Discovering Queenstown, A Real Queens Town (Day 7)

Before I came to New Zealand, I had ever heard my friend told that Queenstown is the most beautiful town in New Zealand. I’m not going to comment about it but one thing for sure, I couldn't help myself from taking photos like crazy while I was there :D

In Queenstown, I stayed with Yen in the Alpine Lodge Backpackers. Alpine Lodge Backpackers is one of the BBH hostels in New Zealand and it provided a Very cozy and comfortable accommodation with clean and friendly environment. Furthermore, the hostel was a good value to us as it's located almost opposite the Skyline Gondola cable car station.

Living room(upstair)

Kitchen(upstair)

Alpine Lodge Backpackers

Add: 13, Gorge Rd, Queenstown.

Tel: (03) 442 7220

It’s end of autumn. Outside of the hostel, I could see the hills were topped with snows.

On Saturday 24^th May, with Yen, I did ride the Skyline Gondola and went to the Bob's Peak. Along the ride, we enjoyed the views although it’s raining slightly.

View from the window of the cable car

When we reached the peak...OMG! It's so stunning looking from 450m high above the Queenstown township!

It's really the beauty of nature!

We’re extremely thrilled to spend time taking the most beautiful pictures of Queenstown and playing the snows at the peak.

Frankly speaking, perhaps this was nothing to you but this is the very first time both of us saw the real snows in our life. Of course, we wanted to make the most of it and therefore we only willing to leave when it's almost sunset :P

The dessert I had at the Skyline Cafe before leaving

Unlike other places, Queenstown is still happening at night. You may have a walk in the hub and shop for food or souvenirs during night. Queenstown has quite a few souvenir shops, boutique, cafes and restaurants well worth your visit. I actually did a well shopping and tried the good foods there like ice cream, big burger...

Queenstown centre at night

Queenstown is well known for adventurous activities, for example bungy jumping, rafting, skydiving and mountain biking. I was unlucky as failed to participate the white water rafting as intended. The failing was due to the season closed to winter, the snows had blocked the access for road trip to the river. Well, I promised that I’ll definitely come back for the game on spring as long as I’m still in South Island.

All in all, a suitable word to describe this lovely town is... beau-ti-ful! It’s a town that queens will love to live forever. Thus, not to miss a visit to Queenstown!

Visiting Dunedin Botanic Garden, Baldwin Street and Around in Dunedin (Day 6)

It rained over and over again throughout the days we’re in Dunedin. It’s pretty cold and wet. Yen and I had no idea when would the rain stopped but we still desperately drove to the Dunedin Botanic Garden and wanted a visit. So, we walked under an umbrella.

The entrance via Gt King St & Opoho St

Winter Garden Glasshouse

Peter Pan statue in the garden

The Dunedin Botanic Garden is as large as 28 hectares hosting many open spaces such as Azalea Garden, Rose Garden, Knot Garden, Banstand, Cherry Walk, Herbaceous Borders, Daffodil Lawn and Lovelock Bush. In addition, there’re thousands of floras from local and abroad planted in this public garden.

Banstand

Knot Garden

 Type of floras at the Herbaceous Borders

Located close to the University of Otago, Dunedin Botanic Garden can be reached at the northern part of Dunedin. It opens daily from dawn to dusk and the admission is free.


One interesting fact about Dunedin is the presence of steep streets around the city and the Baldwin Street is well-known as the steepest street in Dunedin as well as in the world.

Signages showing the Baldwin St as Worlds Steepest Street

Diagram of Baldwin St

Further explanation of Baldwin St

Baldwin St is located at the residential suburb

One of the houses built on the steepest st in Dunedin

In the event you’re interest to come and have a look at the Baldwin Street, just head to the residential area of North East Valley.


We initially planned to take a journey to Olveston House after the visit to Baldwin Street, but it’s cloudy after the rain and we’re worried it’ll be raining again. As a result, we cancelled the trip and just stayed in the city. We went to the Octagon, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and First Church of Otago before we ended our trip in Dunedin.

Dunedin city centre



Buildings at the Octagon



Dunedin Public Art Gallery

 

First Church of Otago

Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Add: 30 the Octagon, Dunedin.
Tel: (03) 474 3240
Opening hours: 10 – 5pm, Mon – Sun (Closed on Christmas)

Admission is free.

First Church of Otago

Add: 415 Moray Place, Dunedin.
Tel: (03) 477 7118
Opening hours: 9 – 5pm, Mon – Sun

Admission is free.

Exploring Hockey Gallery, University of Otago and Dunedin Railway Station in Dunedin (Day 5)

It’s raining since the early morning. We planned to visit the Dunedin Botanic Garden but it seemed not the good timing. Therefore, I suggested visiting the indoor gallery to escape the rain for a period and Yen agreed. We unintentionally came to the Hocken Gallery which exhibited the Hocken Collections. The pictorial collections incorporated the artworks from the centuries ago until present-day.

A World of Art: The Pictorial Collections IN THREE CHAPTERS exhibited in the Hocken Gallery

Cloud, Hill and Claudia by Robin White



Children at Breakfast Time by Michael Smither

Hockey Gallery

Location: Corner of Anzac Ave & Parry St, Dunedin.
Tel: 03 4798871
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm Weekdays except Tuesday
                           9am – 9pm Tuesday
                               9am -  12pm Saturday

Later, we took a tour to the University of Otago when the rain got lesser. It’s a striking historical building established in 1869. In fact, the University of Otago is the oldest university in New Zealand. Another interesting fact about this university is it’s the first university in Australasia that allows ladies to study a law degree, according to Wikipedia.

Next, we drove to the New Zealand’s most photographed building – Dunedin Railway Station. This heritage building was built from 1904 – 1906 in Flemish Renaissance style. When you arrived in Dunedin, you’ll certainly see this railway station at the Anzac Square.

Dunedin Railway Station

A garden at Anzac Square is just in front of the station

The Renaissance architecture can be seen at the interior of the building

 

Mosaic floor design at the interior of the booking hall

At the night, we stayed in another accommodation, Penny’s Backpackers. I liked the cozy and comfortable environment the hostel provided. All in all, it’s another great BBH budget hostel in New Zealand.

Penny’s Backpackers

Add: 6, Stafford Street, Dunedin 9016.
Tel: (03) 477 6027

Discovering Otago Museum and Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin (Day 4)

I as well as Yen wanted to make the most of the day; hence we went to visit Otago Settlers Museum and followed by Otago Museum after the tour of Cadbury World.

We’re educated about the past and beauty of Dunedin from the Otago Settlers Museum which is established in 1898. We learned the people by visiting the Smith Gallery that displayed hundreds of image collection of settlers and their descendants.

Image collection at The Smith Gallery

The Transport Gallery is another gallery in the museum that demonstrated the changing in transportation influenced by technology. There’re a range of classic cars, motorbikes and bicycles exhibited in the gallery for visitors to enjoy.

 

A displayed penny farthing that visitors can ride



Triumph

 

A tram service used in the past

There’re also some temporary exhibitions organized in the museum. The one we sightsaw was the Fabulous Frocks II exhibition. We had a chance to view all those bygone women glorious gowns included the wedding gowns, evening and day dresses.

Otago Settlers Museum

Location: 31 Queens Garden, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Tel: (03) 4775052

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily except Christmas Day & Good Friday

Admission is free.


Otago Museum is another world class informative museum that we loved to spend time in. A wide range of outstanding collections, excited exhibitions and events inspired the visitors included me and my friend. For instance, we gained the understanding of the prominent world archaeological treasures such as Egytian Mummy and Ancient Greek Pottery in the People of the World Gallery. Besides, we also discovered the Maori culture by exploring the Tangata Whenua Gallery.

There’re many other parts in the museum such as Pacific Culture Galleries, Maritime Gallery and Animal Attic that worth your visit, so don’t miss them!

  

  

Otago Museum

Location: 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Tel: (03) 474 7474

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily except Christmas Day

Admission is free except guided tours and special exhibitions.