New Zealand

Otago

Moeraki Boulders

The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River to the mighty Clutha River, on the South Island's eastern coast. About halfway between is the city of Dunedin, the South Island's second largest city.

Dunedin was founded on the picks, harpoons and hard toil of goldminers, whalers and early Scottish settlers over 150 years ago. Much of Dunedin's early wealth and enterprise has left a tangible mark on the city today.

Dunedin's name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh—appropriate since the city was established by Scottish Presbyterians.

Dunedin city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife. Visits to see the world's rarest penguins, the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal albatross and rare New Zealand sealions are all possible within a short drive of the city centre.

It's easy to learn about things in Dunedin. Apart from being New Zealand's first university city, it has an abundance of museums, galleries and heritage homes with amazing stories to tell. You can even discover the history of beer brewing at the Speights Brewery.

Dunedin offers all the facilities you would expect within a modern, thriving city, without the traffic jams and parking problems! Daily life is vibrant, positive and upbeat. Cafes, restaurants and bars compete for space with a fabulous mix of shops and entertainment venues.

Central Otago is the only region in New Zealand to experience a near continental climate, having the hottest summers and coldest winters in New Zealand. Old trails that provided access for thousands of miners in the gold rush of the 1860s can still be seen winding over the hills, along with stone cottages, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and machinery associated with the gold rush.

The towns of Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Roxburgh and Ranfurly are ideal bases for explorations of the surrounding historical countryside. Alexandra, the main town on the Clutha River, is the centre for stone fruit, particularly golden apricots. Hydro electric dams along the Clutha River have formed Lake Roxburgh and Lake Dunstan. These now offer a range of recreational opportunities, from power boating and fishing to windsurfing and sailing.

Wine has become one of Central Otago's newest claims to fame. Many of the wineries offer tastings throughout the summer months. Central Otago can also offer you the thrill of mountain biking through remote tussock and the leisurely pleasure of a stroll through wild mountain flowers. Arts, crafts and fine regional food are other reasons to come. And then there's the jet boating, gold panning and ice skating on a clear winter's day.

Click www.otagotouristguide.com for more information

NEW ZEALAND TOURIST GUIDES
	Otago The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River to the mighty Clutha River, on the South Island's eastern coast. About halfway between is the city of Dunedin, the South Island's second largest city. Dunedin was founded on the picks, harpoons and hard toil of goldminers, whalers and early Scottish settlers over 150 years ago. Much of Dunedin's early wealth and enterprise has left a tangible mark on the city today. Dunedin's name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh—appropriate since the city was established by Scottish Presbyterians. Dunedin city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife. Visits to see the world's rarest penguins, the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal albatross and rare New Zealand sealions are all possible within a short drive of the city centre. It's easy to learn about things in Dunedin. Apart from being New Zealand's first university city, it has an abundance of museums, galleries and heritage homes with amazing stories to tell. You can even discover the history of beer brewing at the Speights Brewery. Dunedin offers all the facilities you would expect within a modern, thriving city, without the traffic jams and parking problems! Daily life is vibrant, positive and upbeat. Cafes, restaurants and bars compete for space with a fabulous mix of shops and entertainment venues. Central Otago is the only region in New Zealand to experience a near continental climate, having the hottest summers and coldest winters in New Zealand. Old trails that provided access for thousands of miners in the gold rush of the 1860s can still be seen winding over the hills, along with stone cottages, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and machinery associated with the gold rush. The towns of Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Roxburgh and Ranfurly are ideal bases for explorations of the surrounding historical countryside. Alexandra, the main town on the Clutha River, is the centre for stone fruit, particularly golden apricots. Hydro electric dams along the Clutha River have formed Lake Roxburgh and Lake Dunstan. These now offer a range of recreational opportunities, from power boating and fishing to windsurfing and sailing. Wine has become one of Central Otago's newest claims to fame. Many of the wineries offer tastings throughout the summer months. Central Otago can also offer you the thrill of mountain biking through remote tussock and the leisurely pleasure of a stroll through wild mountain flowers. Arts, crafts and fine regional food are other reasons to come. And then there's the jet boating, gold panning and ice skating on a clear winter's day. Click www.otagotouristguide.com for more information Home

NEW ZEALAND TOURIST GUIDES