Macs Valley Info, Otago

A university city of Scottish heritage, Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city, possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Dunedin has a population of around 120,000 and is the main centre of Otago, a region recognised for its spectacular scenery. The sheer physical beauty of Dunedin, dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of a long natural harbour, attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago.

Down under in the South Pacific's scenic New Zealand, the Otago Peninsula frames Dunedin's harbour, providing a spectacular setting for unique and natural features. The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head, on the tip of the Peninsula, is the only mainland breeding colony of albatross in the world.

Owaka is a small town in Otago, in the southern South Island of New Zealand.

AN ATOLL with a land area of one square mile (2.6 sq km), Palmerston lies some 310 miles (500 km) north-west of Rarotonga. It is the only true atoll in the southern Cooks group. It consists of six sandy motu (islets) scattered around a coral reef covering 3,600 acres (1457 hectares) and surrounding a lagoon about seven miles (11 km) across.

Taiaroa Head is a headland at the end of the Otago Peninsula, lying within the city limits of Dunedin on New Zealand's South Island. The nearest settlement, Otakou, lies three kilometres to the south. Taiaroa Head is a nature lovers paradise.

The Catlins is a rugged, sparsely populated area of beautiful scenic coastlines and dense temperate rainforest, both of which harbour many endangered species of birds. Its exposed location leads to its frequently wild weather and heavy ocean swells, which are an attraction to big-wave surfers.