Octagons and kind of castles.

This morning was to be spent in Dunedin itself, before taking a drive out along the Otago Peninsula in the afternoon. It was a brilliant day - and we wandered down George Street, past the historic homes and major buildings that saturate at least the inner part of the city.

Knox Church

Lily was keen to eat out for breakfast - so Googled some options. Capers Cafe - one of the best breakfast venues in Dunedin, turned out to be just two blocks further down our street! We had the place largely to ourselves - mid-morning on a weekday and Uni not yet returned. Lily also received a "good luck with your studies" from a random lady (we presume she thought we had a First Year on our hands).

The food was lovely, the coffee superb and the Cafe even had its own entertainment (comprising of a vaping young person attempting negotiate peak hour traffic instead of using the crossing 8.5 metres away).

Dunedin is centred around an octagon (beats a garden-variety square), which is lined by some fairly imposing structures.

St Andrews and the Dunedin Centre/Town Hall.

On a whim, we thought we might take a look at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. The entry was bright and airy - and featured some interactive stuff for kids right off the bat. Despite themselves, the kids ended up enjoying themselves.

As part of the OPAVIVRA! exhibition, there was an "installation" that consisted of a large urn of hot water, tea infusers, as well as a myriad of herbs/berries/other tea components. Essentially - you got to whip up your own brew. After a number rooms filled with European as well as local talent - the tea break was quite timely.

Josh not entirely sold on the idea.

OPAVIVARA! - Paje Curumim

Next door to the tea room, was the other installation that formed the OPAVIVARA! exhibition. This one was a little more physically demanding...

OPAVIVARA! Rede Social

We made our way east from the octagon to check out the Dunedin Railway Station (no we didn't need tickets - it's all fancy and Flemish Renaissance-y). There I was, just minding my own business wandering along with the family and then caught gaze of this unnecessarily provocative place of business. 

I mean seriously - is that really necessary?

The Dunedin Railway Station was impressive indeed - the watering system / cross-wind combo was less impressive.

View back towards the octagon.

Dunedin Railway Station

We collected our car and drove out along the Otago Peninsula (on the eastern side of Otago Harbour), because we just didn't feel we'd experienced enough winding roads hugging the water. We called into Larnach Castle - which is still a work in progress (the family that has taken it on continues to open/fill rooms with antiques as much as funds allow), and has progressed much over the last decade. The last time we were here, Hamish nearly launched himself through the crenellations up on the tower - so are hoping for a tad more restraint on this occasion.

Larnach Castle (more a mansion to be fair) also has some fairly extensive gardens, to the delight of Jen and I - and the long-suffering sighs of the boys.

Red room - inclusive of taxidermy.

Master Bedroom

A number floors up - just prior to the tower.

We made our way up to the tower via one of those stone spiral staircases that would certainly not work with 80s-style shoulder pads. It was a sunny day - but a touch breezy.

Interestingly - the crenellation now has a safety bar...

William Larnach (the guy behind the castle) had a turbulent life to be sure - but could certainly throw some bricks together. Both the main building and gardens continue to improve.

View over Otago Harbour

We thought we'd drive up to the end of Otago Peninsular (a trip inclusive of duelling tourist vans along verrry narrow roads a metre shy of the Harbour - barrier free of course). Instead of witnessing an albatross sanctuary, we instead witnessed the largest colony of seagulls I've ever seen. Despite only stopping briefly, our car bonnet did not escape unblemished.

We picked up some Indian for dinner (yet another restaurant only a block or so away), and watched India absolutely demolish New Zealand in T20 on the TV.