Dunedin

In Dunedin we stayed at the Otago Boys High School Hostel but let me back up and explain. From what we have been told, in New Zealand the public high schools are separate for boys and girls and it is not uncommon for kids from rural areas or other countries to board at the school's hostel (or boarding house). Right after Kyle and I went paragliding in Wanaka, we drove further into the mountains for a picnic lunch and ended up meeting Brian who, coincidentally, manages the hostel and is from Vancouver.  He left us with his card to contact him when we arrived in Dunedin since the hostel has a "parents room" for visiting parents that is often vacant.

The OBHS Hostel was absolutely fantastic!  We arrived on a holiday weekend so most of the boys were at home and not at the hostel but we were able to eat our meals in the dining room with those still around. It was a fantastic break from our tent not to mention a change in our meal plan!  (A reprieve from oats for breakfast and PB&J sandwiches for lunch!!)

The city of Dunedin completely surprised me.  It was full of life but not too big and it has an historic feel.

We were within walking distance of a pool as well as the Octagon (city centre) and were able to have more of a settled life for a few days rather than feeling so transient.  We went to see a movie (the Hunger Games) as part of a "weekend outing" for the boys at the school and we did a tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory.

We drove out the Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Centre and saw lots of Albatross!

The peninsula has great views and good beaches too.

During our time in Dunedin, Snow White really started to show her dents and we had to get new front brakes and rotors. We visited the steepest residential street in the world - Baldwin Street and put the new brakes to the test taking Snow White up and down the street!!  The photos really don't do it justice but this was a ridiculously steep!

A view of Dunedin at sunset.

Overall, we really enjoyed our time in Dunedin!  A huge thanks to Brian and his family for everything!