Located on the South Islands east coast, Dunedin was founded around 1848 when Scottish immigrants sailed up Otago Harbour to their new land. To this day the Scottish influence pervades every aspect of life. Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere. Fortune was to smile on these adventurous settlers, GOLD (gold by the bucketful) was discovered in the province in 1861. Gold glistening in the gravels of the rivers, to be gathered at will. Along with rapid expansion of sheep farming, gold created the wealth that laid the foundation for Dunedin's growth, soon becoming the Country's most prosperous city, a legacy of this prosperity are the wonderful homes and public buildings built from 1865 to 1900. Otago University provides a diverse cultural life giving Dunedin a special atmosphere unique to New Zealand. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES WE WOULD RECOMMEND DURING YOUR STAY Royal Albatross Colony- A unique opportunity to see these magnificent sea birds in the wild. Larnach Castle- (Open Daily) New Zealand's only castle Olveston- An Edwardian mansion bequeathed to the people of Dunedin and open daily. Just 300 metres along Royal Terrace from One Royal Terrace. Taieri Gorge Railway- (A must for train enthusiasts). An afternoon journey through the spectacular Taieri Gorge into the sparsly populated native tussock grasslands of inland Otago. Harbour Cruises on the "Monarch"- Information available Botanic Gardens- New Zealands first Botanic Gardens Cadburys Chocolate Tours- Fascinating (and fattening) tours on New Zealand's largest chocolate factory. Trout Fishing Trips- Day trips available to some of the world's best fly fishing rivers and lakes. www.albatross.org.nz the only mainland breeding colony of albatross in the world www.elmwildlifetours.co.nz see our wildlife www.penguin-place.co.nz penguins and more www.larnachcastle.co.nz beautiful castle located on peninsula of otago harbour www.cityofdunedin.com museums/swimming pools/libraries/galleries etc www.dunedincasino.co.nz nz's leading boutique Casino www.dunedintourism.co.nz comprehensive site with native bird sounds www.dunedincvb.com conferencing facilities in dunedin www.dunedinnz.com tourism dunedin Ist point of contact for all information www.cadbury.co.nz indulge in the magic of cadbury world, book a factory tour www.otagomuseum.govt.nz dunedin's most visited attraction www.taieri.co.nz taieri gorge railway, one of the worlds great train trips www.wildlife.co.nz monarch wildlife cruises www.otago.ac.nz university of otago www.uolc.ac.nz university of otago language centre www.nzhalloffame.co.nz memorabilia from nz sporting heroes and heroines www.purenz.com comprehensive NZ destination site www.aatravel.co.nz comprehensive online nz travel & accommodation planning www.atoz-nz.com visitor guide to otago and southland www.yellowpages.co.nz nz accommodation search