|
 Dunedin
is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the
principal city of the region of Otago. It is New Zealand's fifth largest
city in population, the largest in size of council boundary area, and the
hub of the sixth-largest urban area.
For historical and cultural reasons and
its location, Dunedin is considered one of the country's four main centres,
although Hamilton has overtaken it in urban-area population and Tauranga has
a slightly larger urban-area population.
The city stands on the hills and valleys
surrounding the head of Octago Harbour. The harbour and hills are the
remnants of an extinct volcano.
 As an university city of Scottish heritage,
Dunedin, being New Zealand's oldest city, possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and
world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula.
Dunedin is the main centre of Otago, a region recognised for its spectacular
scenery. The sheer physical beauty of Dunedin, dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of a long
natural harbour, attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago.
From small settlement beginnings, Dunedin has became the centre for the nation's wealth. Soaring cathedral
spires, a magnificent Flemish-style railway station, fine banks and office blocks, a nineteenth-century
castle, old university buildings and a neo-gothic convent are among the city's architectural treasures.
Dunedin has flourishing niche industries including engineering, software
engineering, bio-technology and fashion. Port Chalmers on the Otago Harbour
provides Dunedin with deep-water port facilities.
 Dunedin is also notable now as a centre for ecotourism. Uniquely, the world's
only mainland Royal Albatross colony and several penguin and seal colonies lie
within the city boundaries on Otago Peninsula.
There is thriving tertiary student population has led to a vibrant youth culture
(so named 'Scarfies'), consisting of the Dunedin's unique music scene, and more
recently a burgeoning boutique fashion industry. A strong visual arts community
also lives in Dunedin and its environs, notably in Port Chalmers and the other
settlements which dot the coast of the Otago Harbour.
Dunedin is service by regular bus/coach services from Christchurch, Queenstown,
Invercargill and by Air New Zealand Link regional services, Air New Zealand National and
Pacific Blue air services from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. |
