More Dunedin

Even though we once lived in Wellington, we actually know more folks in Dunedin, so a visit to this southern city is always special.  

Dunedin's Octagon.  Thanks, Google Images for a sunny day!

There is also a somewhat familiar Southern Ontario feel to this community of about 130 000.  Founded by adventurous Scots in the 1900s,  Dunedin (Little Edinburgh) is about the same size as Guelph and Cambridge but it feels much larger and more impressive, perhaps.because it is a regional centre for the Otago area..  Like those other communites with Scottish roots, Dunedin has a circular "square" (the Octagon) with radiating streets, large and impressive churches (Presyterian predominates), and assorted beautifully designed public buildings of local limestone. A river, the Leith, winds through town.

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Out of the city centre, Dunedin easily rivals Wellington for precipitous hills, awkward building lots and harbour views. Baldwin Street  is known as "the steepest street on the world".  It is one way -- down, straight down.  (I can't go drive this road without recalling our friend John driving our family down Baldwin and shouting, "The brakes are failing, the brakes are failing".)

Baldwin street is scarier when you are behind the steering wheel

Dunedin also has a harbour with many bays and beaches that look inviting enough until one actually tries to go into the water.  Surfing is popular, but a wet suit is mandatory. 

The St. Clair beach, right in the middle of town.  It is about 13 degrees -- not bikini weather.



Google to the rescue again -- a  lovely sunny view of this magnigicant station, now put to many other uses.

A stunning, enclosed Chinese garden is a surprising new attraction near the imposing Victorian era railway station.  Both are a favourite destination for tourists. 

There is so much to see in this charming enclosed garden.