15 & 16 January: Dunedin & a posh dinner out!

Woodhaugh Street, Dunedin NZMCA

Top of the tracks at the Dam at Ross Creek.

We stayed at the NZMCA because we wanted to be near to the town. We found another gem of a site - above the camp was a track leading to an historic site - Ross Creek - which we learnt is the oldest working reservoir in New Zealand, built in 1864. 


Small in comparison with modern waterworks, but surrounded by lovely parkland and the best thing was NO POISON! And Wow! what a difference that makes (again). So much bird and insect life around and beautiful calls from the woodland areas. It was lovely to camp here and be so near the city and also have the running water and parkland next door. We met some friendly locals - many of whom apparently walk the tracks everyday - with their dogs of course! And there was also one or two discreet benches, dedicated to those residents no longer here...

Sightseeing in Dunedin was spectacular because of all the wonderful art, gardens, and architecture:

The main church in Dunedin: the first Church of Otago

bus-stop art

The original old town hall - dominates the Octagon  - the centre of Dunedin

For lunch we decided to treat ourselves to a posh dinner out (as we had mainly cooked for ourselves along the way). Justin already knew Dunedin well from his working time here, so he knew exactly where to take me: The Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant in the Octagon. The city centre has an octagon-shaped pedestrian area, for bus stops and free wifi. It's got some wonderful historic architecture. Whilst we were there, we saw a young asian couple getting married in the church.

The meal was wonderful - my first real fine-dining experience for quite some time (I miss this a bit). The service and food was wonderful and creative. Tripadvisor to follow...meanwhile, here are some more photos of Dunedin:

Inside the Church of Otago

The Church grounds

more of the interior including the stained-glass windows

The original train station - next to the museum and iSite

Found this on the high street!

An example of some of the marvellous architecture still intact!

View from the Church grounds looking over the city

One for the tourists!

Yes, New Zealand has a Cadbury factory!

Steps down to the town from the churchyard...