Of Academia and Scottish Heritage

"Edinburgh of the South" is what Dunedin is in New Zealand.

It never really began with the Scots settling in this area, however. It essentially started with Captain James Cook (the dude who mapped out New Zealand) sailing around in the 1700s and noticed seals and penguins in the area. He told people about it and later attracted sealers, eventually leading to the area becoming a whaling port in early to mid 1800s. It is the Gold Rush in mid 1800s that lead to a population explosion - of Irish, Italians, Germans, French, Jews and the Chinese.

Still no Scots?

"Late nineteenth century visitors, like the French political scientist Andre Siegfried, the Irish land radical Michael Davitt and the inimitable Mark Twain, were struck by the city's Scottish character. Although immigration from Scotland has declined to almost nothing, the Scottish character of the city remains intact" 

So, they eventually came, but never really stayed. (Fair enough as it is pretty cold down there!)

Nevertheless, it has left a strong influence in Dunedin's architecture, street names, religion and its "passionate enthusiasm for education". This laid the first stone for the establishment of New Zealand's first university - University of Otago, and also the first medical school in the country!

Today, Dunedin is a lively student town (its students known as "Scarfies") with rich Scottish heritage.

Bagpipe competition

 New restaurant in town, small diversion from the theme!
The owners relocated here after the Christchurch Eathquake where they use to run "Two Fat Indians"

Inside Madly British - They were serving the Royal Wedding Tea for a limited time during the Rugby World Cup 2011

Otago Farmer's Market - Weekly on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm

Serves breakfasts! Top with the fresh summer fruit when we went!

Cheese Makers from award wining Evansdale Cheese

The Iconic Dunedin Railway station with beautiful architecture.
The start of the Otago Rail Experience - top 101 Must-do in NZ

The most beautiful bookshop I have ever been to - The University Bookshop

Sunday Family Fun at the Octagon

Royal Albatross Centre - an albatross breeding centre in the Otago Peninsula

Lanarch Castle - Essentially a really fancy house built by William Lanarch (of scottish descent!) for his first wife. 
Construction began in 1871 and completed 16 years later in 1887

Saint Clairs Beach

 Steepest street in the World - Baldwin Street
There is a gift shop at the bottom of the hill for one to get a certificate after the "great" hike, should you fancy one ;)

University of Otago Registry Buildings (the Clocktower)
- built with Oamaru stones and such grand architecture to commemorate the Scottish' commitment for higher education

Sapere Aude - "Dare to Know"

Getting there:

• Fly with Air New Zealand or Jetstar. Bear in mind that Dunedin Airport is 30min out of town. Taxi or shuttle into town are NZD70-80 and NZD25 respectively.
• Bus with Intercity, Atomic, and NakedBus from larger cities. Consider CatchaBus, if in Otago and Southland districts.
• Drive - 357km south from Christchurch (4.5 to 5 hours)

 Places to stay:

• Hotel St. Clair - away from town but right by the beach! Apartment type accommodation and located between town and the Otago Peninsula.
• Mandeno House - cosy and friendly private hotel, and bed and breakfast on George Street (main Street) just a few blocks away from the university and town shopping area.
• 755 Regal Court Motel - basic, comfy and everything nice! Voted "Best Value" on Tripadvisor.com.

Places to eat:

• Madly British - English cuisine with patriotic expat decor
• Etruso - An Italian restaurant of casual dining with a twist! I imagined many first dates here!
• Salt Bar and Restaurant - No seaview from this beachside restaurant and bar, but food is good, especially after a walk on the beach! Opens for lunch/brunch and dinner
• Crepe Stall - at the Otago Farmer's market, Dunedin Railway Station. Open only on Saturday mornings