First Presbyterian Church of Otago.
by kiwi
First Church of Otago,
410 Moray Place,
Dunedin.
There are not many old classic churches in New Zealand, and most of them are in the South Island, where the British immigrants settled. "First Church" as this one is know, stands tall and proud in the city of Dunedin and features as a prominent landmark.
It is a New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Registered building No.60. The foundation stone was laid in 1868 but like most buildings of the time, it wasn't finished until 1873.
The instigator behind this project was the Rev Thomas Burns, who happened to be the nephew of
the poet Robbie Burns, however he died before completion. I made particular point to visit the First Church as it was in here that my parents were married. Also we were staying in a hotel nearby and the lovely grand spire made navigating back to the hotel very easy!
Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head
by TomorrowsAngel
The Albatross has long been a creature of reverence and superstition. Well before Coleridge penned his 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner', seafarers believed that when their captains died their souls took the form of an albatross to wander the oceans forever.
The Royal Albatross, one of the largest seabirds, is a gliding phenomenon. It regularly circumnavigates the globe, sometimes aloft for days on end. Ranging effortlessly on the prevailing winds, it spends little more than a tenth of its long life on land.
To sight a soaring Albatross is unforgettable - a spectacle touched with a dignity and majesty no other bird can excel. Held aloft on slim wings up to 3 metres (9'6") across, the great Albatross is capable of swooping speeds of at least 115kph+. It's pure ecstacy in the air, yet distinctly clumsy on the ground. You'll find the social and family life of the breeding colony fascinating. Chicks are fussed over by devoted parents, adolescents party, just like adolescents everywhere, courtships proceed with lots of kissing and cuddling, and "marriage" is usually for life despite long separations at sea. And the life of an Albatross is indeed long - one bird at Taiaroa, fondly known as "Grandma," raised her last chick at age 62!
The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head, on the tip of the Peninsula, is the only mainland breeding colony of albatross in the world.
Visitors to the Royal Albatross Centre can view the interpretative wildlife displays, learn of the historical use of the area, and experience the famous Unique Taiaroa guided tours. Don't leave the website without checking out our Virtual Reality 360-degree panorama!
Chocolate Beer and Pickled Peppers
by Kakapo2 about The Speight's Ale House
This is the first and original Ale House of Speight's, and this is no wonder as it is on the grounds of the brewery in Dunedin.
I quite like it there, especially the huge bar area where you just have a beer and nibbles and other unhealthy snacks ;-) They dare something in beer making, and I was pleasantly surprised of the subtle flavour of the Porter Ale which finishes on a chocolate note. Perhaps this is not acceptable for real beer drinkers but for me who only has a beer once a month or so and who is open to new flavours it was really special and delicious.
Also the dining area is nice and warm, with the dark wood and darkish illumination. The food is rustic and hearty, and it comes in good portions. What I did not enjoy last time we were there was the fashionable piling all the foods, with the dripping salad on top of all, and all dishes were decorated with sour pickled peppers (capsicums) and gherkins which did not match any flavour. When you had removed this and put the salad beside the meat and chips/potatoes/pasta the meal was still enjoyable.
Speight's also offer 90 min brewery tours which start at 10am, 12pm and 2pm daily, Mon-Thu additionally at 7pm and Fr-Sun at 4pm.
Railway Station
by grets
Known as "Gingerbread George", New Zealand Railways official architect, George A. Troup, designed and built Dunedin's railway station in 1904-07 in the Flemish Renaissance style. It is worth taking a peek inside to see the Royal Doulton mosaic floor and architectural ceramics as well as stunning stained glass windows.
Larnach Castle
by Robmj
New Zealand's only castle is set on the spectacular Otago Peninsula. This really is a "must-do" when in Dunedin.
The Castle features magnificent architecture, superb craftsmanship, and a unique collection of NZ antiques. Its original owner William Larnach is a bit of a local legend and the castle has quite a history.
Today, the Castle is the home of the Barker family, who have spent over forty years lovingly restoring the building and recreating the beauty of the 14 hectares of gardens and grounds.
The route to the castle has panorama views of the Peninsula, Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
The castle has a number of reasons to visit; these include:
- some unique architecture, a Neo-Gothic Castle with Colonial veranda
- a fascinating history, of William Larnach, his three wives, his career in politics and banking and his eventual scandalous suicide
- a long history, periods of neglect, abandonment and restoration
- a Ghostly presence
- magnificent carved ceilings carved by the best European craftsmen
- stunning views from the Tower, 360° Views of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, Harbour & Pacific Ocean
- a superb collection of New Zealand antiques, including a unique nine piece totara knot suite
- truly magnificent Ballroom
- amazing gardens, rated as "garden of significance"
You will enjoy Larnach Castle.
Sign in with Facebook
Larnach Castle
Guys, mind the shark!
Dunedin Station
The Town Hall and Tourist Information Centre
