Dunedin Experience
We leave the Heritage Gateway Hotel at Omarama and travel down the Waitaki Valley, passing the hydro lakes on the way, to the city of Dunedin – the “Scottish” city. As we descend the mountainous roads to Dunedin, we experience the breathtakingly spectacular views of the city. We stop off at Signal Hill – At the summit of Signal Hill scenic reserve is a lookout, and a monument comprising two large bronze statues that commemorate 100 years of British sovereignty (1840 – 1940) here. Dunedin’s Scottish ties are recognised by the fact that a piece of rock from Edinburgh Castle is incorporated into the lookout.
As we arrive in the city, we visit the Historical Railway Station. Though under maintenance, this has been kept in its original state. It is certainly worth a visit. We arrive early at the Cargill’s Hotel. The rooms are set in beautiful gardens with paths leading through them, so that one can enjoy the serenity and peace. There are lovely Rhododendrons to admire here too. With our early arrival, we have time to check out the many activities in the city. We chose to stroll through the streets and ‘inspect’ the older buildings and churches. We weren’t disappointed. That night we were treated to the piping in of the Haggis. Fun and laughter were on the menu as well as our first ‘tasting’ of the Haggis.
The next morning, as we begin the next leg of our journey, we stop off and visit Olveston House before we leave Dunedin. We enjoy a tour of the house and a step back in history as we learn of the Olveston family and the era they lived in. Very interesting. The gardens are spectacular and there is the original family car housed in a glassed-walled room in the gardens. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any photos inside the house. But we could in the gardens where we enjoyed a saunter in the relaxing atmosphere. We did buy a postcard book with photos of inside the house as a memento.
