With This Ring: March 23, 2018
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
60 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />
DUNEDIN’S<br />
Peninsula Playground<br />
Just a few kilometres from downtown Dunedin, Otago Peninsula<br />
forms the southern boundary of the harbour. While small<br />
settlements cluster around some of the many bays, others are<br />
the preserve of a rare variety of protected wildlife. <strong>This</strong> largely<br />
unspoiled environment of hills and coastline provides Dunedin<br />
with a unique recreational, historical and ecological playground.<br />
Best known among the attractions of the peninsula are the Royal Albatross<br />
colony at Taiaroa Head and Larnach Castle. Taiaroa Head is home to the<br />
only mainland colony of albatross in the world as well as a unique number<br />
and variety of seabirds and marine life, attracted to the area by an abundant<br />
source of food. Wildlife can be viewed on land or from a cruise on the<br />
harbour.<br />
Other ecological attractions are the Yellow<br />
Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve and<br />
the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre<br />
at Portobello. The reserve offers an<br />
amazing opportunity to view the<br />
activities of the penguins within 2m<br />
without the birds being disturbed<br />
and to learn about conservation.<br />
<strong>This</strong> largely<br />
unspoiled environment<br />
of hills and coastline<br />
provides Dunedin with<br />
a unique recreational,<br />
historical and ecological<br />
playground.<br />
Larnach Castle was built in 1871 by merchant,<br />
baron and politician William Larnach. The<br />
finest materials were sourced from all over the<br />
world to complement its imposing grandeur and<br />
spectacular peninsula location. A fascinating past<br />
of drama, scandal and ghosts adds to the castle's<br />
intriguing history. As well as a tearoom, gift<br />
shop and a plant boutique, the modern Larnach<br />
Lodge is set in the castle’s magnificent grounds<br />
accommodating overnight guests.<br />
Also in 1871 George Gray Russell purchased 30<br />
acres of land on the Otago Peninsula and built a<br />
fine home which he named Glenfalloch. Around<br />
the homestead he planted magnificent trees and<br />
gardens which subsequent owners have added to.<br />
Today Glenfalloch Woodland Garden is popular<br />
with many visitors who can also enjoy a meal at<br />
the homestead, or cafe and wine bar as well as<br />
the facilities for conferences and functions.<br />
The peninsula has also become home to many<br />
local craftsmen; potters, spinners, weavers and<br />
painters, many of whom combine their crafts<br />
with homestay and farmstay opportunities<br />
for visitors. Fishing, swimming, sailing, horse<br />
treks, 4WD tours, rock climbing, tramping and<br />
kayaking are all made possible by the diversity of<br />
Otago Peninsula's hills and harbour. While easily<br />
explored independently, visitors can also enjoy<br />
the peninsula experience by joining a number of<br />
small group tours that are available, taking the<br />
Otago Peninsula Express, flightseeing or cruising.<br />
Discover Larnach castLe<br />
New Zealand’s Castle<br />
“THE<br />
PERFECT<br />
SETTNG<br />
FOR YOUR<br />
WEDDING”<br />
Phone 03 476 1616 Freephone 0800 527 6224 | Email functions@larnachcastle.co.nz | www.larnachcastle.co.nz
Change language