| Population: 114,000 Coastal Otago and the City of Dunedin The Otago Coast stretches from the Waitaki River to the mighty Clutha River, on the South Island's eastern coast. About halfway between is Dunedin, built around Otago Harbor, which indents Otago Peninsula.  Dunedin, pronounced duh-need-in, with a population of 112,000, is the South Island's second-largest city and the commercial center for the Otago region. Its name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh - appropriate since Scottish Presbyterians established the city. It is a gracious city whose numerous grand 19th century and Edwardian buildings are unrivalled anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. A natural attraction on the Otago Peninsula is the abundant wildlife, only a 15-20 minute drive from the central business district. Nature and wildlife excursions allow for viewing fur seals, endangered yellow-eyed penguin, cormorants and albatross. |