutes and Port Chalmers half an hour.

Generally shops are open from Monday to Friday between 9 am-5. 30 pm and between 9. 30 am-1. 00 pm on Saturdays. The Dunedin Tourist information and Visitor Centre is at 26 Princes Street, Dunedin.

If you have an emergency and need Police, Fire or Ambulance then dial :- 111

Continued in part 3