The Dunedin

The southern scenic route finally led us to the city of Dunedin (pronounced duh-NEE-den), the second largest city on the south island after Christchurch. In the 19th century, Dunedin was the country's biggest city (big gold rush town), though currently the population is around 120,000. Founded by Scottish settlers in the early 1800s, it's home to the first university in NZ, University of Otago.

We enjoyed sunny but chilly weather when we arrived, and booked a hostel that required climbing up one of the many hilly streets to reach it.

The view from the hostel overlooking the city:

Lots of churches in Dunedin. This one happened to get turned into high-end condominiums.

St. Paul's Cathedral, in the Octagon (center of town):

Dunedin Railway Station, opened in 1906. 

Interior of the railway station:

One day I trekked over to Baldwin Street, which holds the Guinness record of steepest street in the world with a grade of 35%.

At the foot of the street looking up:

Near the top looking down:

On my walk back to town from Baldwin Street, I saw this notice posted on a telephone pole. Haha!

Later that same day, I paid a visit to the lovely Dunedin Botanic Gardens. 

That Sunday, I visited New Zealand's oldest Orthodox Christian church, Archangel Michael. Founded in 1911 by Syrian immigrants, the parish had been without a priest for two years. I met the very new priest, a former Anglican who gave a wonderful homily for the commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas.

After spending a few days in the relative civilization of Dunedin, I was ready to take a short trip further up the coast. More to come soon!