Dunedin, New Zealand

Baldwin Street

The main attraction in Dunedin is the Coolest Street in the World, Baldwin Street. The street turned out to be record-breaking in its steepness by sheer chance. Like most New Zealand cities, Dunedin was planned and laid out in advance-back in England-without a detailed consideration of the area’s actual topography. As a result, some streets were laid across the terrain at an incredibly steep angle. For example, the small lane of Baldwin Street climbs uphill at an angle of 19 degrees. On the steepest section alone, for every 2.66 meters of distance, the street gains 1 meter in height! The street is paved with concrete, since at such a grade, asphalt simply wouldn’t hold, and would likely slide on a hot day along the slope. Baldwin Street made it into the Guinness Book of Records and has become a world-class attraction.

Knox Church

Knox Church is the largest church building in Dunedin, New Zealand. It belongs to the Second Presbyterian Congregation. The church was built from blue stone from quarries near the Leith River, as well as from Oamaru stone. The building has the typical shape of a Latin cross for such structures, with a nave 30 metres long and 22 metres wide. The height of the spire reaches 51 metres. The building has two organs-a large one installed in 1931 by the firm Hill, Norman, & Beard, and a smaller oak one, which was originally created for a church in Christchurch.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

The cathedral’s architect is Francis Petre, who also designed the Cathedral of the Holy Communion in Christchurch and the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1878 during the episcopate of Patrick Morgan. The first Mass in its walls was held in February 1886, and in May of the same year construction was completed. Next to the cathedral is the monastery of St. Dominic, built in 1876 according to Petre’s design as well. Behind the cathedral are the parsonage and the library. Over its history, the cathedral has undergone several changes; however, even today it is still striking in its beauty and grandeur.

Larnaca Castle

On the edge of the city, atop a volcanic hill, stands the only castle in New Zealand - Larnaca Castle. A romantic Gothic structure is surrounded by an old, shady garden with mighty cedars and cypresses. The garden is divided into several themed areas with fountains, statues, greenhouses, and wonderful flowerbeds. However, the history of this place is rather sad. The creator and first owner of the castle, banker and politician William Larnaca, shot himself. After the tragedy, the castle lay in ruins for many years. Today, the castle is owned by the Barker family, which simply fell in love with the remnants of this amazing home and, for over 40 years, carefully restored both the house itself, its interiors, and the 14 hectares of picturesque gardens.

Chinese Garden

The Dunedin Chinese Garden is considered one of the most authentic among traditional gardens outside China, since its creation involved the best specialists from Dunedin’s sister city, Shanghai: Chao Yongcheng, Chen Ling and Tang Yufen. The masters carefully ensured that all ancient laws and traditions of garden construction were strictly followed during its establishment. The models were the gardens of scholar-gardeners from the Ming dynasty era. This garden is included among the top ten most beautiful Chinese gardens in the world located outside China.

Cadburyworld

Cadbury World is an entertainment center and museum founded by Cadbury, one of the world’s leading confectionery companies. Cadbury’s “World” introduces visitors to the company’s history, as well as the chocolate production process. The factory tour lasts about 75 minutes. During the tour, visitors are offered chocolate in a variety of types. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the five-story tower, inside which the world’s largest chocolate waterfall is located. Factory tours are held only on weekdays; on weekends, the factory is closed. At the “Cadbury World” shop, the factory’s products are sold with discounts. There, visitors can also buy a variety of souvenirs.

Beaches

For swimming and surfing, the good city St. Clear Beach is great, gently transitioning into St. Kilda Beach. If the water seems not warm enough, you can move to a heated saltwater pool located right on the shore. And the most picturesque and interesting place within Dunedin is Tunnel Beach - a sandy beach squeezed between cliffs, which you can reach only via a narrow tunnel cut through the rock. Don’t miss the chance to visit this truly wonderful place!

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

In Dunedin you will see the coolest street in the world - Baldwin Street, the first university in New Zealand, the most beautiful office building, and ancient cathedrals and churches. Next, you will head to the Otago Peninsula, rich in picturesque landscapes. There you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the rocks and the lighthouse, old coastal fortifications, at the Albatross Centre, and watch the seagulls. On the way back, you will travel by another road and visit Allans Beach, where you can see penguins and sea lions. Back in Dunedin, you will return via a scenic road through the city waterfront with views of the open ocean. After lunch with a tasting of traditional New Zealand beer or wine, you will be able to admire the city center with its historic railway station and the first church of Dunedin, and then see its panorama from one of the scenic hills.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.