Dunedin in Otago (Otakau), New Zealand (Aotearoa), is a pretty city nestled close to the coastline and at the foot of a harbour mouth so small the explorer Captain Cook missed it from the deck of his sailing ship the 'Endeavour' when he sailed past one February day in the 18th century. Since that day, Dunedin was settled by European settlers, mostly from Scotland, and became the first city of New Zealand (thanks to a population explosion caused by the Gold Rush of the 1800s). The name 'Dunedin' is the original name for Edinburgh, and is known as the Edinburgh of the South. Despite its auspicious beginnings, it is now one of New Zealand's smaller cities, in a country with a population of 4 million.
Apart from anything else, it is a city becoming more and more famous because of the largest seabird of them all, the albatross. Dunedin just happens to be the only city in the world that can boast a breeding and nesting colony of these birds within its boundaries. Because of its nearness to a city, the colony, situated out at Taiaroa Head, is unique. Usually the Northern Royal Albatross chooses colonies on isolated, off-shore outcrops miles from any human habitation, and what's more, ones that lie in the way of fierce, inhospitable weather conditions (which is the way albatrosses like it). Due to a confused albatross landing on the tip of Dunedin's small peninsula in the 1920s, and liking it there, a breeding site was eventually established on the very spot. The albatrosses find the headland conducive to their needs for strong winds for take-off and landing. It is also bare of any impeding flora, being covered with low grass. The colony is now a protected, tourist site with an observatory set up from which to view the birds as they fly in and out (a majestic sight with their 10 feet (3 meter) wing-span.
Dunedin has other wildlife to view; seals, sea-lions and yellow-eyed penguins being the most notable. It is possible to choose from a variety of options to view the wildlife, from independent travel to the easily accessible sites, or with a guided tour. As well as the wildlife on offer, Dunedin has a history of Victorian architecture to look at, with its striking, bluestone railway station a famous landmark. There is also a restored, late-19th century castle built by a rich eccentric to visit. Being a university city (Otago Universtiy being New Zealand's oldest university) innovation and culture are part of its flavor. Fashion and jewellery designers can be hunted down and items purchased. It is a city that is home to many writers, artists and sculptors. It has a handsome art gallery situated right in the middle of town and a modern museum situated in the middle of the university area. Because the university exists cheek-by-jowl with the city, the students add their energy, creativity and verve to its atmosphere.
Dunedin is a city that is located close to the countryside, so as well as providing a lively night-life of eateries and theatre, it is possible to also get both a taste of both nature and city-living in the one day. An excursion train runs daily trips out to the historical, pioneer area of the Maniototo Gorge, allowing a good look at a totally different, startling, inland landscape of ravine, rock and viaducts. Situated between harbour and coast, means that there are available close to the city, numerous beaches. These beautiful beaches are on the whole, surfer beaches with breakers rolling in on to long, clean stretches of sand.
If you are after beauty, wildlife, culture, architectural history, creative character and landscape - as well as all the modern facilities a modern city in the 21st century has to offer, such as cafes that sell 'real' coffee - then a visit to Dunedin, Otago , New Zealand is highly recommended. Dunedin, one of the world's most beautiful (small) cities!