Dunedin
Exploring this vibrant city home to the Guinness World Record steepest street in the world, as well as surrounded by nature and wildlife.
NEW ZEALAND
Dunedin is a charming city located on the southeast coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and strong cultural identity, Dunedin offers visitors a diverse range of attractions and experiences.
One of the highlights of Dunedin is its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture, which reflects the city's prosperous past. The Dunedin Railway Station, with its distinctive Flemish Renaissance-style facade, is a particularly iconic landmark. Visitors can also explore the historic precinct of South Dunedin, which features charming streets lined with elegant heritage buildings.
Baldwin Street is a famous landmark located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It holds the distinction of being recognized by the Guinness World Records as the steepest residential street in the world.
Right next to the Royal Albatross Centre was a Blue Penguin Colony, home to the world's smallest penguin species, the little blue penguin. In the evening we were able to observe these adorable creatures returning to shore at dusk after a day of fishing at sea. The Albatross tour included access to the viewing platform and a guide provided insights into the penguins' behavior and conservation efforts to protect their habitat.
Observing the little blue penguins, their bellies brimming with fish, as they traversed the beach, clambering over large rocks and darting swiftly through trenches to return to their nests, was an utterly enchanting experience.
This unique street is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at its extreme gradient. Baldwin Street rises steeply at a gradient of approximately 35%, which means that for every 2.86 meters traveled horizontally, the street rises by 1 meter vertically.
Visitors to Baldwin Street can challenge themselves by attempting to climb or descend its steep incline, which offers a thrilling and memorable experience. The street is lined with residential homes, and while it is primarily known for its steepness, it also offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
About 30 minutes east of the city is the The Royal Albatross Centre, situated near Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula. This centre provided us with the opportunity to observe these magnificent seabirds up close. Guided tours were available, and provided a local guide who discussed their biology, behavior, and conservation efforts of the Royal Albatross.
The albatrosses breed on the windswept slopes of Taiaroa Head, where they build nests and rear their chicks. Visitors to the Royal Albatross Centre can view the birds from purpose-built viewing platforms, where they can witness the majestic albatrosses soaring gracefully overhead or resting on their nests.
About 20 minutes north of Dunedin is the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. This is a significant conservation project situated in the lush native forests of the Orokonui Valley, the ecosanctuary is dedicated to the protection and restoration of New Zealand's unique biodiversity.
At the sanctuary, we had the opportunity to observe a pair of takahē, which are flightless bird species indigenous to New Zealand. Takahē is notable for its large size, vivid blue plumage, and bright red beak and shield. Once thought to be extinct, the takahē was rediscovered in the remote Fiordland region of New Zealand's South Island in 1948.
Takahē are primarily found in alpine grasslands and tussock meadows, where they forage for grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. They are flightless birds, relying on their strong legs for mobility and defense. Takahē only breed once a year, raising 1–2 chicks. Pairs will fiercely defend their territories. Families need a lot of space, with territories ranging between 4–100 ha, depending on the availability and quality of their food. Takahē live for 16–18 years in the wild and 20–22 years at sanctuary sites.
Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect and restore takahē populations, including breeding programs and habitat restoration initiatives. Currently, there are approximately 500 takahē remaining.
One of the albatross chicks started flapping its wings to exercise and gain strength as it grows.
Dunedin is the second largest city on the South Island of New Zealand but just absolutely surrounded by nature. Getting to view these amazing animals was a truly exciting experience. Happy exploring!
