Southern Destinations: November 09, 2017

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20 | southern holiday destinations November 2017 Blue Penguins Pukekura Cruising on the Otago Harbour Everyone loves penguins! Discover Korora, Little Blue Penguins, the world’s smallest penguins in their natural habitat on the picturesque Otago Peninsula and see them scurry home to their cliff side burrows at the end of the day. A purpose-built observation platform and boardwalk at the beach provide the most natural way to view the little penguins without disturbing them. Blue Penguins Pukekura is operated as a conservation kaitiakitanga partnership between the Royal Albatross Centre, the Otago Peninsula Trust and the Pukekura Trust. The increased financial support from visitors to the area has provided the penguin population with the chance to flourish thanks to the increased level of predator control and the construction of nest-boxes required to successfully raise their young free from harm. Penguin numbers have dramatically increased to over 200 breeding pairs thanks to the hard work of all of the stakeholders involved in the Blue Penguins Pukekura project. Tours begin every evening at dusk from the Royal Albatross Centre and last for approximately 75 minutes. There is a Café and Souvenir Shop on site. Reservations are recommended as the tour fills fast. For more information please visit www.bluepenguins.co.nz You may not be able to soar like an albatross over Taiaroa Head, but a trip with Dunedin’s Monarch Cruises will get you close to the real thing! Enjoy the best that the Otago Peninsula and coast have to offer with this multi award winning tourism company. Not only will you see the mighty Northern Royal Albatross and New Zealand fur seal colonies, but experienced guides will identify other species nesting and feeding there – wading birds, other albatrosses, petrels, maybe even penguins, sea-lions and dolphins. Join a short wildlife cruise if you are already out on the peninsula, or relax and take one of Monarch’s popular longer tour options from the city. These can include visits to the Albatross Centre, Larnach Castle and Penguin Place. You can also take a new Sundowner Package from mid afternoon – including wildlife cruise, albatross tour, dinner at Albatross Café and viewing Little Blue Penguins coming ashore after dark before being taken back to the city. Complimentary transfers and refreshments are included for half day and full day options, while interactive commentaries, complimentary jackets and binoculars are also provided. For further information phone 0800 666 272, visit Monarch Cruises at 20 Fryatt St Dunedin and at Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula or contact the company’s email monarch@wildlife. co.nz or website www.wildlife.co.nz Happy Hens Happy Hens have become distinctive Dunedin icons since Yvonne Sutherland made her first appealing designs in 1984 and showcased them internationally at Dunedin’s sister city in Japan. Visitors to the studio at Portobello can see the creative process with the hand painting of each hen. Most of the designs represent different breeds of hens, which are stylized to fit the characteristic Happy Hen shape. Happy Hens are the collectables of today and the antiques of tomorrow. For those passionate about these unique hand made which exude their own personalities there is a Happy Hens Collectors Club. There are many repeat visitors and some families are now third generation collectors. “We even created a special red and black hen following the Christchurch earthquake and many Christchurch residents asked for replacements after their breakages, saying they couldn’t live without their Happy Hens! A variety of Happy Hen products including tableware, kitchen linen and greeting cards are available at the Portobello premises, or alternatively can be purchased online.. For further information visit www. happyhens.co.nz Discover korora... the worlds smallest penguin... scurrying home each night in their natural environment www.bluepenguins.co.nz Unique hand made ceramic hens are prize winners with universal appeal and magic. Catch one at Portobello! www.happyhens.co.nz ph: 03 478 0111 Royal Albatross Centre Ever seen a giant albatross sharing your space? Explored a hidden fort? Visit Otago Peninsula for your only chance to see two unique award winning attractions; the world's only mainland albatross breeding colony and the world’s only fully restored 1886 Armstrong Disappearing Gun. Both are iconic Dunedin experiences at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head. The Royal Albatross with its three metre wing span is sure to amaze. Led by knowledgeable guides, a tour from the Centre is the only way to get closeup views of these magnificent birds in their world famous breeding colony, so make certain you book ahead. Pukekura is also home to a wide range of other bird and marine life. Albatross, seals, cormorants and penguins have all colonised the headland, which boasts a rich cultural history. The headland has been a fortified site since the earliest Maori settlement of the region. On the Fort Taiaroa tour visitors explore the historic Victorian Fort and 1886 Armstrong disappearing gun hidden beneath the albatross colony. Make time for the superb Café and Souvenir Shop on-site. This great day out supports the Otago Peninsula Trust, a private charitable trust dedicated to conservation, education and sustainable tourism. Visit all the Trust’s attractions including the Royal Albatross Centre, Fletcher House and Glenfalloch Woodland Garden and Restaurant. For more information visit - www. albatross.org.nz Your only chance to see ... ... the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross. Located on the Otago Peninsula, only a short drive from Dunedin. Guided tours, cafe and souvenir shop Bookings freephone 0800 528 767 www.albatross.org.nz
November 2017 southern holiday destinations | 21 World Class Stately Home Dunedin’s Spectacular Railway Journeys Taieri Gorge Railway is one of the world’s great train trips and an experience you should not miss. Operated by Dunedin Railways, this is a memorable experience that both adults and children will love. So step aboard and catapult yourself back in time to Otago’s pioneering days. The train departs from the fabulous Dunedin Railway station – rumoured to be the most photographed building in New Zealand and one you should explore before your adventure begins on board the train. Once on board you will travel through the Southern end of the city until you arrive at the junction of Wingatui where the train turns off and begins its meandering trip into the Taieri Gorge. This railway is part of the old Otago Central Railway which extended out as far as Cromwell and was built between the years 1879 and 1921 – it is steeped in history and is part of the tale told in an entertaining and informative commentary by the train manager. The train will stop or slow down at various scenic points along the way for photos where you can disembark and stretch your legs and enjoy the best of beauty, peace and quiet that nature has to offer. Stand on the open air platforms while the train moves or enjoy a quiet drink and food from the onboard cafe. The train runs daily to Pukerangi - a peaceful outcrop at the end of the Taieri Gorge. Twice a week in summer and once a week in winter the train extends its journey to the very end of the railway line which is now Middlemarch, a lovely example of a country railway town and the beginning of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Dunedin Railways also operate the Seasider, an exciting trip which takes passengers on the spectacular section of coastal railway line between Dunedin and Oamaru and operates on frequent days throughout the summer season. Depending on the day, there are options to take a 90 minutes highlights tours or a longer seven hour trips to either Moeraki or Oamaru. Passengers experience excellent views as the train travels along Otago Harbour to climb the cliff tops to emerge from the bush and onto the picture perfect scenery of the Pacific Ocean and the incredible view over the dazzling Blue Skin Bay. This section of railway is considered to be a highlight of the rail network in New Zealand. Oamaru is a great option to take and this runs on a monthly weekly basis in the summer months. The train stops for one hour here for you to explore the historic precinct, check out the farmers market, have a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes or visit the amazing Steam Punk museum. Moeraki is another exciting option where you can disembark, take a casual walk to the Moeraki Boulders Cafe and bar, have a bite to eat and a stroll to the beach to check out these near perfectly round natural boulders – strewn across the beach. This is a two hour stop over so plenty of time to eat and explore! These train trips are all-weather experiences that will suit individuals, families or groups alike so come for the ride, we would love to have you aboard. Larnach Castle is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s finest historic homes. Not only is it a testament to the wealth of its builder, but to the current owners who have restored and revitalised it for the benefit of visitors from all over the world. William Larnach was a merchant, Baron and politician when he built the castle in 1871 for his wife Eliza. The finest materials were imported to befit the opulent grandeur he envisaged; Italian marble, Venetian glass and tiles from England. The 3000 square foot ballroom is still used for weddings and balls and the castle boasts the only Georgian hanging staircase in the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the romance and intrigue of the castle today is the tragic history of its owner. Larnach shot himself after a scandal involving his wife and the building was subsequently used as a mental hospital and later to billet troops. Years of neglect finally came to an end when the Barker family purchased it in 1967 and painstakingly restored and developed it to its present condition. As well as its magnificent Victorian interior, resplendent with architectural details, elaborate fittings and antique furniture, 35 acres of garden have been re-developed by Margaret Barker into “Garden of International Significance” status. The native plant trail is a beautifully illustrated walk through the castle grounds among rare and iconic native plants in rock gardens, a south seas garden and a rain forest. Children also enjoy a special guide to Larnach Castle. The illustrated brochure contains interesting facts about castles, Victorian times, the family’s history and a children’s tour of the grounds. EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE and bookings throughout New Zealand NEW ZEALAND’S OFFICIAL VISITOR INFORMATION NETWORK Larnach Castle offers guests three different styles of accommodation; Camp Estate - country house accommodation positioned 500 metres from the front gate of the Castle, offering luxurious decor and total privacy; Larnach Lodge, features colonial style in the grounds of the castle and has 12 bedrooms with private facilities for guests; while Castle Stable Stay is the perfect choice for budget conscience travellers. All house guests may dine in the elegantly restored castle dining room and enjoy the unparalled atmosphere of New Zealand’s only genuine castle. Superbly located on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle captures the romance and history of the past. Also on the property is a café, petanque pit and a gift shop for castle themed mementoes to take home. Year of Celebration in 2017 On 3rd March 2017, Larnach Castle celebrated 50 years of ownership of the by the Barker family. A range of events have been held during the year to celebrate, the main event is a yearlong exhibition of the last 50 years of photographs and videos recording the “highs and lows” and the many achievements of this time. “We will also be hosting a Garden Debate on the 19th of October 2017 chaired by Tony Murrell – debate participants are four very well-known local garden experts ‘says Deborah Price, Marketing and PR Manager of Larnach Castle. For further information visit www. larnachcastle.co.nz or email deborah@ larnachcastle.co.nz Visitor Centre 50 The Octagon PHONE 03 474 3300 EMAIL visitor.centre@dcc.govt.nz WEBSITE www.isitedunedin.co.nz Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz www.larnachcastle.co.nz
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Southern Destinations: November 09, 2017

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