VIP LOUNGE

Blending cosmopolitan culture and untamed scenery, Dunedin offers a unique lifestyle that’s second-to-none. This historic southern city is a Mecca for creative types, outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate the finer things in life – a potent mix resulting in a wealth of wonderfully indulgent possibilities. Taste international cuisine, sample local gourmet wines and seek out the latest work by a talented designer; this city has to be experienced to be believed.

Resident attraction With a population of roughly 100,000 that’s boosted between February and November every year with 15,000 university students from all over the world, Dunedin is truly a university town. The University of Otago is the oldest in New Zealand (and the world’s southernmost) university and, as in many university towns around the world, the students are the glue that binds the city together.

History Add up the legends of early Maori habitation, rich stories of the gold rush era – including the fascinating history of the Chinese gold miners and their descendents – and the heritage encapsulated in Dunedin’s fantastic stone buildings, and you’ve got a region where the past is very much alive and begging for exploration.

Cultural capital Modern Dunedinites are true sophisticates, ready to embrace new artistic and fashion trends while the rest of New Zealand is still looking on cautiously. The ‘Dunedin sound’ was born here in the mid-eighties, of course, kick-starting the New Zealand music industry in the days before airplay quotas. New Zealand fashion is another creative industry in which Dunedin has long been an over-achiever – the city is also home to the renowned Dunedin Fashion Incubator. A high volume of resident academics means that Dunedin has a history of supporting the arts, so it’s no surprise that it’s also home to one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed art galleries, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Och aye! Dunedin’s Scottish heritage is not just a stony incarnation of Robbie Burns in The Octagon, but a living, breathing influence on this southern city. Some would say that the dourness of Dunedin’s Scottish forebears is still tangible today – dour or not, proud scottish history permeates every corner of Dunedin, from the city’s name (Gaelic for Edinborough), to bagpipe buskers and the Highlanders rugby team.

Wild residents Right on Dunedin’s doorstep is a wildlife Mecca that draws even the world’s most esteemed conservationists – David Bellamy called the Otago Peninsula “the finest example of eco-tourism in the world.” With rare albatross, penguins and fur seals making their home here, the praise is clearly deserved.

In the neighbourhood From Roslyn’s steep hills packed with San Francisco-style Victorian terraced houses, chic hilltop boutiques and eateries, to the fantastically wind-swept beaches of St Clair, where you’ll find some of the best surf in New Zealand and great wee cafés, and the eclectic bars and cafés of North East Valley, home to many of Dunedin’s students, suburban Dunedin is colourful, varied and perfect for exploring.

Buying happiness Home to many a talented artist, craftsperson and fashion designer, Dunedin offers a surprising array of cutting-edge creations whether your weakness runs to clothing, jewellery or fine art. Stroll the high streets or dally in the laneways to seek out your own hidden treasure.

Eat your heart out Feast your eyes on the unforgettable landscape, then feast your taste-buds on an array of fabulous eateries that takes in everything from fine dining to colourful ethnic cuisine and contemporary Kiwi fare! And, happily, even in the most rugged landscape, a caffeine hit is never too far away – ah, the wilds are so much more civilised already!

Mini breaks From playing ‘to the manor born’ in a historic city mansion to living the high life in an exclusive wilderness retreat on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin is packed with options for an indulgent mini-break.