Dunedin City

Architecture and the 'Scarfie' Experience

When the chimes of the University of Otago's clock tower toll, it's the start of a new semester at New Zealand's oldest university. Dunedin bursts with youth – well-known as 'Scarfies', some 20,000 students add a special vibrancy to this city and contribute to its distinctive culture.

You too can experience Scarfie life – as to take part in the Scarfie experience doesn't necessarily mean becoming one! Year-round there's something on – from pub crawls through to market stalls, bands and hall competitions.

Hang out at student haunts such as The Cook pub and Two Bears or stroll through the university grounds. For a truly eye-opening experience visit North Dunedin's iconic student flat streets!

Scarfies aside, the city of Dunedin has distinctive 19th Century architecture. A legacy of the goldrush, many of its finest Victorian and Edwardian buildings are not museum pieces – rather, the city lives within them.

Take a step back in time in The Exchange - the city's hub in the late 1800s - and see the old National Bank and BNZ Bank, and post office buildings nearby.

Visit the city's historical churches and statues - Larnach Castle, Olveston, Fletcher House, Dunedin Railway Station and Speights Brewery - and soon you’ll see that although 'Scarfies' have the run of the town, Dunedin's Scottish heritage is alive and well.

Dunedin delights in its homely haggis heritage: there are numerous fine pipe bands and highland dancers and a statue of Scottish bard, Robbie Burns, presides.