Farewell to Dunedin - South Island, New Zealand

 St. Paul's Cathedral at the "Octagon" or heart of town, Dunedin, New Zealand.

We had a few chances to walk around the downtown area to explore and window shop.

This beautiful church is located in the Octagon area.

 We spent one night here and spent the following morning sight-seeing before moving onward.

The next stop is Te Anau on the West Coast...but, not before enjoying views of Dunedin from the outskirts of town.

Our time was short here but we did quite a lot, as mentioned in previous posts.

November 28, 2012

Tee Shirt - Dunedin, New Zealand

The front of a tee shirt in a window in Dunedin, New Zealand!

November 28, 2012

Dunedin Railway Station - Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

 Jerry and I had been here the day before to get our train that took us into the Taieri Gorge, but not everyone took the same trip.  So we're back for those who hadn't visited the train station. 

 New Zealand doesn't have an extensive railway system but does have several lines dedicated for awesome scenic day trips...this is one of them.

 It's not the right hour for the platform to be crowded.

 and, looking the other direction...not a train in sight!

 But, it is an old and lovely station with intricate detail.

 a curvy staircase...

After climbing the stairs I got a nice view of the entire lobby floor...

and, people.

 and, Jerry!

 Our group was very busy with their cameras for about 20 minutes!

I wanted a shot of the train right side up!

The New Zealand flag waves on the rooftop outside.

University of Otago - South Island, New Zealand

 We made a brief stop at the university to walk around and soak in the campus life New Zealand style.

The University of Otago is the oldest university in the country, established in 1869.

beautiful glass and reflections...

the clock tower...

wisteria vines...

A bridge crosses a creek...and, we are on our way back to the bus.

It was a short visit but memorable.

November 28, 2012

World's Steepest Residential Street, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

 Yes!  Jerry and I chugged up the World's Steepest Street (residential)...so says the Guinness Book of World Records.  The sign points "that way"!

 About 1/3 of the people on our tour took the challenge with us.

There goes Jerry!

Ahhh...it doesn't look so steep!

Here we go!

 Leon and I are ahead of Jerry!
Karen stayed behind...her feet couldn't take this!

 Here comes Ireland!

 Got you getting me, Jerry!

 There are a few others taking the challenge who are not on our tour.

 Some preferred the steps to the street...not me!

 Either way there's no getting around the UP!

 I see smiling faces!  The 'senior citizen' was on our tour and totally amazed all of us!

He kept a slow and steady pace!

 Well...maybe it is kinda steep!  

Perspective changes things!

Chug Chug...almost there!

 Here he comes...let's cheer him on!

 A colorful window reminds me that this is a residential street that people have to cope with on a daily basis.

 Our guide walked to a stationery store to get him a certificate of achievement!

Well deserved!

Jerry took a pic of me taking a pic of our champion!

 some statistics...

 Our guide took our pictures as did the others who chose NOT to walk...imagine missing this GREAT fun!

fond memories!

Baldwin Street

Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

November 28, 2012

Dunedin & Otago Harbour - South Island, New Zealand

We got a birds' eye view of Dunedin and Otago Harbour from a local hilltop!
The South Pacific Ocean lies beyond.

Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

November 28, 2012

Red! - Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

November 28, 2012

Dunedin Train Station - Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

We have returned to Dunedin!

6:35 p.m.

It was a wonderful 4 hour train ride through Taieri Gorge, South Island, New Zealand.

November 27, 2012

Taieri Gorge Railway Trip - Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

 Our return to Dunedin from the Taieri Gorge was just as spectacular as our departure.

The Taieri Gorge Railway is a must-do when visiting this beautiful part of the South Island, New Zealand.

Horse farms dot the landscape not far from the city just minutes before getting into the gorge area.

It was November (late spring in NZ) and the horses happily grazed in green pastures.

 ...and there were plenty of foals to see!

Some are full of energy and playful!

 Mama and baby exercise together!

These images were taken from a moving train the last 1/2 hour of our journey of 4 hours!

I stood outside between cars for most of the trip...it was cold but worth it.