Dunedin, New Zealand March 10, 2025
The Westerdam docked in Port Chalmers
We walked off the ship and through the port to the other side of the town to catch a water taxi on our way to visit Larnach Castle across the bay from Dunedin.
We jumped into a shuttle van and admired the landscape of sheep dotting the green pastures.
Larnach Castle was built in 1871. The Barker family bought it in 1967 for their own residence.
Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, with the family having restored empty buildings from ruins as well as assembling a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques.
The turret was open to us. We enjoyed the scenic grounds and surrounding landscape.
The gardens were full of blooming flowers.
After touring the castle we caught the boat taxi into downtown Dunedin
Dunedin also had some well manicured gardens.
We walked to the First Church of Otago church that sat so stately on the hill towering over Dunedin.
We stopped to have lunch in the Toitu Octagon Settlers Museum. This old train was parked at the entrance.
We strolled about the town viewing the unique octagonal city center.
The gulls were enjoying the fountain as a bird bath.
Larry and I caught the local bus back to the ship having a lively conversation with students who were returning home after school had ended.
During the sail away the ship passed by the albatross roosting cliffs, I saw no albatrosses, but lots of evidence of their existence there.
Our sail away took us past the lighthouse
on Taitaro Point.
What a fantastic day visiting Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand.
