Visiting New Zealand?

New Zealand is a fantastic little country.  The scenery is breathtaking and the people are warm and welcoming.

Places I've Been...

• Arrowtown (I still need to check out the Autumn Festival in April)
• Awakino Ski Field
• Bluff
• Bushy Beach
• Curio Bay
• Fiordland - The Divide Shelter to 1777
• Fossil Forest at Curio Bay
• Manapouri
• Mavora Lakes
• Moeraki Boulders
• Mt. Cook
• Naseby
• The Great Naseby Waterrace Ultramarathon
• Otago Peninsula
• Larnach Castle
• Otago Peninsula Challenge
• Royal Albatross Centre
• Oteake Conservation Park
• Boundary Creek Hut
• Pineapple - Flagstaff Track
• Queenstown
• Fergburger
• Routeburn Track - To Mt. Xenicus
• Signal Hill
• Silver Peaks
• Jubilee Hut - Really nice! 10 bunks and a tank of rain water
• Snowdon Forest
• Speight's Brewery
• St. Clair Beach
• Tunnel Beach - SO worth the trip!!  We caught a bus from the Octagon to a stop in Corstorphine at the junction of Blackhead and Middleton Roads.  We walked towards Tunnel Beach Road for no more than 30 minutes and it was a short walk to the Tunnel Beach Track.  This was a 4 hour roundtrip from Abbey College - perfect for an afternoon getaway!  AND the bus fare was less than $7.  Just be prepared for the walking.
• Wellington
• Botanic Garden
• Fork and Brewer
• Midnight Espresso
• Mount Victoria
• Sweet Mother's Kitchen
• Te Papa

Place I'd like to Visit...

• Abel Tasman National Park
• Franz Josef Glacier
• Milford Track
• Mt. Brewster Track to Mt. Armstrong
• Waitomo Caves

Visiting New Zealand?  Try these links...

Dunedin-Specific

• Albar - Great laid back vibe with a great beer selection. Perfect for when you want to avoid the mayhem at other Octagon establishments.
• Cadbury World
• Capers Cafe - Delicious pancakes!
• Carousel - My favorite Dunedin bar... maybe tied with Albar... It's a classy little spot and great when you want to side down and chat without yelling over loud music.
• Coastal Otago Guides and Commercial Tourism Providers - Recommended by NZ Department of Conservation.
• Elm Wildlife Tours - Received several awards for their tours on the Otago Peninsula.  Highly recommended.
• Emerson's Brewery
• Governors Cafe - Local cafe - love their brunch!
• Green Man Brewery - Super nice guys. I loved the tequila beer. 
• GrabOne - Dunedin-Invercargill deals.
• Highlanders Rugby - Local team plays at Forsyth Barr Stadium.  I bought two $12.50 tickets online and the total came to $33.50 - plan on extra charges!  To pick up tickets, go to the ticket pick up outside of the stadium near the road on ANZAC Ave.  We walked up to Gate C, got sent to the other side of the stadium, sent to the ticket pick-up near ANZAC Ave., walked to Gate A because it was closer and got sent back over to Gate C.  It took a lot longer to pick up our tickets than we expected!  Gates opened at 6:30pm for the 7:35pm game.  We sat in student seating in section 201, row D #3 & #4...not the greatest seats!
• Karitane Charters - Wildlife harbor cruise.  I went in March 2012 and saw shag, sea lions, and albatross.
• Luna Bar - I LOVE this place - the view, the food, the staff - it's all wonderful!
• Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Perfect for those who aren't into tramping, but still want to get a taste of nature in New Zealand.
• Otago Farmers Market - Go for a cup of coffee and a crepe! Recipes on website.
• Otago Museum - Free exhibits.
• Paasha - Busy, but delish, Turkish restaurant.
• Penqueno - Local lounge bar - great wine selection.
• Poppas Pizza - The vegetarian pizza has soooo many veggies! YES!
• Rural Discovery Tours - Ideas for day tours around Dunedin.
• Toast - THE bartender knows his stuff! Great drinks.
• Velvet Burger - Local burger joint

All of New Zealand

• Back Country Saddles - Horseback riding
• Capture New Zealand Photography Tours - South Island Photography Tour Itinerary
• GrabOne - I cringe when I see prices in Dunedin and elsewhere in New Zealand.  But, this website has vouchers that you can buy to soften the blow.  I bought vouchers for buy-one-get-one meals and a 3-hour evening wildlife harbor cruise (50% off).  Sign-up for emails several weeks to several months before you need the deals.
• New Zealand Adventure Itineraries - Sure, you could book through the company, or you can get ideas to make your own adventure.
• Once Upon a Trip - Itineraries for self-guided road trips
• Lonely Planet's South Island Itinerary
• The Sea Kayak Company - I recently won a voucher (THANK YOU to the University of Otago International Office) to go sea kayaking in Abel Tasman Park through this company.  I'm SO excited!!