When you think of New Zealand, chances are you're likely to visit the cities of Auckland and Wellington first. But if there's one city you shouldn't miss during your visit, it's none other than Dunedin.
Dunedin is a city that has so many layers. It's known for its strong Scottish heritage. It's known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It's also known as New Zealand's wildlife capital, and it's also a UNESCO City of Literature.
There's much to see and experience in Dunedin, so here are the basics every tourist should know.
How to Get to Dunedin
While Dunedin does have an airport, it mainly caters to domestic flights. That means, if you're planning on flying to Dunedin, it's best to catch a domestic flight from the Auckland Airport or the Christchurch Airport.
You can also opt to head to Dunedin by car, but that will take a couple of hours. It will take around five to six hours to drive to Dunedin from Christchurch, while a drive from Queenstown will take around four hours.
However, there are intercity buses that connects Dunedin to other destinations on the South Island.
Where to Stay
Mid-range to luxury hotels are available in Dunedin, and boutique hotels are actually rather popular in the city. Serviced apartments as well as motels are also quite common in the city.
For those on a budget, hostels are also available. In addition, there are also B&Bs, holidays homes, and lodges that can be chosen from.
What to See
The Dunedin Railway Station is a must-visit especially for photography enthusiasts as it is said to be the most photographed building in the whole of New Zealand. Another must visit is the Larnach Castle, which has been billed as "New Zealand's only castle."
The University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university, is also a must-visit when in Dunedin.
For those who want to get close to nature and wildlife, there's the Dunedin Botanic Garden, Tunnel Beach, and the Royal Albatross Centre.
What to Eat
Given its proximity to the ocean, it'll be a sin to visit Dunedin without trying local seafood. Fresh and of high quality, make sure to check out spots around the Otago Peninsula for the likes of blue cod and bluff oysters.
Don't skip out on the meat pies as well, which are considered classic comfort food in New Zealand. Another dish to try is the cheese roll, which is considered a specialty of the South Island.
For a sweet end to your meal, make sure to have a pavlova or the Hokey Pokey ice cream, which is essentially vanilla ice cream with crunchy honeycomb toffee pieces.
Here's a bonus: cafe culture is also strong in Dunedin, so if you love coffee, you're in good hands.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
