The Closest Place to My Dream—Dunedin 🏔️🌊

Dunedin, the second-largest city in New Zealand’s South Island after Christchurch, is nestled between hills and the sea. Built by Scottish settlers in the style of Edinburgh, it’s often called the "Edinburgh of New Zealand." 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 It’s also one of the departure points for Antarctic cruises—perhaps one day, I’ll set off from here to fulfill my dream of visiting Antarctica! ❄️🚢 This time, I stayed at a charming two-bedroom apartment called Majestic Mansions, with a cozy countryside vibe just two minutes from the beach. Breakfast at a local café was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! ☕🍳 Must-Visit Spots in Dunedin 🌊 Tunnel Beach Located southwest of Dunedin, this hidden gem has a free parking lot—but even from the lookout halfway down, you can’t actually see the beach! That’s what makes it one of the city’s most mysterious spots. 🕵️‍♂️ 🚉 Dunedin Railway Station Ranked among the most beautiful train stations in the world, this Baroque-style masterpiece is steeped in history. Once New Zealand’s busiest station (during the gold rush era), it now runs only a few scenic trains. 🚂✨ ⛪ First Church of Otago Built in 1873, this Baroque-style cathedral stands 55m tall, making it a landmark of Dunedin. As New Zealand’s first church, it’s a must-see for history lovers! ⛪📜 🛑 The Octagon The heart of Dunedin’s traffic and tourism, this eight-sided plaza blends historic buildings with lively shops and restaurants, giving the old city a vibrant pulse! 🏛️🛍️ 🚸 Baldwin Street You might not recognize the name, but you’ve probably heard of its nickname—"The World’s Steepest Street!" 🏆 Only 350m long, it climbs from 30m to 100m in altitude. There’s a platform at the top for cars to turn around—dare to drive it? 🚗💨 Travel Tips 💡 1️⃣ Parking in Dunedin can be tricky, with paid street parking. A good option is to park near the train station and walk to attractions like the First Church and The Octagon. 🚗💵 2️⃣ Baldwin Street is a popular spot—if you see parking nearby, grab it early! 🅿️ 3️⃣ Tunnel Beach has a steep hike—assess your fitness and time before heading down! ⏳🥾 #NewZealand #NZRoadTrip #Dunedin #WorldsSteepestStreet #FirstChurchNZ #AntarcticaBound