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Dunedin & Otago

Other sights in Dunedin & Otago

  1. Visitors Centre

    In an old limestone quarry near the waterfront, Oamaru’s blue-penguin colony sees little blue penguins surfing in and wading ashore at the visitors centre. The penguins arrive just before dark (around 5.30pm in midwinter and 9.30pm midsummer) and it takes them about an hour to all come ashore. You’ll see the most penguins (up to 150) in November and December; in the cold months from March to August there may be only 30 to 50 birds. Optimum viewing times for each night are posted at the Oamaru i-SITE. Use of camera flashes is prohibited. It can be cool, so dress warmly.

    reviewed

  2. Oamaru Public Gardens

    The Oamaru public gardens were first opened in 1876 and are a lovely place to chill out on a hot day, with endless lawns, waterways, bridges and a children’s playground.

    reviewed

  3. Alexandra Museum

    The modern Alexandra Museum attached to the i-SITE has exhibits on geology, exploration and gold mining. The i-SITE can advise on local tour operators visiting historic gold-mining sites.

    reviewed

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    Crucible Gallery

    Crucible Gallery has nice bronzes and custom-made jewellery.

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  7. Penguin Place Lodge

    Atop the hill and surrounded by farmland, this lodge has a good shared kitchen, a bright lounge, and basic double and twin rooms. There are views across the farm and harbour, you’re close to seals and albatross, and you’re next-door neighbours with the penguins. Linen costs $5 extra.

    reviewed

  8. Larnach Lodge

    Larnach Castle’s back-garden lodge has 12 individually decorated rooms. The Queen Victoria Room has a giant four-poster bed, and in the Goldrush Room guests sleep in an old horse-drawn carriage. Less frivolous are the atmospheric rooms in the 125-year-old Coach House with sloping Tudor ceilings. Dinner available by arrangement.

    reviewed