Dunedin and Southland

Dunedin is Scottish university town trapped at the far end of the globe. It is filled with good pubs and great beer. The town boasts the steepest straight road in the world. The scenic Otago Peninsula juts out from the city’s coast. At its end is the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony. The giant white birds swoop in to lay their eggs and feed their young. Then a few months later, the weak baby birds throw themselves off the cliffs and into their maiden flight.

To the south lies the Catlins, a far off the beaten path section of windswept sheep stations that end abruptly at a long set of dramatic sea cliffs. Beyond lies Stewart Island, a haven for hikers and bird lovers. Trips to Stewart Island allow rare glimpses of birds found nowhere on the mainland.

Dunedin and Southland, NZ – Top Activities:

Viewing rare birds
Raising a glass of local beer in the Scottish style city
Remote windswept farms