Dunedin is a town founded by Scottish Free Church in 1848, though whalers, and before them Maori, had been around much longer due to the fantastic harbor at the site. Come 1861 gold was discovered nearby, producing a gold rush which created the modern town. The rush only lasted ten years, but during this time such iconic buildings as the University of Otago (oldest in New Zealand) were built. Though the gold petered out another rush was to come with the frozen meat trade, and until about 1900 Dunedin was the largest city and primary economic center for the country.

While no longer dominant (no longer even in the top 4 communities, to be honest), the city survives, focusing itself around the University and tourism, as well as some agriculture. The period of relative prosperity has left its mark, however, and this town is very cool to just wander through. The relics of the past haven't always been preserved, such as the classic bank building downtown which now hosts a strip joint. Nonetheless enough is still here to make a western boy like me take note. Just watch out for the bottles.

Student housing is a bit rough, as previous posts have suggested, but the view ain't half bad.
And the dorms are downright stately:

Anything of note has a plaque attached, and most of the names are every bit as British as you'd expect. Sir Hardie Boys?


The religious foundations of the town and the battle between Presbyterian and Anglican is very evident in the center of town.

The Anglican cathedral:

The Free Church's (earlier) entry into the derby:
City buildings keep to the same style.

City hall:

The Courts:

The rail station:

More importantly, CADBURY!

No photo essay of town would be complete without my alma mater. The core of the university is still the original buildings, and plumbing, and heating system, and internet connectivity, it seems. Some things are simply classics.

So what can I say after a month? The drunk students are annoying and Castle Street is hazardous. The music is good, the climate suits my clothes, and the wine is top-notch (more on this later). Great place to stroll, great place to drink, not so good if you like insulated homes. The University is stimulating, and the cops are laid back. Very Scottish. But the best damn thing about this town is what lies just 15 minutes up the hill from me:

Right, back to work.