Dunedin and Otago Peninsula

The city of Dunedin was founded by European settlers mainly from Scotland in 1848, although Maori had been resident in Otago for many centuries prior to this. With a population of about 120 000, it is a city balanced by economic needs and the recreational demands of its proud inhabitants. The northern entrance to the city is hilly and bush-clad with outstanding volcanic features. The southern approach is equally spectacular with manicured farms alongside natural wetlands surrounded by hills. Travellers by air see Dunedin as breathtaking with its natural harbour, hilly peninsula and golden beaches. The inner city is compact and easily accessed with elegant shops, cafs, restaurants, sightseeing and no traffic congestion. Much of the historical part of the city is within easy walking distance.

University of Otago

Founded by the Scottish settlers in 1869, Dunedin University is the first university in New Zealand. With a student population of about 20,000 it is not only the largest university in the country but the major employer in Dunedin. Otago University is listed among the top 100 universities in the world. There is an increasing number of international students which adds a special flair to the city. The famous Clocktower Building built in 1879 still houses the Geology Department.

The relatively small size of the city and the campus close to the centre have created a unique atmosphere, which is often referred to as the "student culture" of Dunedin. The movie Scarfie, which is part of our DVD collection at Nisbet Cottage, features the characteristic lifestyle and events during the academic year from February to November. There is for example the enthusiastic support for the Otago rugby team, the Highlanders, and the never-ending street parties on weekends including the occasional burning sofas. However, all of this settles down once the final exams of the year have to be addressed. During the summer break from November to February Dunedin used to become a much quieter place, which has changed more recently with the introduction of summer studentships and other academic programs. Dunedin with its Otago University is indeed a vibrant place offering a superb quality of life to its inhabitants and students alike.

Otago Peninsula

For almost 30km the Peninsula with its rolling hills shelters the Otago Harbour, which provides only a very narrow opening to the sea at Taiaroa Head. That is why Captain Cook missed the harbour entrance on his first voyage to New Zealand. 

The coastline of the Otago Peninsula is spectacular with both sandstone and basalt cliffs with volcanic rock formations leading down to the sand dunes, deserted beaches, and tidal inlets. Royal Albatross, fur seals, sea lions, shags, penguins, wading birds and native bush make Dunedin and the Peninsula an attractive destination in all seasons. Because of these outstanding natural features Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula have become the Wildlife Centre of New Zealand.