I'd just like to point out that you can't really relax in a hammock with cocktail on the southern NZ beaches. They are better suited to sport, BBQ, beachcombing or watching animals. Even in summer you should have windproof clothing to hand, and it is also essential to protect yourself from the high UV levels with long sleeves, hat, suncream etc.

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About half an hour's drive south of Dunedin, this is a large beach lying around a small estuary. Great for beachcombing, picnics, surfing and fooling around.

www.seenindunedin.co.nz/attractions/local_beaches.html

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This is the cityside beach in Dunedin, quite short but always with impressive surf. At one end is the open air salt water pool, great for swimming when the surf's up, also good for toddlers and small children.

There's a promenade behind the beach with a couple of good bars and cafes. There are more impressive beaches further up the peninsula but for convenience and all-round utility you can't beat St. Clairs.

www.seenindunedin.co.nz/attractions/local_beaches.html

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Amazing white sand deserted beach. Magic mushrooms grow among the lupins. Mindblowing...

Out along the Otago peninsula, seaward side

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This little cafe serves filling and deliciious vegetarian meals. It's unpretentious and good value.

97 Stewart Street Dunedin
ph +64 3 477 9983

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Slope Head is the most southerly point on mainland New Zealand which was cold, wild and waterlogged but provided a photo opportunity next to the signpost pointing to Antarctica in one direction and the Equator in the other, before heading for Bluff and half a dozen of its famous oysters and a pint of Guinness. Actually it was the end of June, and the only place advertising this delicacy was closed.

The coast road between Invercargill and Dunedin.

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If you are remotely interested in wildlife you will love both visits.

The albatross centre has fantastic displays and you can either take a tour ($30) or go to the cliff tops and watch these fantastic birds soaring through the skies.

At Penguin Place you will see yellow-eyed penguins on the tour ($33). This is the only mainland place in the world you will see them. They are shy creatures but do actually come out of the sea before dusk and so are very easy to spot.

Binoculars are recommended for both trips, but are not a must.

www.albatross.org.nz
www.penguinplace.co.nz

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Penguin Place is a privately funded penguin reserve which specialises in the preservation of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin. You can book a 2 hour tour through trenches and hides. The trenches and hides mean that you can view this almost extinct species close-up in their natural environment without interfering with, or disturbing them.

One word of advice...dress up warm and wear walking shoes as some of the terrain is a bit rocky.

It is situated on the Otago Peninsula and a place can be booked by phoning 03 478 0286 or emailing penguin.place@clear.net.nz and visit www.penguinplace.co.nz

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