Dunedin: The Closest Place to My Dreams 🏔️🌊

Dunedin, the second-largest city on New Zealand’s South Island (after Christchurch), is nestled between rolling hills and the wild Pacific Ocean. Founded by Scottish settlers and modeled after Edinburgh, it’s often called "New Zealand’s Edinburgh." Fun fact: It’s also one of the departure ports for Antarctic cruises—maybe one day, I’ll sail from here to my ultimate dream destination: Antarctica! ❄️ 🏡 Where We Stayed: Majestic Mansions – A charming two-bedroom apartment with cottage-style decor, just 2 minutes from the beach! Breakfast at a nearby café was a feast for the eyes and taste buds. 🌊 Tunnel Beach 📍 Southwest Dunedin 🅿️ Free parking, but the beach stays hidden until you hike down—part of its mystery! 🚶 A steep but rewarding trail leads to a secret coastal paradise. 🚉 Dunedin Railway Station 🏆 Ranked among the world’s most beautiful train stations! ✨ Baroque architecture, historic interiors, and a golden-era vibe. Once NZ’s busiest hub, now home to scenic trains. ⛪️ First Church of Otago 📜 Built in 1873 (NZ’s first church!), this 55m-tall Baroque landmark dominates Dunedin’s skyline. 🌟 The Octagon 🛑 The city’s bustling heart—a mix of historic buildings, shops, and eateries with pedestrian-friendly zones. ↗️ Baldwin Street 🏆 The world’s steepest residential street! 🚗 Just 350m long, but climbs from 30m to 100m in elevation. Dare to drive it? (There’s a turnaround at the top!) 💡 Travel Tips: 1️⃣ Parking in town? Complex and paid—park near the train station to explore on foot. 2️⃣ Baldwin Street crowds? Grab the first spot you see—it gets busy! 3️⃣ Tunnel Beach hike? Steep and long—assess your stamina before going. #NewZealand #RoadTripNZ #Dunedin #WorldsSteepestStreet #FirstChurch