dunedin
Dunedin - Majestic Victorian and Edwardian architecture, a proximity to an abundance of spectacular wildlife and a lively youth culture make for a fascinating and exciting mélange in this eminently human-sized city.
Once the centre of European commerce and culture in New Zealand , Dunedin retains an elegant grandeur often missing from the larger centres of the country and combines it with hosting some of the most up-to-date developments in the hi-tech world.
Dunedin is perfect for hosting conferences, with an abundance of activities and natural diversions to counterbalance the superb facilities, and a special brand of 'southern' charm and hospitality.
Dunedin maintains its position of importance to the country as a major seat of learning with a strong arts and cultural influence.
Stemming from the early Scottish immigrants' regard for education, the University of Otago - New Zealand's first - is recognised as a major force in education and academia with an international reputation. Its adjacency to the city also makes Dunedin especially suitable as a venue for education conferences.
The city has a special combination of the solidity of heritage and the vibrancy of youth but adds its own special flavour - a world of wildlife and nature that is accessible and immediate - and will leave you astounded.
This beautiful southern city is framed with a magnificent harbour, long and picturesque. Sheltered by Otago Peninsula and home to a range of wildlife amazing in its abundance and diversity, Dunedin lays claim to being New Zealand 's 'wildlife capital'.
There are numerous tours to see the only mainland colony of royal albatross in the world, the endangered New Zealand Hooker's sea lion and the world's rarest penguins, the hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin, in their natural environment.
The beaches with invigorating Southern waters breaking upon majestic cliffs and bleached white sand, are pristine, stunningly beautiful and home to another particular breed of Southern wildlife - the Dunedin surfer.
The hub of Dunedin is the Octagon, centre of the city and focal point of its shopping and entertainment. Tree-filled and green, bounded by historic buildings, the Octagon embodies much of what is special about Dunedin.
Excellent restaurants attest to the sophistication of Dunedin , and the large student population is well catered for with a vigorous nightlife in cafés, bars, pubs and clubs.
For the more sedate, there are international standard golf courses, all within 10-20 minutes easy drive from the Octagon. Historic homes, heritage tours, garden walks, harbour cruising and salmon fishing add to the options. The adventurous at heart can partake in sea kayaking, mountain biking, and even jet boating, and all are so easily accessible from the central business district. Fantastic boutique shopping abounds with fashion and jewellery designers, art galleries and antique stores in a compact city that practically oozes with creativity and bohemian diversity.
When combined with a Scottish heritage that cannot be denied - Dunedin is a Gaelic translation of its Scottish namesake, Edinburgh - the city begins to take on a character unique in its distillation of flavours and ideal for hosting conference groups and seminars with distinction. Dunedin is a conference destination that is special, enchanting and memorable.