I Love My Neighborhood: North Dunedin, New Zealand

Welcome to another edition of “I Love My Neighborhood”, where I ask expats from across the globe to share the joys of local life they’ve found in their corner of the world.

If you’re just joining in now, check out the other cities that have been covered so far here.

Today’s guest post comes from Sara, an American in New Zealand. I’ve always been drawn to New Zealand, and at one point even thought about moving there — a plan that got sidetracked by a few complications, not least of which was a job offer in Paris. However, Sara’s post about her neighborhood offers a great look into this beautiful country, and is sure to ignite some wanderlust. I really should start planning a visit…or even a move. (one word: penguins.)

Why I Love North Dunedin

Ten years ago, I got my first glimpse of New Zealand as a high school student on a short three-week exchange. Never did I imagine that I’d be back to live in New Zealand for three years to pursue a PhD at the University of Otago’s Dunedin campus.

Dunedin sits on the east coast of New Zealand’s south island. This place is paradise! The city is nestled among hills that offer scenic views of the Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula (home to a famous albatross colony and very cute penguins). Nearly 21,000 students are enrolled at the University of Otago — New Zealand’s oldest university. My neighborhood is located in the northern section of Dunedin, close to campus. It’s generally a bustling hot spot for the younger crowd since many students flat in the area.

I’ve been spending my free time walking and running around my neighborhood to get acquainted with my new home away from home. Fortunately, there’s a lot to see in close proximity.

Ross Creek Reservoir

Just up the road is Ross Creek Reservoir. Local runners and dog walkers enjoy the quiet trails. I enjoy the waterfall. Although it looks natural, it was actually created when Ross Creek was diverted to create the reservoir. The waterfall is an unexpected break from dense forest along a small stream. I like it just as much for it being a lovely surprise as I do for it being something pretty to photograph.

The Botanic Garden

A little closer to where I live is the Dunedin Botanic Garden.  Luckily, it’s not only 28 hectares of pristine formal gardens, but also a convenient shortcut to the grocery store. Just imagine walking through the rose garden in the summer on the way to pick up milk, eggs and bread! The Garden is also a nice spot to explore narrow windy paths — perfect for running with no other purpose than to discover new nooks and crannies with different plant species.

The Clocktower

The University has it’s own impressive sites to see. Most noteworthy is the Scottish-influenced Clocktower Building that sits above the Water of Leith at the heart of campus. I love the feeling that I get when I walk past — being one of over a century’s worth of scholars to walk these grounds. It feels…enlightening. I get a kick out of how the sense of higher learning from the architecture clashes with today’s modern students zipping past on skateboards, sporting the latest fashion trends and even a few self-made, completely authentic fashion styles of their own.

The Harbour

The Otago Harbour is arguably the best part of living in this area. There are days where the site of the water and the Otago Peninsula in the background stop me in my tracks and I say to myself, “How did I get so lucky to live here?” From up in the hills, I get as much of a sense of awe as I do when I’m running along the perimeter of the harbor. And, the view is never the same. New Zealand weather is constantly changing which means the clouds and fog can roll in unexpectedly to change the landscape.

The People

While the things to see here make it a special place to live, Dunedin, and all of New Zealand that I’ve visited, wouldn’t be the same without the people. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of their casual approach to life. Blue jeans, morning/afternoon tea and friendly chats are the norm.

New Zealand is more than just a setting for Lord of the Rings. I encourage anyone to visit Aotearoa, the Mãori name for New Zealand, meaning “The land of the long white cloud.” Just bring a windproof/waterproof warm jacket because that cloud eventually means cold and/or rain!

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About the author: Sara is a PhD student in Human Nutrition and Preventive & Social Medicine studying behaviors associated with weight gain prevention.  She’s originally from Binghamton, New York. You can read more about her on her blog or on facebook.

All photos courtesy of the author.