Dunedin has a distinct Scottish flavor to it -- not surprisingly since it was founded by Scots in the mid-1800's. The name is the Gaelic version of Edinburgh "Edwin's Fort". The city nestles at the southwest end of a very long cove, the remains of an extinct volcano. Small towns and areas of interest dot the shores of the cove on both sides. The city is home to two universities, and is considered one of the four primary centers of New Zealand life and culture. Our photo above is of the Dunedin Railway Station. It's no longer in use, but it's one of the most photographed places in New Zealand -- for good reason!

On the way south, we stopped in Moeraki, where Koekohe Beach is strewn with these large spherical boulders, officially known as concretions.

The city has many lovely churches. This is the First Church of Otago, a Presbyterian place of worship.

Some whimsy at the mouth of the harbor -- these molars.

Waterfowl abound. We found this spoonbill scooping through the bottom, looking for sustenance.

We spent a lot of time investigating the Otago Peninsula, that extends out northwest from Dunedin town. This is Larnach Castle, a mock castle built by William Larnach in the 1870's. Larnach committed suicide in the 1890's, and the house is said to be haunted. It's a beautiful estate, open to the public and well worth a visit.

At the end of Otago Peninsula, out near Taiaroa Head, lies the Royal Albatross Center, home to a thriving colony of over 250 of these majestic cretures.

A marae is a sacred meeting place for a Maori Iwi, or tribe. The beautiful Otakou marae is situated in the center of the Otago Peninsula. Otago is derived from Maori Otakou, "place of red earth".

When you're in Dunedin, you're a long way from a lot of things . . .

An alien? No, just Gary descending the hand-carved tunnel leading to Tunnel Beach . . .

Tunnel Beach is a well-disguised stretch of beach surrounded by water-carved caves and imposing arches. The coastline here south of Dunedin is stunning.

Dunedin's Botanical Gardens, established in the 1860's, are the oldest in New Zealand. Situated across from the University of Otago, they're a welcome study locale for local students.

We were one day too late to catch the corpse plant in bloom, but we did get some nice shots!

The gardens are home to a lot of beautiful and thought provoking art, much of which is local.

In the early to mid 1900's, rail traffic was important to the commerce and transportation needs of New Zealand. At one time, the Dunedin Rail Station had 100 trains a day arrivinng and leaving. Now most rail traffic is tourist trains heading up into the mountains. The train station is still heavily used, housing shops and a weekly market, among other things. And it's gorgeous!

Next door to the Railway Station is the Otago Settlers Museum, chock full of memorabilia from Dunedin's past.

Baldwin Street, an otherwise unassuming street on the north end of Dunedin, has the distinction of being the steepest street in the world. It's relatively short; Cindy and I climbed it in a few minutes' time. But dang, I wouldn't want to drive it!

We heard about this ferry across the Clutha River, the only water-driven punt ferry left in the world. It's free, you just have to have enough flow in the river and a reason to go to Balclutha.

Since we were heading from Dunedin to Queenstown, we had the perfect excuse to head to this little river crossing. The ferry itself is free. The ferryman casts off, and angles the double prow into the swift current and away you go! What a splendid way to cross a river. On our way to Queenstown!