Dunedin: An overview - Part 3

Now that you are here how do you send your time? So here are a few suggestions:-

Take a drive along the winding road of the Otago Peninsula to Macandrew Bay. This is a small harbour front coastal settlement but is only ten kilometres from town. Have a break and look around town then continue to the point of the Peninsula with its white sand beaches. Here you can see the yellow eyed penguin settlements, fur seals, sea lions and if you are lucky the only Albatross mainland breeding colony in the world.

Dunedin is known for its old style architecture and to see its best head to the peninsula and the country’s only castle. Larnach Castle was built in 1871 by the merchant baron and politician, William Larnach, for his then wife Eliza. 200 workmen spent three years building the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years working on the interior. Larnach Castle now showcases master craftsmanship, New Zealand Antiques and the old style of Victorian living. The castle has quite a history of scandal and William Larnach eventual committed suicide in the Parliament Buildings. This may be why the castle is said to be haunted. Prices for entry vary from $30 for the castle and gardens up to $60 which includes high tea.

Dunedin Railways specialises in scenic train trips into the spectacular Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged Otago coast north of Dunedin. The Taieri Gorge Railway and The Seasider train trips offer unique and panoramic views over ever-changing scenery. There are opportunities for photos where the train either slows down or stops for you to disembark. There is a licenced Café and bar on board and live commentary on all trips.

Departing from Dunedin’s beautiful railway station the Taieri Gorge Railway begins its scenic journey into some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and iconic scenery. The sixty kilometre journey is on New Zealand’s longest privately owned railway. The train travels through the Southern parts of Dunedin city until it arrives at Wingatui Junction where it turns off onto the Taieri branch. From here the train travels across the Taieri Plains and climbs into the Taieri Gorge, a narrow and deep gorge carved out over eons by the ancient Taieri River. The train negotiates the gorge with ease as it travels through ten hand dug tunnels and over countless bridges and old wrought iron viaducts.

The natural wonders combined with the challenge of man-made engineering will leave you amazed, but somehow the railway blends into the natural environment perfectly. It is a wonderful example of the sheer determination of early railway pioneers. You are allowed to stand on the open air platforms at the end of each coach while the train moves or enjoy a quiet drink and some food in the on board café. During the journey the train manager tells you all about the nature and history of the area in an entertaining and informative live commentary.

Continued in part 4