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Introducing Dunedin & Otago
Coastal Otago, and its one major city, Dunedin, has attractions both urban and rural, offering travellers a chance to escape the crowds of Queenstown, party down in the South Island’s coolest city, and get up close and personal with the island’s most accessible wildlife.
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The heart of Otago is Dunedin, long credited as New Zealand’s indie musical heartland and definitive student party town. With a plateful of fabulous restaurants and cafés, it’s also a great place to lay off the two-minute noodles and indulge your stomach. From its stately train station (one of many grand old Victorian buildings in town), you can catch the famous Taieri Gorge Railway inland, or continue further on NZ’s greatest bike trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Those seeking quiet backcountry NZ, and noisy backcountry New Zealanders, will love the tiny towns of inland Otago: historical Clyde, sweet little St Bathans, Disney-cute Naseby – wonderful dots of humanity that don’t see a lot of tourist traffic. If you’re seeking wildlife, head to the Otago Peninsula, where penguins, albatross, sea lions and seals are easily sighted amid stunning views. Or visit seaside Oamaru, with its active historic district and resident penguin colonies.
Unhurried, and rife with picturesque scenery, Otago is generous to explorers who are after something a little less intense. The best part is, there are few crowds to share it with.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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