If you are coming to study English in New Zealand and choose to live in either Dunedin or Queenstown, then you鈥檒l experience very distinct seasons throughout the year. With summer and winter being so uniquely different, we thought we鈥檇 share what we consider must-do activities for each season in each location.
Dunedin
Here are our favourite summertime activities in Dunedin
Otago Farmers鈥� Market
, this is one market you do not want to miss.聽 Open every Saturday from 8.00am to 12.30pm at the northern carpark of Dunedin鈥檚 railway station, you can fill up on an array of fresh produce and products from over 50 local producers and growers. for more information.
Tunnel Beach
A short 11-minute drive from the city is the impressive hand-carved tunnel and sandstone coastline of . Best visited at low tide and with friends or family to help keep each other safe, take the downhill track for the 2km return walk (approx. 1 hour) and keep an eye out for fossils in the rocks around you. Be in awe of the views as you see how the ocean has sculpted the cliffs in this very special piece of the Otago coast.
Signal Hill Lookout
Only a short distance from the botanic gardens, you can watch the sunset from the Signal Hill lookout and take in the vista that includes Dunedin city and the Otago Harbour. Constructed in the 1950s, a monument to the New Zealand Centennial of 1940 sits atop the summit.
And some winter activities in and around Dunedin:
St Clair Beach Mid-Winter Plunge
St Clair and St Kilda beaches really are must-visit locations in the summer and if you live here, we guarantee you鈥檒l spend a lot of time enjoying their pristine white sands and blue waters. But you also might like to consider taking part in the annual polar plunge into the brisk waters of St Clair鈥檚 beach in the second weekend of June 鈥� 2019 will be its 91st year!
Larnach Castle
New Zealand鈥檚 one and only castle is a great place to spend a chilly winter鈥檚 day in Dunedin. Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day. Read more about the history of the castle and current restoration projects on their .
If you like what you see and think Dunedin is the place for you, be sure to check out the University of Otago Language Centre for information on their courses.
Queenstown
Here are our picks of the summertime activities in Queenstown:
Bungy Jumping
Get your adrenaline fix in the adventure capital of the world. There are a range of locations just a short drive outside of the city and if you鈥檙e still not satisfied then have a go at zip lining, or try the world鈥檚 highest flying fox or Bungy swing! Check out the for more information.
Day Hiking
Fancy a trip through Middle-earth? Then get your hiking boots on and a short ride from Queenstown. Or, if you prefer, there are numerous
Whitewater Rafting on the Shotover
A stay in Queenstown is not quite complete until you鈥檝e been on the Shotover River. Jetboating or whitewater rafting are two of the most adrenaline-packed activities you鈥檒l find here. And with you鈥檒l find something that suits.
And our recommended winter activities in Queenstown:
Scenic Gondola Ride
Open year-round from 8.00am to 9.00pm daily, is the steepest gondola in the Southern Hemisphere and offers some of the most spectacular scenery you鈥檒l ever see. Once up there, you have the option to ride the gondola back down or for some fast-paced fun!
Ski or Snowboard Coronet Peak, the Remarkables or Mount Hutt
If you鈥檙e fortunate enough to be living in Queenstown then a trip to one (or all) of is a must. Whether you鈥檙e a seasoned skier or simply a beginner this is an experience not to be missed. If you don鈥檛 want to venture too far from Queenstown, then Coronet Peak is the pick and is only 20-mins drive from the city centre.
Visit the Minus 5o Icebar
With everything from the cups to the bar to the chairs made of ice, this truly is a . The great thing is that you can turn up as you are and they will provide you with all the gear to 鈥榯urn you into an Eskimo鈥�!
If you think Queenstown is the place for you then check out the following English language schools for more information:
ABC College of English
Language Schools New Zealand
Southern Lakes English College
Staying safe while exploring New Zealand
Please be aware that some activities and scenic places can present risks to your safety if not approached with the right level of caution. Make sure you read any warning or instructional signs in the area and take a friend along so you can watch out for each other. Read up on how to stay safe when swimming in New Zealand and check out the regional and websites to find local activity providers who can give you helpful advice and services.
Images:
by Dunedin NZ on Flickr
by Travolution on Flickr
By [CC BY-SA 2.0], from Wikimedia Commons
By [CC BY-SA 2.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons