Dunedin

    Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is known for it's Scottish heritage.  The name is Gaelic for Edinburgh, many of the street names are in Gaelic as well.  It is located in the Southeast coast of the country on Otago Peninsula.  Above is St. Paul's Cathedral situated at the top of the Octagon is an architecture marvel not to miss.

Accommodations:

Otago University- St. Margaret's Halls of Residence

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Landscape:

The Scottish Influence on the town's architecture allows for some interesting sites.  Below is a couple of shots of a cathedral that we passed on our walk to the Octagon from our dorms.

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The fore mentioned Octagon is the central focus of the city and is home to some very historic buildings.  It is comparable to Christchurch's Cathedral, with of course the difference that it is eight sided.  Below is two shots of the Municipal Chambers which was built during the prosperous period of gold rush era for Dunedin.

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Below is the Dunedin Railway Station which has been dubbed he finest stone structure in the county.  It's massive clock tower can be seen from the bottom of the octagon.

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Larnach Castle:
Otago Peninsula has more to offer than just the city of Dunedin.  The next few following shots are of Larnach Castle, which as you may guess by looking at it isn't actually a castle.  However is known as New Zealand's only Castle.  For more details on this irony and the magnificent stucture.  click here
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Royal Albatross Colony and Penguin Place:
More unique points of the area of the country is that it has two wildlife reserves that you won't find anywhere else.
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Above are two pictures of a Royal Albatross.  The mouth of the Otago Harbour is home to the world's only mainland royal Albatross Colony.  These amazing birds are able to soar to this colony all the way from Antarctica, learn more about them  here .
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Another treasure that New Zealand shares with Antarctica is Penguins!  We were able to visit the Penguin Place which is dedicated to saving the yellow-eyed-penguins, which is the rarest species of penguins.  Read up on their mission here.

Cadbury Factory:
It may not be as adventurous or as prosperous as a walk through Willy Wonka's factory, but it certainly was a sweet trip.
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World's Steepest Street:
One more novel activity you can partake in is walk up the world's steepest street, just outside of Dunedin.

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Super Bowl:
Being in a foreign country for the Super bowl isn't as good as being at home, but we were still able to find a sports bar to enjoy it in.   When else do you have the opportunity to watch the Super bowl live on a Monday?

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Want more of the Otago region?
http://www.cityofdunedin.com/cover.htm
http://www.visit-dunedin.co.nz/
http://www.otago.ac.nz/
http://www.dunedin-nz.worldweb.com/