1 day in Dunedin

[creeping_moses]

Hi folks,

I am coming across the Tasman to Dunedin for a conference in June. I have one day to spare prior to the conference and would love advice as to what the best activities I could undertake on that one day are. It will be a Thursday and I am willing to spend money!

I've read about some things to potentially do:
-Various wildlife tours/cruises (what are the best?)
-Taieri Gorge Railway (seems pricey, is it worth it?)
-Speight's Brewery (Not that dissimilar to Cascade or Boags..?)

Are there any little known about short walks close to Dunedin that would be worthwhile?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[creeping_moses]

Also, would love some local knowledge as to the best cafes and restaurants if people have any pro tips.

[eggs]

From a walkers point of view - you aught to visit Tunnel Beach
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5854&p=69958&hilit=tunnel#p69958

[creeping_moses]

Looks excellent! Thank you

[cajun]

I enjoyed the Speights stour, and also an eco-tour to the coast to see the king & Yellow eye penguins and seals etc. The minibus stopped on the way to point out lots of other wildlife.

I will try and find the name of the restaurant we ate in - as I remember the venison was wonderful. A walk up the world's steepest street will test your legs

[Bluegum Mic]

Yellow eye penguin tour. Absolutely amazing. Speights, cadbury tours are great. All doable in a day

[whynotwalk]

Also, would love some local knowledge as to the best cafes and restaurants if people have any pro tips.

Agree with others on the walking/wildlife tips. We loved the Otago Peninsula full stop.

We lived in North Dunedin for 3 months, and on that side of the city our favourite coffee spots were The Good Oil and Everyday Gourmet (both in George St). Centrally, we reckoned Mazagran was the pick of coffee spots. Speights also do great meals - a bit classier than counter meals, but very busy and popular, so book ahead. It's a cavernous place, with loads of brewery paraphernalia and (importantly) a good fire!

We'll be back in October - so thanks for making me do a refresher

cheers

Peter

[RonK]

Taieri Gorge is quite spectacular, but if I had to choose I'd do a tour of the Otago Peninsula. A visit to the albatross rookery at the tip would be worthwhile. There is also a wildlife tour nearby using ATV's to get down to the seal and penguin colonies.

Assuming you are staying in the CBD, you'll find plenty of restaurants clustered around the Octagon.

[wayno]

if theres any wind blowing, the albatross colony at taiaroa head. watching them fly is amazing.... gliders of the sky...
theres a few walks up behind the city, mt cargill, thers a bird sanctury to the north of the city, can't remember the name