Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.dunedin.art.mus
eum; 30 The Octagon; 10am-5pm; )
Explore NZ's art scene
at this expansive and airy gallery. Only a fraction of the collection is displayed at any
given time, with most of the space given over to often-edgy temporary shows.
Speight's Brewery
BREWERY
( 03-477 7697;
www.speights.co.nz
; 200 Rattray St; adult/child $25/10; noon, 2pm, 4pm &
6pm Jun-Sep, plus 5pm & 7pm Oct-May)
Speight's has been churning out beer on this site
since the late 1800s. The 90-minute tour offers samples of six different brews, and
there's an option to combine a tour with a meal at the neighbouring Ale House (lunch/
dinner $55/61).
Olveston
HOUSE
( 03-477 3320;
www.olveston.co.nz
; 42 Royal Tce; adult/child $19/9.50; tours 9.45am,
10.45am, noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm & 4pm)
Although it's a youngster by European standards,
this spectacular 1906 mansion provides a wonderful window into Dunedin's past. Until
1966 it was the family home of the wealthy Theomin family, notable patrons of the arts
who were heavily involved with endowing the Public Art Gallery.
This artistic bent is evident in Olveston's grand interiors, which include works by
Charles Goldie and Frances Hodgkins (a family friend). A particular passion was Japan-
ese art, and the home is liberallly peppered with exquisite examples. The family was
Jewish, and the grand dining table is set up as if for Shabbat dinner.
Entry is via fascinating guided tours; it pays to book ahead. There's also a pretty little
garden to explore.
Otago Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.otagomuseum.govt.nz
;
419 Great King St; admission by donation; 10am-5pm)
The
centrepiece of this august institution is
Southern Land, Southern People,
showcasing
Otago's cultural and physical past and present, from geology and dinosaurs to the mod-
ern day. The
Tangata Whenua
Maori gallery houses an impressive
waka taua
(war ca-
noe), wonderfully worn old carvings, and some lovely
pounamu
(greenstone) weapons,
tools and jewellery.
Other major galleries include
Pacific Cultures, People of the World
(including the re-
quisite mummy),
Nature, Maritime
and the
Animal Attic
. The hands-on
Discovery World
