Dunedin

Dunedin New Zealand

Dunedin is the largest city of Otago province in New Zealand’s South Island. Settled in 1848 by Scots, eighty percent of the city’s population of over 120,000 residents declares European origins and includes around 25,000 students. The city’s vibrant culture reflects this creative diversity.

The arts, literature and music thrive in Dunedin, especially among the cafes, galleries and museums, theatres and club scene, from the cafes to the symphony. Rugby boasts the famous Carisbrook ‘House of Pain’, a ground known internationally to fans of the code.

The beautiful natural environment is just minutes from the city with surf beaches, walking tours, deep sea fishing and wildlife such as albatross, yellow-eyed penguins and seal colonies close at hand.

Located on Otago harbour, the metropolitan area is hilly and pleasant, dotted with parks and gardens, only hours away from winter skiing, vineyards and the lakes of the province. Victorian and Edwardian architecture blend harmoniously with the natural environment and many people find the city reminiscent of Edinburgh, reflecting its Scottish founders.

Dunedin’s temperate climate underscores its relaxed and friendly lifestyle. Most people own their own homes and most families own their own cars, though traffic is no problem. Dunedin’s international airport is 20km south of the city.

Though it sometimes seems to have all four seasons in one day, raifall averages are low, snow falls on the city rarely and the city’s winters are cold but sunny while its summers are mild and air pollution negligible. Temperate plant species thrive, especially rhododendrons and there is an annual Rhododendron Festival in October.

The city’s major industry is education, but it is also the financial and commercial heart of the province, hosting industries such as agriculture and biotechnology, information and communication technology, engineering and manufacturing, food processing, forestry and fashion design.

With its blend of the traditional and the modern, the natural and the built environments, science, nature and the arts, Dunedin’s affordable and easy way of life offer much to residents and visitors who enjoy a safe and varied experience in a city that has much to offer.