The Dunedin Railway Station - one of the most photographed heritage buildings in the world
Well as the title says, I kid you not. Dunedin, which is the second largest city of the south island (although given Christchurch’s recent fate, I am not sure) is the oldest city in New Zealand and is known as the Edinburgh of the south. It has significant Scottish heritage. And given how much I love Edinburgh, this explains why I love Dunedin.
The beautiful ornate interior of the station - apparently over 2000 individual Royal Daulton tiles - money was no object in its construction
I arrived on a beautiful sunny day and made my way to my hostel – Elm Lodge – somewhere up on Elm Row. Dunedin is a very hilly city as I was soon to discover as I found signs and stairs leading to the street of my hostel. 169 stairs to be precise. Yes I counted.
Seriously I climbed those - they link Elm Row with Rattray, which is the street where you find the Speight`s Beer Brewery - see the stack in the background
But my hostel is nice and I have a room to myself. It is an old Victorian home. And everyone is considerately quiet after 10 pm.
I had visited Dunedin back in 2004 but really had not had a chance to see the city. And this is a nicer time of year as well. After the most amazing bus ride through the Otago countryside and a funny and entertaining bus driver, then the train ride and now this Victorian-Edwardian city, I am a happy history indulging camper.
Nothing too significant happened this first night. I simply went to get something to eat and settled into bed. I will report more on my next day and the following. Don`t feel like writing much at the moment. So stay tuned.
I guess I would love Dunedin if it is anything like Edinburgh – the city I love most in this world (so far). Still following you every day and loving all your news.
Thanks Mum. Going to Oamaru today for a couple of days and then back to Dunedin as there is a festival starting.