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Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Dunedin named best peaceful getaway in Asia-Pacific
Forget places with hot and steamy climates. Dunedin has been named the best tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific for a peaceful getaway, despite struggling to reach double-digit temperatures at this time of year. Luggage storage network has analysed a raft of factors — population density, noise and light pollution, cleanliness, green spaces and park quality, spa and wellness facilities, and rental property reviews — in cities across the region, and found Dunedin city is number one, with a score of 6.60 out of 10. Close behind for peace and tranquillity were Pokhara, Nepal (6.55); Koh Samui, Thailand (6.5); Siem Reap, Cambodia (6.3); and Singapore and Wellington tied for 5th-equal on 6.26 out of 10. Also in the top 10 were Dubai, United Arab Emirates (6.11); Perth and Brisbane (6.01); and Melbourne (5.77). A spokeswoman said Dunedin took the top spot because its scores for noise and light pollution, and green spaces and parks quality were the best on the list, with 19.64 and 87.50, respectively. "The high quality of rental properties and their low population density also significantly contributed to Dunedin's first-place ranking. "Dunedin's combination of urban charm and natural beauty exuberates relaxation, with St Clair Beach one of many examples of golden sand and white-tipped waves. "There aren't many cities in the world where you can relax on beaches, explore iconic architecture, and meet penguins all in one day. "Blue Penguins Pukekura is one Dunedin's best options if you want to see some penguins." Otago Peninsula Trust eco-tourism manager Hoani Langsbury said it was fantastic recognition. "I'm not surprised by this, because when I've compared our data from people who have visited the city and the peninsula, against Queenstown and other inbound locations, we've actually performed a lot better than some of those other places. "So it's nice to be finally recognised. "And I'd like to think that us being the wildlife capital of New Zealand, and the Wild Dunedin Festival that we've run for 10 years, has something to do with that recognition." Enterprise Dunedin finance and operations manager Suzanne Jenkins said the recognition added "another string to the city's bow". "We couldn't be happier. "The city takes pride in maintaining a clean environment, providing high-quality green spaces and parks, and our investment in new LED lighting. "These initiatives not only enhance the quality of life for residents, but also make Dunedin an attractive destination for visitors." The spokeswoman said wellness tourism had boomed over the past decade and more than 800million international and domestic trips were estimated to have occurred in 2022. "By 2027, this figure is expected to double, with a projected 1.6billion wellness tourism trips expected to take place." She said a relaxing getaway — or "calm-cation" — meant different things to different people. "These stress-relieving trips aim to improve a person's mental and physical health, whether that's relaxing on the beach with a book or hiking a challenging trail for a breathtaking view. "Whatever way you choose to relax, a clean, laid-back city can dramatically improve your wellness calm-cation."
Otago Daily Times
23-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Well defended for centuries
From a hidden cavity, a deadly deterrent guarded against an enemy that never came. The Star reporter Sam Henderson heads underground to discover the secret defences that kept the colony safe. With commanding views out to the ocean, Fort Taiaroa was the first line of defence for seaborne threats to the European settlement of Dunedin. Situated above the Royal Albatross Centre, the historic site is now managed by the Otago Peninsula Trust. Eco-tourism manager Hoani Langsbury said it was the most significant pā site in Ngāi Tahu before European settlement. Māori long regarded the hilltop at the tip of the Otago Peninsula as a key defensive position. About 56km away on the horizon lay the pā site at Kātiki Point on the Moeraki Peninsula. The site also looks directly across to the pā at Huriawa Peninsula. "Which is Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki." Over the centuries many tried to take the position, yet the only route was a fight up from Pilot's Beach because cliffs guarded the other three sides. Strategically, the headland remained occupied until about 1840, when Māori shifted to the site where Ōtakou Marae now is. "They moved there in 1857 and then after that it was taken by the military in the 1880s for strategic and military purposes." During the 1870s and 1880s British and Russian tensions soared and a series of Russian scares gripped the country. The government ordered heavy artillery and ammunition from Britain and built a network of coastal defences. Fort Taiaroa ordered an Armstrong Disappearing Gun about 1885. WG Armstrong & Co manufactured the gun in 1886 at Elswick, United Kingdom. The gun, comprised of more than 13 tonnes of steel, was barged into Pilot's Beach then hauled up the hill on a temporary tramway. The gun was not ready for action until 1889. Tour guide and maintenance worker Zach Barford said once installed the entire assembly weighed about 18 tonnes. The gun employed a hydro-pneumatic system, using water pressurised to 1200 pound-force per square inch (psi) to lift the barrel into firing position. The barrel sprang up from underground to fire in roughly a second, the recoil immediately recharged the system. Estimates for the turnaround time was one round a minute. Mr Langsbury said thinking of golf helped understand why the disappearing gun was developed. After each shot the gun emitted a smoke plume that revealed its position and invited return fire. "If they fire and miss, if gun was up here and they hit here, shrapnel would destroy the gun. "If it is down in its pit, you can only destroy the gun with a hole-in-one." Thanks to significant restoration work by the Antique Arms Association and Otago Peninsula Trust, the disappearing gun was given the Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. It was only the sixth time it had been given outside the UK. Despite significant work to install and maintain it, the gun was never used in conflict. "It was fired by our records 486 times in practice only," Mr Barford said. "I guess the best summary is it is a precaution for what could be and then basically as a result the best outcome is if you never have to fire it in anger."
