Special Publications: March 12, 2024

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26 dUnedin Discover the charms of Portobello Portobello, situated on the stunning Otago Peninsula, brimming with natural beauty, history, and charm. Nestled between the rugged coastline and the tranquil waters of Otago Harbour, Portobello offers visitors a unique blend of coastal allure, rich heritage, and quaint village atmosphere. The village of Portobello serves as a gateway to the treasures of the Otago Peninsula, renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Nature enthusiasts flock to the area to catch glimpses of the rare yellow-eyed penguin, fur seals, and albatrosses in their natural habitat. History buffs will delight in exploring historic sites, such as Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua. It’s a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s maritime history, with its preserved quarantine facilities and walking trails. The sacred meeting ground of the Otakou Marae provides insight, into the rich tapestry of Maori customs, values, and beliefs. Portobello is a scenic 15min drive to Taiaroa Head and the iconic Fort Taiaroa. Portobello boasts a vibrant community atmosphere, with local cafes, galleries, and artisan shops adding to its appeal. Visitors can sample fresh seafood delicacies enjoying views of the harbour and embark on scenic cruises to explore the surrounding coastline and wildlife. Experience the magic of Dunedin’s picturesque peninsula in all its splendour. Experience the world of larnach Castle in Dunedin SOUTHERN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS AUTUMN-WINTER 2024 Larnach Castle is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s finest historic homes and in 2017 this property was endorsed by Heritage New Zealand as a ‘Landmark Property’. Not only is this title 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 around 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. 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. Larnach Castle is a privately funded restoration project; years of neglect finally came to an end when the Barker family purchased it in 1967. The restoration continues; made possible with the entrance fees that are paid by the guests that visit. Currently the castle has a ‘Kids go Free’ offer during the school holidays. The castle also runs a quiz that can be completed with the help of parents and is suitable for all ages. Accommodation is available at the castle. There are three styles; Camp Estate - positioned 500 metres from the front gate of the castle, offering luxurious decor and total privacy; Larnach Lodge, in the grounds of the castle, has 12 bedrooms with private facilities, while the Stable Stay is the perfect choice for budget conscience travellers. All house guests may dine in the restored dining or music room of the only genuine castle in New Zealand. Superbly located on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle captures the romance and history of the past. Explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the Ballroom café, a game of Pétanque, and ensure you allow time to explore the gift shop. Email info@larnachcastle.co.nz www.larnachcastle.co.nz Hereweka Gallery TwO By THe Bay Affordable pricing and a serene environment immerse yourself in the spirit of a thriving community of Otago Peninsula artists work for sale. OPEN Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday TIME 11 - 4pm 7B Harrington Point Road Portobello Township LUNCH DINNER LICENSED RESTAURANT Classic European food, with a Kiwi twist OPEN FOR LUNCH Wednesday to Sunday 12 Noon – 2pm OPEN FOR DINNER Wednesday to Sunday 5.30pm – 8pm 7 Harington Point Road, Portobello, Dunedin 1908cafe.co.nz / 03 478 0801 150 Years of Great Food & Good Times PORTOBELLO HOTEL & BISTRO 2 Harrington Point Road www.portobellohotelandbistro.com From Portobello & Port Chalmers 0 2 0 4 1 6 2 4 2 5 0 W W W . P O R T T O P O R T . C O . N Z
SOUTHERN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS AUTUMN-WINTER 2024 dUnedin 27 Monarch brings you closer to nature When you come south for the holiday and the Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature – a cruise on Monarch is a great way to get closer to the unique wildlife of our Southern Ocean. You’ll benefit from the expertise gained over MV Monarch’s 37 years of taking guests along Otago Harbour and around Taiaroa Head to share our special nature. There are special trips offered during the Wild Dunedin Festival, or you can join one of Monarch Wildlife Cruises’ many options. You can drive yourself to Wellers Rock Wharf for the invigorating one hour Wildlife Cruise. You can see huge northern royal albatrosses on their nests and maybe soaring past the boat on their three metre wings. At sea there are different albatross and other seabirds. On the rocks you’ll see fur seals and, if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins, blue penguins or a large sealion. You can also choose from several different tour options, with transport from Dunedin, and most feature a wildlife cruise. They include a visit to a private penguin reserve, the Royal Albatross Centre, or Larnach Castle. For further information go to www.wildlife.co.nz or call 0800 666 272. Where nature & history meet The Royal Albatross Centre, nestled at the tip of the Otago Peninsula at Taiaroa Head, Ōtepoti Dunedin is home to the only mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatross. It provides guided tours to the observatory in the nature reserve, overlooking part of the nesting area. During the tour, there is the chance to see adult albatross incubating eggs or sitting with young chicks at the nest. The three metre wingspan is magnificently viewed while the albatross fly and socialise. Later in the season, chicks actively practice using those giant wings. Hidden beneath the albatross is Fort Taiaroa, established in the 1880s to counter the perceived Russian threat. As part of the Unique Tour, your guide will walk you through the original underground tunnels to see the Armstrong Disappearing Gun and learn about the human history of the headland. The centre includes galleries, giftshop, café and viewing platforms for all to enjoy. Come to Dunedin for a Wild Celebration 19 – 28 April Bring the family to Dunedin in the April school holidays and explore the wonders of nature while also supporting the work of conservation groups looking after penguins, sea lions, albatross, takahe, tuatara, skinks, geckos, kiwi and other endangered native species. NZ Festival of Nature/Wild Dunedin is holding its 9th festival this year with over 130 events attracting 25,000 participants in 2023. With discounted deals on boat trips, penguin and albatross viewing, ecosanctuary visits and indoor bouldering, plus a guided tramp around a salt lake, tree climbing, snorkeling in a kelp forest, wildlife photography sessions, night sky viewing, wild yoga and lots more, it’s a very busy nine days. Suzy Cato, longtime friend of Wild Dunedin, will be performing, and there are many creative sessions for children and adults - weaving mermaids, making origami bees, making string, a Lego rainbow, and Art Play in Nature, where we create a giant tapestry collage with autumn leaves and other materials with three local artists. Gardeners can learn about making compost, gardening sustainably in a changing climate, perennial vegetables and permaculture, and visit some stunning home vegetable gardens and community gardens. Foodies are well catered for with local restaurants cooking up wild food dinners, and Larnach Castle is putting on a Wild Night Masquerade, a charity event to support yellow-eyed penguins, with live music, canapes and transport from town to the castle. Bookings are essential for most events so go to wilddunedin.nz and follow us on social media. IN ASSOCIATION WITH WILDLIFE CRUISES & OTAGO PENINSULA TOURS Royal Albatross - Yellow-eyed Penguins - Sea Lions Unrivalled access to rare animals and remote locations in Dunedin. ph: (03) 477 4276
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Special Publications: March 12, 2024

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