Dunedin for Christmas

Tara and I had a very pleasant trip to Dunedin for the Christmas holiday.  On day one we walked to the Cadbury factory and took a tour.  During the tour we were sprayed by chocolate- specifically a ton of hot liquid chocolate pouring out in front of us in a matter of moments. The tour ends in a gift shop where all manner of chocolate were on sale (at a fraction of retail).  We have some on hand- for emergency rations of course!  From the factory we went to a nearby chinese garden.   It is a beautiful small oasis in the heart of Dunedin.  The walk home was long.  We stopped briefly by the Speight's brewery.  There were no tours on Christmas eve, but we bought one of their well-known cookbooks and a T-shirt for me.  We would return later.  We walked by St. Joseph's Cathedral (uphill) and then got supper on the way home.

Our room at the Comfort Inn was cozy and had a fine wee kitchenette which was well-stocked with tea, coffee and even a couple of biscuits.

Christmas began with mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral.  Children were invited to come up at the homily and show their Christmas  presents to the congregation and help illustrate what is essential to Christmas- the celebration of the birth of Jesus. 

There were only five restaurants open, but we found The Huntsman open and serving a marvelous Christmas feast.  We felt we were at a family home for the holiday.  Our dinner needs were met with takeaway from the convenience store by our motel.   They had everything we could want in fast food. We drove to the Otaga peninsula and saw albatrosses.  Unfortunately, they saw me and I was splattered, but not with chocolate.

Monday we took a train trip over the Taieri Gorge.  This was a half-day trip with impressive bridges, tunnels and scenery.  The morning was beautiful and cool, but by our return it was quite warm.  So off to Speight's brewery for a cool tour, followed by a liberal tasting of their wares.

Our last day included trips to Larnach Castle and gardens, Penguin Place and a pleasant drive home.  More details to follow, but I must rest before our trip to Christchurch.

Cheers.