Dunedin is located on the East Coast and is the second largest city by population in the South Island. Dunedin once reigned supreme amongst New Zealand cities, with the largest population in the country from the 1860s to 1900.  The Scottish were the first Europeans to settle in the area, and the street plan of Dunedin is similar to that of its sister city, Edinburgh.

Dunedin is also memorable for its historical architecture. It is regarded to be one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Look for the massive stone Flemish Renaissance-style Dunedin Railway Station, the University clock-tower building and the Gothic Revival Dominican Priory. Dunedin even has an authentic castle – Larnach Castle was the grand home of an early politician. Apart from being New Zealand’s first University City, it has an abundance of museums, galleries and heritage homes.

Dunedin was founded on the picks, harpoons and hard toil of gold miners, whalers and early Scottish settlers over 150 years ago. The 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 sea lions are all possible within a short drive of the city center.