I Love Dunedin New Zealand!

It was love at first sight the moment I looked out the cabin window at daybreak, stunning cays and wee bays surrounded by hillsides lush with green meadows dotted with grazing sheep and cattle.  A magnificent pastoral country coastal scene capped by a sky of towering clouds and rainbows  The homes are well built, clean, freshly painted and had histories, most enjoyed sea views and many had window bays.  The streets are narrow, winding and steep.  The land is well loved and cared for, and very clean and neat.  The people are hardy, dressed in well made study outdoor gear.  My kind of place!

We toured by bus, the driver was merciless toward the Aussies on board.  A strong, friendly rivalry exists between Australia and New Zealand.  The people are spontaneous, unpretentious and friendly.  Our destination was at the Taiaroa Head an adventure with Argo vehicles, 500 private acres where a colony of Furs Seals and Yellow Eyed Penguins reside and nest.  This is an impressive place, the naturalist guides used the utmost discretion and care to protect the animals from being disturbed.  Blinds were used to view the Penguins, so that they never saw a human.

As our ship sailed in the evening sun we saw cliffs covered with hundreds of Albatross nests that are clearly visible from the sea.  This area clearly rivals any coastal nesting area for sea birds and sea life that I’ve seen in Alaska, and I’ve always felt that we had the best of the best.  Well, now I know there is another place, one that will stay close in my heart!

Gail Niebrugge, in love with Dunedin