Dunedin NZ

When we learned there was a Cadbury chocolate factory tour available in our first New Zealand port of call, Dunedin, it was our first destination! The tour was a dud (you didn't actually get to see them making any chocolate, just some lame demonstrations), but, the chocolate that came with the tour was great. They use the English recipe for the chocolate, unlike the North American poor substitute. It's always fun, when visiting a new country, to explore local food favourites. For sweets, New Zealand seems to favour a preponderance of marshmallow filling as in: yellow-filled Pineapple Lumps (no pineapple in sight and can you imagine a more unappetizing name?), pink-filled Pinky bars and white-filled Chocolate Fish.

On a more serious note, the town was full of university students and bursting with energy. The Scottish heritage was apparent (the name Dunedin is derived from the Gaelic for Edinburgh: Dùn Èidann) in wonderful stone buildings like this heritage train station.

The interior was as beautiful as the exterior and the ceramics, mosaics and stained glass are all in perfect, immaculate condition. The station is still in use and there is a scenic train trip available, the Taieri Gorge Railway, on 1920's era coaches.We hope to take this trip on a return visit. The cruise ship offered it as a 'shore excursion' for about three times the price you'd pay at the wicket.

The town was full of fantastic architecture all highlighted by spring blossoms.

There was also evidence of the hip, young, vibe that permeated the town with some really great street art. Unlike graffiti, or, tagging, which to my mind detracts horribly from a building's attributes, these three whimsical examples really added to the quality of the streetscape.

In addition to a return visit to this vibrant town, we also plan to visit the nearby Otago Peninsula which has some wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. The world's only mainland royal albatross colony is here and can be viewed at the Royal Albatross Centre. It was too early for chicks in November, but, by the time we get back to the South Island maybe we'll be lucky enough to see some.Yellow-eyed penguins are also on the Peninsula and can be viewed from hides. Lots to look forward to.