Showing posts with label Top Destinations in Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top Destinations in Australia. Show all posts
Best Vacation Spots in Australia
If you are planning a trip to Australia for the first time, you need to know that Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are the opposite of countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
This means, June through August are the winter months in Australia, while December through February are the summer months in Australia. Australia is traditionally known as a country of harsh hot weather, though in reality Australia has four distinctive seasons like much of the world. No matter when you plan to travel, Australia is a great place to visit all year-round.
I you are looking to enjoy a family summer vacation in Australia, two of the best vacation spots in Australia are Sydney and Melbourne. Both cities enjoy steady pleasant temperatures all year-round and boast a multitude of attractions to suit young and old.. Having said this, there are literary dozens of nice places where you can stay in Australia during your vacation. They're as follows:
Best Vacation Spots in Australia: Top 5
1. Geraldton Western Australia
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, and would like to get up to activities such as whale watching, hiking, swimming, snorkeling and winery tours, Geraldton WA is one of the best vacation spots in Australia to for this.
2. Cairns Queensland
Cairns Queensland is another great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beach goers, but if you want to avoid the rainy season, travel between June and August.
Diving and snorkeling are especially popular pursuits as the port city of Cairns Queensland is within a short boast ride from Fitzroy Island and the Low Isles.
3. Adelaide South Australia
Adelaide is another excellent beach vacation in Australia where you can enjoy a myriad of water activities and whale watching opportunities.
Apart from fun activities, Adelaide South Australia is known for its festivals and events such as the Adelaide V8 Supercar and Horse Racing Carnival.
4. Perth Western Australia
Perth WA is known as the home to the popular Red Bull Air Race event and the Joondalup Carnival which features flamboyant street parades.
Perth WA offers plenty of beach activities and recreational opportunities at one of the nearby city parks, and the chance to visit the local ‘Mint House’.
5. Island of Tasmania
The Island of Tasmania is truly an outdoors paradise, and if you’re planning on exploring rare fauna while getting up to some hiking, Tasmania won’t disappoint you.
Apart from outdoor pursuits, Tasmania is one of the best vacation spots in Australia for history buffs, as the island has some of the best preserved 18th century landmarks from the colonial period such as old jails.
More Facts about Australia
Weather Zones in Australia
There are two weather zones in Australia, the Tropical Zone and the Temperate Zone:
- The Tropical Zone has only a rainy (summer months) season and a dry season (winter months).
- The Temperate Zone enjoys four complete seasons.
Tropical Zone Territories
The Tropical Zone includes:
- Northern Territory
- North of Queensland
- North of Western Australia.
Temperate Zone Territories
The Temperate Zone includes:
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- South Wales
- South Australia
- Southern Queensland
- South of Western Australia
See. Places to visit in New South Wales
This means, June through August are the winter months in Australia, while December through February are the summer months in Australia. Australia is traditionally known as a country of harsh hot weather, though in reality Australia has four distinctive seasons like much of the world. No matter when you plan to travel, Australia is a great place to visit all year-round.
I you are looking to enjoy a family summer vacation in Australia, two of the best vacation spots in Australia are Sydney and Melbourne. Both cities enjoy steady pleasant temperatures all year-round and boast a multitude of attractions to suit young and old.. Having said this, there are literary dozens of nice places where you can stay in Australia during your vacation. They're as follows:
Best Vacation Spots in Australia: Top 5
1. Geraldton Western Australia
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, and would like to get up to activities such as whale watching, hiking, swimming, snorkeling and winery tours, Geraldton WA is one of the best vacation spots in Australia to for this.
2. Cairns Queensland
Cairns Queensland is another great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beach goers, but if you want to avoid the rainy season, travel between June and August.
Diving and snorkeling are especially popular pursuits as the port city of Cairns Queensland is within a short boast ride from Fitzroy Island and the Low Isles.
3. Adelaide South Australia
Adelaide is another excellent beach vacation in Australia where you can enjoy a myriad of water activities and whale watching opportunities.
Apart from fun activities, Adelaide South Australia is known for its festivals and events such as the Adelaide V8 Supercar and Horse Racing Carnival.
4. Perth Western Australia
Perth WA is known as the home to the popular Red Bull Air Race event and the Joondalup Carnival which features flamboyant street parades.
Perth WA offers plenty of beach activities and recreational opportunities at one of the nearby city parks, and the chance to visit the local ‘Mint House’.
5. Island of Tasmania
The Island of Tasmania is truly an outdoors paradise, and if you’re planning on exploring rare fauna while getting up to some hiking, Tasmania won’t disappoint you.
Apart from outdoor pursuits, Tasmania is one of the best vacation spots in Australia for history buffs, as the island has some of the best preserved 18th century landmarks from the colonial period such as old jails.
More Facts about Australia
Weather Zones in Australia
There are two weather zones in Australia, the Tropical Zone and the Temperate Zone:
- The Tropical Zone has only a rainy (summer months) season and a dry season (winter months).
- The Temperate Zone enjoys four complete seasons.
Tropical Zone Territories
The Tropical Zone includes:
- Northern Territory
- North of Queensland
- North of Western Australia.
Temperate Zone Territories
The Temperate Zone includes:
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- South Wales
- South Australia
- Southern Queensland
- South of Western Australia
See. Places to visit in New South Wales
Interesting Places to Visit in New Zealand
For those of you planning a New Zealand holiday for the first time, the country is actually similar to the Japan Islands, in that it comprises a few islands.
In this case, New Zealand is actually comprised of three main islands – North Island, South Island and Stewart Island- and other smaller islands.
New Zealand is truly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and it offers plenty of mountainous areas, national parks and volcanic plateaus where you can explore rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Having said this, apart from beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, New Zealand does offers many shopping opportunities, lively nightlife spots, and plenty of fun events and festivals.
Interesting Places to Visit in New Zealand
There are so many wonderful places to choose for a getaway in New Zealand but in my opinion two of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand are Invercargill New Zealand and Dunedin New Zealand.
Both Invercargill and Dunedin do get overlooked by major cities such as Christchurch and Auckland, but these two places offer a myriad of city attractions, as well as plenty of outdoor pursuits such as winery tours, whale watching tours, hiking and fishing opportunities.
Invercargill New Zealand
If you are true outdoors person and are looking to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, Invercargill NZ is a short ferry ride from Stewart Island where you can explore the popular Rakiura National Park.
Dunedin New Zealand
If you enjoy all kinds of tours during a holiday, Dunedin NZ is, perhaps, one of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand, as it offers plenty of opportunities for whale watching tours, brewery tours, fishing trips and kayak tours.
Apart from fun activities such as the ones mentioned, Dunedin NZ is one of the most historic cities in New Zealand with a proud Scottish heritage. It boasts 19th century castles, railway stations and Victorian houses.
New Zealand is truly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and it offers plenty of mountainous areas, national parks and volcanic plateaus where you can explore rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Having said this, apart from beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, New Zealand does offers many shopping opportunities, lively nightlife spots, and plenty of fun events and festivals.
Interesting Places to Visit in New Zealand
There are so many wonderful places to choose for a getaway in New Zealand but in my opinion two of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand are Invercargill New Zealand and Dunedin New Zealand.
Both Invercargill and Dunedin do get overlooked by major cities such as Christchurch and Auckland, but these two places offer a myriad of city attractions, as well as plenty of outdoor pursuits such as winery tours, whale watching tours, hiking and fishing opportunities.
Invercargill New Zealand
If you are true outdoors person and are looking to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, Invercargill NZ is a short ferry ride from Stewart Island where you can explore the popular Rakiura National Park.
Dunedin New Zealand
If you enjoy all kinds of tours during a holiday, Dunedin NZ is, perhaps, one of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand, as it offers plenty of opportunities for whale watching tours, brewery tours, fishing trips and kayak tours.
Apart from fun activities such as the ones mentioned, Dunedin NZ is one of the most historic cities in New Zealand with a proud Scottish heritage. It boasts 19th century castles, railway stations and Victorian houses.
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Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand
Invercargill is located south of New Zealand and north of Stewart Island, which is home to the majestic Rakiura National Park.
Those of you traveling from Scotland will feel quite at home in this part of New Zealand as locals are proud of their Scottish heritage, and they even have a Scottish twang to their accents.
If you are looking to explore nearby cities, Invercargill New Zealand is just a couple of hours drive from Queenstown and Dunedin New Zealand.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Places of Interest
Queens Park
Queens Park, located between the Windsor and Avenal neighborhoods, is one of the most popular urban parks in Invercargill New Zealand.
Apart from being able to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities, the park is home to a golf course, an art gallery museum, an observatory and a botanical Garden.
Thomsons Bush
The Thomsons Bush is an excellent park home to a mile of walking paths, and open areas where you can enjoy recreational activities.
Thomsons Bush, located in the Waikiwi neighborhood, is actually a protected native forest, and as you walk along the paths, you can marvel at the lush forest.
Elizabeth Park
If you are traveling with your pet, Elizabeth Park is one of the few pet-friendly parks where dogs can roam freely.
Also, if you are planning in renting bikes, Elizabeth Park (located on Rockdale neighborhood) has a cool BMX circuit.
Splash Palace Water Park
If you are traveling with the family, one of the most popular things to do in Invercargill with kids it’s to visit Splash Palace.
The water park is located on Elles Road (adjacent Rugby Park), and features water areas for the little ones, water slides and a spa pool for adults to relax.
Oreti Beach
If you are traveling to Invercargill New Zealand, you can spend some time at the Oreti Beach, which is located 5 miles west of Invercargill's city center.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Fun Day Trips
Stewart Island
If you love hiking and would like to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, a day trip to Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island should be high on your agenda.
You can get to Steward Island by plane but the ferry ride is one of the most fun ways to get there.
To reach Stewart Island, you need to get to the seaport town of Bluff, which is just 12 miles south of Invercargill New Zealand along the Bluff Highway (the drive takes less than 30 minutes).
The ferry service is between Bluff town and Oban village (Steward Island) and the trip takes around 60 minutes (ticket prices hover around $60 one way).
The natural scenery at the Rakiura National Park is quite breathtaking and once you get here, you can expect lush forest with plenty of fauna to observe, as well as many trails to hike along.
Rakiura National Park can be enjoyed on a day trip, but if you wish to make it a two or three day affair, there is a variety of accommodations around the Oban village to suit all budgets.
Fiordland National Park
Another day trip worth adding to your Invercargill itinerary, it’s a visit to Fiordland National Park.
This park is located northwest of Invercargill’s city center and the overall driving time to reach the park is 3 hours.
To gain access to the park, you need to take the 'Te Anau Mossburn Highway' towards Te Anau town (around 2 hours drive).
From there, you need to take the 'Te Anau Milford Highway' towards Milford Sound (a further 90 minute drive).
Once you get to Fiordland Park, you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing.
Milford Sound
Apart from exploring Fiordland Park, don’t forget to visit Milford Sound for breathtaking views of cliffs and waterfalls.
Milford Sound features an underwater observatory where you can marvel at black coral,and if you want to get better views of Milford Sound, there are many tour companies offering boat tours of Milford Sound, departing from the Milford Sound Visitors' Centre.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Shopping
For retail shopping, the Glengarry neighborhood is home to the 'Challenge Glengarry' and Make ‘n’ Bake shopping centers (both of these shopping centers are located near the Stadium Southland).
Another popular shopping center it’s the 'A Streak A' head, which is located in the Gladstone neighborhood, near Queens Park.
For boutique shopping, along Esk Street you can find many small stores and boutique shops with the usual popular designers.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Nightlife & Entertainment
The city center of Invercargill is the heart of the night scene in the city.
Along Dee Street, Esk Street and Tay Street is where you can find many restaurants, bars and the popular Tillermans bar and nightclub.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Events & Festivals
Invercargill Gypsy Fair
The Invercargill Gypsy Fair, held in April at Queens Park, is an annual event where you can enjoy a fair gypsy style. At the fair you can enjoy tarot reading, tattooing, live entertainment and more.
Dunkley's New Zealand Craft Show
The Dunkley's New Zealand Craft Show, held in September at the Stadium Southland, is one of the most popular craft events in New Zealand. At the event you can see the country’s best craftsmen and their works.
Teretonga Race Track
If you are a car racing enthusiast, Teretonga Race Track (located along Sandy Point Road) features various types of monthly racing events such as Drifting and Clubsport events.
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If you are looking to explore nearby cities, Invercargill New Zealand is just a couple of hours drive from Queenstown and Dunedin New Zealand.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Places of Interest
Queens Park
Queens Park, located between the Windsor and Avenal neighborhoods, is one of the most popular urban parks in Invercargill New Zealand.
Apart from being able to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities, the park is home to a golf course, an art gallery museum, an observatory and a botanical Garden.
Thomsons Bush
The Thomsons Bush is an excellent park home to a mile of walking paths, and open areas where you can enjoy recreational activities.
Thomsons Bush, located in the Waikiwi neighborhood, is actually a protected native forest, and as you walk along the paths, you can marvel at the lush forest.
Elizabeth Park
If you are traveling with your pet, Elizabeth Park is one of the few pet-friendly parks where dogs can roam freely.
Also, if you are planning in renting bikes, Elizabeth Park (located on Rockdale neighborhood) has a cool BMX circuit.
Splash Palace Water Park
If you are traveling with the family, one of the most popular things to do in Invercargill with kids it’s to visit Splash Palace.
The water park is located on Elles Road (adjacent Rugby Park), and features water areas for the little ones, water slides and a spa pool for adults to relax.
Oreti Beach
If you are traveling to Invercargill New Zealand, you can spend some time at the Oreti Beach, which is located 5 miles west of Invercargill's city center.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Fun Day Trips
Stewart Island
If you love hiking and would like to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, a day trip to Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island should be high on your agenda.
You can get to Steward Island by plane but the ferry ride is one of the most fun ways to get there.
To reach Stewart Island, you need to get to the seaport town of Bluff, which is just 12 miles south of Invercargill New Zealand along the Bluff Highway (the drive takes less than 30 minutes).
The ferry service is between Bluff town and Oban village (Steward Island) and the trip takes around 60 minutes (ticket prices hover around $60 one way).
The natural scenery at the Rakiura National Park is quite breathtaking and once you get here, you can expect lush forest with plenty of fauna to observe, as well as many trails to hike along.
Rakiura National Park can be enjoyed on a day trip, but if you wish to make it a two or three day affair, there is a variety of accommodations around the Oban village to suit all budgets.
Fiordland National Park
Another day trip worth adding to your Invercargill itinerary, it’s a visit to Fiordland National Park.
This park is located northwest of Invercargill’s city center and the overall driving time to reach the park is 3 hours.
To gain access to the park, you need to take the 'Te Anau Mossburn Highway' towards Te Anau town (around 2 hours drive).
From there, you need to take the 'Te Anau Milford Highway' towards Milford Sound (a further 90 minute drive).
Once you get to Fiordland Park, you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing.
Milford Sound
Apart from exploring Fiordland Park, don’t forget to visit Milford Sound for breathtaking views of cliffs and waterfalls.
Milford Sound features an underwater observatory where you can marvel at black coral,and if you want to get better views of Milford Sound, there are many tour companies offering boat tours of Milford Sound, departing from the Milford Sound Visitors' Centre.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Shopping
For retail shopping, the Glengarry neighborhood is home to the 'Challenge Glengarry' and Make ‘n’ Bake shopping centers (both of these shopping centers are located near the Stadium Southland).
Another popular shopping center it’s the 'A Streak A' head, which is located in the Gladstone neighborhood, near Queens Park.
For boutique shopping, along Esk Street you can find many small stores and boutique shops with the usual popular designers.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Nightlife & Entertainment
The city center of Invercargill is the heart of the night scene in the city.
Along Dee Street, Esk Street and Tay Street is where you can find many restaurants, bars and the popular Tillermans bar and nightclub.
Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Events & Festivals
Invercargill Gypsy Fair
The Invercargill Gypsy Fair, held in April at Queens Park, is an annual event where you can enjoy a fair gypsy style. At the fair you can enjoy tarot reading, tattooing, live entertainment and more.
Dunkley's New Zealand Craft Show
The Dunkley's New Zealand Craft Show, held in September at the Stadium Southland, is one of the most popular craft events in New Zealand. At the event you can see the country’s best craftsmen and their works.
Teretonga Race Track
If you are a car racing enthusiast, Teretonga Race Track (located along Sandy Point Road) features various types of monthly racing events such as Drifting and Clubsport events.
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Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand
If you are traveling to Dunedin New Zealand for the first time, the city is home a myriad of Victorian and Edwardian buildings reminiscent of those found in Edinburgh in Scotland.
Apart from glorious buildings and a wealthy heritage, Dunedin New Zealand offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as cycling and whale watching.
There are many things to do in Dunedin New Zealand and the city can be a great base for exploring Queenstown and Fiordland.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Fun Activities
Marine Life Tours
Whale Watching Tour
One of the most popular fun things to do in Dunedin New Zealand is to explore its marine life. The best way to experience the marine life, it’s by arranging a whale watching tour with one of the tour companies there.
A typical whale watching tour takes you out in the Otago Peninsula and allows you to get close to seals as well as swimming with dolphins and whales.
Apart from whale watching, taking a tour at Penguin Place and the Royal Albatross Center are two must-add attractions to your Dunedin New Zealand Itinerary.
Penguin Place Tour
Penguin Place, located on Harington Point Road, is one of the best places to see the yellow-eyed penguins. You can get up-close to the penguins without disturbing them as the center has purposely-built trenches around the site.
Penguin Place tours last 90 minutes and they’re normally conducted in small groups.
Royal Albatross Centre Tour
Royal Albatross Centre, located nearby Penguin Place, also offers a guided tour which lasts around 60 minutes. At the end, visitors are allowed to watch the nesting albatross from the observatory.
Biking & Walking
Biking
If you love cycling, Dunedin New Zealand is home to many cycling tracks in the city center and biking tracks around the city's green belt.
If you are traveling with the family, cycling is in fact one of the most popular fun family outdoor activities in the city.
For instance, one of the most popular cycling tracks it’s Jubilee Park (along Serpentine Avenue), which is a safe and easy circuit that also features some challenging sections for experienced bikers.
Another popular place for biking, it’s at the Signal Hill Reserve. The reserve, located in the Octago Peninsula, is home to many single tracks to suit all skill levels.
Walking
Woodhaugh Gardens, located nearby Dunedin Botanic Gardens, are an excellent place if you fancy a quite walk. The gardens feature gravel tracks which are also suitable for wheelchair users.
If you love walking or hiking both Jubilee Park and Signal Hill Reserve are also great for walkers or joggers.
Kayak Tour
Another popular activity you can add to your Dunedin itinerary it’s a Kayak tour along Dunedin inner and outer harbor.
A Kayak tour is also a great way to enjoy bird spotting and the lovely scenery, as well as exploring some of the secluded bays.
Fishing Trip
If you are a fishing enthusiast, the south of New Zealand region is known as an angler’s paradise, home to many lakes and rivers with crystal clear waters.
One of the best places nearest to Dunedin New Zealand for fishing of salmon is at the Taieri River, which is located 25 miles southwest of the city center (60 minutes drive from Dunedin)
Brewery Tour
A brewery tour is another activity worth adding to the itinerary. The Speight's Heritage Center offers a 90 minute brewery tour that includes a walk through the historic brewery.
At the end of the Speight’s Brewery tour, you get to sample very fine brews.
List of Dunedin Urban Parks
Center of Dunedin: Robin Hood Park, Unity Park, Mornington Park and Jubilee Park.
North of Dunedin: Ellis Park, Logan Park, Prospect Park and Opoho Park.
South of Dunedin: Bathgate Park, Tonga Park, St. Clair Park, Kettle Park and Hancock Park.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Places of Interest
Dunedin New Zealand Historic Places
Ferntree House
Ferntree House, located on Taieri Road, is one of the oldest houses in New Zealand and a great example of a period house.
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle, located near Camp Street in the Otago Peninsula, is the only castle found in New Zealand and features over 40 rooms. The castle is open for public viewing and offers lovely views of the Otago Peninsula and Harbor.
Dunedin Railway Station
The Dunedin Railway Station built in early 1900’s is, architecturally, one of New Zealand jewels, constructed in the Flemish renaissance style with lighter Oamaru stone facings.
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Gardens are the oldest in New Zealand and are divided into upper and lower sections.
The lower section of the gardens contains a rose and herb gardens and a Japanese garden, while the upper section features an African garden, a wetlands garden and a small aviary.
Dunedin Northern Cemetery
The Northern Cemetery, adjacent the Botanic Gardens, is a historic cemetery that contains the graves of notables such as the mausoleum of William Larnach.
Dunedin Visitor Center
If you are traveling to Dunedin New Zealand for the first time, the Dunedin Visitor Center is an excellent place to find out further information about events and other activities happening during your vacation.
The visitor center is located at the Octagon near Saint Paul's Cathedral Office and the Otago Theater.
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
If you are a sports fan, a visit to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame would be high in the itinerary.
At the Hall of Fame, you can learn about New Zealand's sporting past such as the kayak in which Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald won Olympic gold medals.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Shopping & Food
The main shopping areas in Dunedin are the Octagon, Murray Place and, along George Street where you can find a variety of local and Asian shops, as well as the Meridian Shopping Mall
Sampling New Zealand local produce is also a popular thing to do in Dunedin New Zealand. The Otago Farmers Market is a great place where you can find all kinds of New Zealand fresh produce such as lamb, fresh fish and organic fruit and vegetables, and more.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Nightlife & Entertainment
Dunedin New Zealand is a University town and features a variety of clubs, bars and pubs offering live music and entertainment such as karaoke nights.
The area around the Octagon, the Main Street (George Street), south Dunedin and Mornington are home to plenty of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants.
For instance, along Princess Street you can find the Orbit 107 and Millennium nightclubs, while the popular Terrace pub is located on the Octagon.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Events & Festivals
Dunedin Rhododendron Festival
The Rhododendron Festival, held in October at the Dunedin Botanical Gardens, features talks and horticultural workshops. If you love plants and want to learn some techniques this is an event you may not want to miss.
Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival
The Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, held in July, is a popular family event where you can enjoy chocolate related activities such as a chocolate cooking class, chocolate painting and more.
Rally of Otago
If you are a rally car enthusiast, you may not want to miss the Rally of Otago. The Otago Rally is held in April and features the second leg of the New Zealand Rally Championship.
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There are many things to do in Dunedin New Zealand and the city can be a great base for exploring Queenstown and Fiordland.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Fun Activities
Marine Life Tours
Whale Watching Tour
One of the most popular fun things to do in Dunedin New Zealand is to explore its marine life. The best way to experience the marine life, it’s by arranging a whale watching tour with one of the tour companies there.
A typical whale watching tour takes you out in the Otago Peninsula and allows you to get close to seals as well as swimming with dolphins and whales.
Apart from whale watching, taking a tour at Penguin Place and the Royal Albatross Center are two must-add attractions to your Dunedin New Zealand Itinerary.
Penguin Place Tour
Penguin Place, located on Harington Point Road, is one of the best places to see the yellow-eyed penguins. You can get up-close to the penguins without disturbing them as the center has purposely-built trenches around the site.
Penguin Place tours last 90 minutes and they’re normally conducted in small groups.
Royal Albatross Centre Tour
Royal Albatross Centre, located nearby Penguin Place, also offers a guided tour which lasts around 60 minutes. At the end, visitors are allowed to watch the nesting albatross from the observatory.
Biking & Walking
Biking
If you love cycling, Dunedin New Zealand is home to many cycling tracks in the city center and biking tracks around the city's green belt.
If you are traveling with the family, cycling is in fact one of the most popular fun family outdoor activities in the city.
For instance, one of the most popular cycling tracks it’s Jubilee Park (along Serpentine Avenue), which is a safe and easy circuit that also features some challenging sections for experienced bikers.
Another popular place for biking, it’s at the Signal Hill Reserve. The reserve, located in the Octago Peninsula, is home to many single tracks to suit all skill levels.
Walking
Woodhaugh Gardens, located nearby Dunedin Botanic Gardens, are an excellent place if you fancy a quite walk. The gardens feature gravel tracks which are also suitable for wheelchair users.
If you love walking or hiking both Jubilee Park and Signal Hill Reserve are also great for walkers or joggers.
Kayak Tour
Another popular activity you can add to your Dunedin itinerary it’s a Kayak tour along Dunedin inner and outer harbor.
A Kayak tour is also a great way to enjoy bird spotting and the lovely scenery, as well as exploring some of the secluded bays.
Fishing Trip
If you are a fishing enthusiast, the south of New Zealand region is known as an angler’s paradise, home to many lakes and rivers with crystal clear waters.
One of the best places nearest to Dunedin New Zealand for fishing of salmon is at the Taieri River, which is located 25 miles southwest of the city center (60 minutes drive from Dunedin)
Brewery Tour
A brewery tour is another activity worth adding to the itinerary. The Speight's Heritage Center offers a 90 minute brewery tour that includes a walk through the historic brewery.
At the end of the Speight’s Brewery tour, you get to sample very fine brews.
List of Dunedin Urban Parks
Center of Dunedin: Robin Hood Park, Unity Park, Mornington Park and Jubilee Park.
North of Dunedin: Ellis Park, Logan Park, Prospect Park and Opoho Park.
South of Dunedin: Bathgate Park, Tonga Park, St. Clair Park, Kettle Park and Hancock Park.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Places of Interest
Dunedin New Zealand Historic Places
Ferntree House
Ferntree House, located on Taieri Road, is one of the oldest houses in New Zealand and a great example of a period house.
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle, located near Camp Street in the Otago Peninsula, is the only castle found in New Zealand and features over 40 rooms. The castle is open for public viewing and offers lovely views of the Otago Peninsula and Harbor.
Dunedin Railway Station
The Dunedin Railway Station built in early 1900’s is, architecturally, one of New Zealand jewels, constructed in the Flemish renaissance style with lighter Oamaru stone facings.
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Gardens are the oldest in New Zealand and are divided into upper and lower sections.
The lower section of the gardens contains a rose and herb gardens and a Japanese garden, while the upper section features an African garden, a wetlands garden and a small aviary.
Dunedin Northern Cemetery
The Northern Cemetery, adjacent the Botanic Gardens, is a historic cemetery that contains the graves of notables such as the mausoleum of William Larnach.
Dunedin Visitor Center
If you are traveling to Dunedin New Zealand for the first time, the Dunedin Visitor Center is an excellent place to find out further information about events and other activities happening during your vacation.
The visitor center is located at the Octagon near Saint Paul's Cathedral Office and the Otago Theater.
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
If you are a sports fan, a visit to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame would be high in the itinerary.
At the Hall of Fame, you can learn about New Zealand's sporting past such as the kayak in which Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald won Olympic gold medals.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Shopping & Food
The main shopping areas in Dunedin are the Octagon, Murray Place and, along George Street where you can find a variety of local and Asian shops, as well as the Meridian Shopping Mall
Sampling New Zealand local produce is also a popular thing to do in Dunedin New Zealand. The Otago Farmers Market is a great place where you can find all kinds of New Zealand fresh produce such as lamb, fresh fish and organic fruit and vegetables, and more.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Nightlife & Entertainment
Dunedin New Zealand is a University town and features a variety of clubs, bars and pubs offering live music and entertainment such as karaoke nights.
The area around the Octagon, the Main Street (George Street), south Dunedin and Mornington are home to plenty of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants.
For instance, along Princess Street you can find the Orbit 107 and Millennium nightclubs, while the popular Terrace pub is located on the Octagon.
Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Events & Festivals
Dunedin Rhododendron Festival
The Rhododendron Festival, held in October at the Dunedin Botanical Gardens, features talks and horticultural workshops. If you love plants and want to learn some techniques this is an event you may not want to miss.
Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival
The Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, held in July, is a popular family event where you can enjoy chocolate related activities such as a chocolate cooking class, chocolate painting and more.
Rally of Otago
If you are a rally car enthusiast, you may not want to miss the Rally of Otago. The Otago Rally is held in April and features the second leg of the New Zealand Rally Championship.
See. Fun things to do in Tasmania
things to do on Australia's west coast
Top 10 Sights to See in New Zealand
Nicest Beaches in Australia
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