Dunedin

A neo-Gothic cathedral, several galleries, theatres and museums are clustered around the Octagon, the unusual grid of streets and historical buildings that form the heart of the city. With New Zealand’s oldest university, and a thriving youth culture and rock music scene, abundant pubs, cafes and bars, this is the place for lively night life as well as discovering the history of early European settlement.

The Otago Peninsula juts out east of the city and holds much of interest to the visitor. There is the dazzling rhododendron gardens at Glenfalloch, which are at their best in September and October and the folly-like Larnach Castle. The star attractions, however, are those of the wildlife. The world’s only mainland breeding royal albatross colony can be found at Taiaroa Head and colonies of the rare yellow-eyed penguin frequent the white sand beaches. For rail enthusiasts, the 77km Taieri Gorge Railway ranks among the world’s great rail journeys, heading inland from Dunedin towards the gold fields of Central Otago.