It seems ages since we had our short trip to Dunedin: we are back at work and daily life goes on. Anyway, to finish up a round up of our trip at the start of the year, here are some things to do indoors (and one outdoors) when the weather is not so good.
Museums
The Otago Museum focuses on “the natural, cultural and scientific stories of Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand and the world”. In essence, the museum has an eclectic mix of wildlife and nature exhibits and historical material. The museum has been open at its present site since 1877. Below you can see part of a whale skeleton in the maritime section of the museum.
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is well worth a visit, with a really good permanent exhibition and an ever changing round of guests exhibits. When we were there there was an exhibition of the works of Hone Papita Raukura ‘Ralph’ Hotere (Te Aupōuri) one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant artists in recent times. The picture below shows the upstairs hallway.
The Otago Settler’s Museum is probably my favourite museum in Dunedin. This museum traces the lives of the indigenous Māori and various migrant groups who have moved to the region. It is a wonderful collection of all sorts of objects, photographs and ephemera. Below you can see the room filled with photographs of the first settlers (including the splendid fellow in the kilt) and an 1848 advertisement as to why you should move to New Zealand (for an abundance of puddings?).
There are also some more modern items on display such as these clothes from the 1960s and a transport section including a home made caravan. Both museums and the gallery have free entrance.
Next to the museum is the Chinese Garden – of course not indoors, but well worth a visit for a quiet moment. It was a bit of a grey morning when we visited, but I am sure you get the idea of the place. There is a NZ$10 entrance fee.
Speight’s Brewery
Speight’s Brewery was very close to where we were staying, so we decided to do the tour. This takes you through the history of the brewery, and the original building and some of the old equipment used, ending with a brief view of the current setup and of course some beer tasting. Speight’s has been brewing in Dunedin since 1876, so is also part of the city’s history. The tour is NZ$25 for an adult and take just over an hour.
So that is the last post about our summer trip to Dunedin. We haven’t decided on out next one yet, but will share it here of course.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
I enjoyed the museum your and really got a kick out of the pudding remark. Someone, it seems, was really keen on pudding.
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Thank you so much for sharing! I am a mental traveler (may never afford to go to all the places I would love to see) and your pics just made my day. The old wooden vat, the beautiful desk, and even the quality of the wood floor under the desk – amazing. Thank you so much for making my morning a bit more enjoyable!
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Thank you so much for your comment!
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I enjoyed the virtual tour! I love the Chinese garden.
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I love the pebbled pathway would have taken ages to lay & the architecture of the bridge. I would be quite happy to work at that desk with the beautiful old type writer.
A tall glass of really dark brew please, if they have it. That was great. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
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Oh I do agree about that desk! There was a porter that I tried as well – might well have been to your liking.
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We really enjoyed the Te Papa museum in Wellington, so I’m sure we would enjoy these as well.
I would like to see the Otago Settler’s museum, I love reading about immigrants, and wish I could read more of their stories.
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Think you would really enjoy the Otago Settler’s museum – so many interesting stories.
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