March 21, 2005

• Assuming you mean Dunedin, New Zealand, I'd suggest you flag the largely uninteresting Larnach's Castle, make for the Albatross Colony, hit Aramoana, and Sandfly Bay, the last of which is a sandscape that has to be seen to be believed.
• The Otago Museum is worth a quick visit. The albatross colony is indeed cool - from my memories of a visit there when I was fifteen or so. Dunedin itself is a bit of a one-trick pony, it's only got the university and Scottish heritage going for it. There's some nice Edwardian architecture, like the railway station and parts of the uni, but, well. I seem to recall an art museum in the Octagon (city centre) that didn't suck, but maybe someone else knows more. There's at least one Dunedin resident on MoFi that I know of. If you can get inland towards central Otago, do so. It's beautiful in winter and there are lots of tiny historic gold-rush towns. Go to Clyde if you can (maybe 2 hours from Dunners) and have a meal at Oliver's Restaurant. Or you could go north up the coast a bit to Moeraki and see some round rocks, but they're pretty overrated, I think.
• A tip if you do go to see the Moeraki boulders: the cafe owners will charge you for beach access, and have signposted the area to give the impression it's the only way onto the beach. This is not the case - just wander around to the shore.
• Smoke lots of the local dope.
• Yep, assuming you're talking Dunedin, New Zealand and not Dunedin, Florida, USA - the City of Dunedin website might be of some use (don't know, haven't really looked into it too much). But if you click on "About Dunedin" you can get info on the location of the Visitor's Centre in the Octagon, which might be a good place to visit - they'll undoubtedly give you a mix of ideas from the typical tourist traps *cough*Larnach's Castle*cough* to other interesting ideas. Just a note - Dunedin weather in May is usually not so great, so it'll be a good idea to pack some warm clothes if you can, just in case :) There's also the option of heading to Christchurch or Queenstown for a day or two if you can stand the idea of a 4 - 5 hour drive each way.
• coriolisdave - I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't have any more useful advice (I live in Dunedin, but being rather introverted I haven't experienced much of it!). However, I know some work colleagues who might have some good suggestions. I'll print out your question and ask them tomorrow. They should be able to come up with some good ideas - but as tracicle said, Dunedin really is a bit of a one-trick pony, and rogerd's and tracicle's comments probably cover the majority of what's interesting :)
• If, by chance, you take the five-hour drive (or forty-minute flight) to Christchurch, I insist that we go out for coffee. I should be about...oh, the size of a house by then.
• To clarify, yes, I did mean Dunedin NZ. Didn't even realise there was another Dunedin, and was afraid that it would be a bit of a 1-tricker. Pity. I'll see if we can arrange to get out and about, but unfortunately I think time is going to be a significant factor. Poobum. Mental note: ask questions _before_ booking flights ;) Oh and trace - if we make it, you're on. So long as you get real coffee over there ;)
• Eight comments in and not one mention of the Dùnedain?!
• Eck! Make that the Dúnedain.
• i agree with rodgerd, but go on the wee boat trip out to see albatross, you may get to see hectors dolphins as a bonus. we also saw a massive new zeland sea lion there too.
• Oh sure, you say that now, trac, but wahat happens when they're on your doorstep? 8) A few other random thoughts: Dunedin used to be the heart of New Zealand pop music, with Flying Nun and a stream of jangly guitar bands and assorted wierdos. You may wish to poke around the local pubs and clubs. If sports is your thing, Carisbrook is one of the best grounds in New Zealand, atmosphere wise. You might enjoy seeing a rugby match there.
• I thought about suggesting Carisbrook, since it'll be mid-season. Odds are there'll be a decent game while you're there.
• The Highlanders will be getting spanked by the MIGHTY NSW Waratahs at Dunedin on the 30th April, but I guess you'll probably just miss that one. There will be another game in Dunedin on the 7th May (Highlanders v Crusaders).
• Crusaders v Highlanders would be a good match. And the Warratahs? You must be joking. That's the end of the season, when they gut their supporters yet again by turning to shit after a good start early on. Speaking as a Hurricanes supporter, I know the feeling.
• If you like rugby, you absolutely, positively must go to the Crusaders v Highlanders match. Odds are also that the Undy 500 will be on that weekend, because it's usually timed to coincide with an Otago-Canterbury match. The Undy 500 is where Canterbury University students form teams, purchase a car for under $500, and decorate it and themselves according to a theme. Then it's a massive pub crawl all the way from Christchurch to Dunedin, culminating in the rugby game. I took part no less than three times - once as Wonder Woman (my best costume), one as a Presidential Secret Service Agent, and once in a smiley-face shirt driving a bright yellow car. And only one of these costumes fell off while I was carrying four pints of beer in a pub full of engineers. Aside from all that, it'll be a good game. And the Crusaders will, of course, kick arse.
• RodgerD: I know, I know-you make a good point. I have been trying not to get too excited about their last few wins as I have seen what usually happens next over and over again. I actually backed against them last weekend expecting their usual collapse but seems I was too early in my prediction. But I'm sure they'll beat the highlanders- They suck! ;-) Crusaders are playing some GREAT Rugby though.
• Dammnit Waratahs! Seems the Crusaders were just too good. It's something to buils upon though.
• Go the Crusaders!! And yay, no more Marshall!
• What can you possibly have against Marshall? He's had a great season.
• One great season does not redeem the essence of egotistical unreliability.
• Hhmmm. I play number 9 and I do actually prefer Kelleher's style of play, but I think Marshall just outplayed him this season. I'll tell you the name of two young players that really impressed me this season- Gopperth (Chiefs) and Mcallister (Blues). I am expecting big things from them in the next few years.
• Hm, have to keep an eye out. Are you watching the AB trials tomorrow? I have to admit that I like some of the flashy stuff Marshall pulls off, but I prefer a little more caution and a little less of the Spenceresque showing off. And I also admit that I don't like Marshall partly as a person, as I heard a lot of second-hand stories about him from my flatmate, who was at high school with him in Gore/Mataura. :)
• If it's on FOX Sports I'll watch it. Looking forward to the Lions tour, that's going to be fantastic! I understand what you're saying about Marshall- it's the reason I hate Chris Latham and the new kid on the block, Peter Hewitt (NSW). Too much selfish, flashy, high risk play. When it comes off, they look fantastic but the other 50% of the time they just look like dickheads.