Blessed with breathtaking natural surroundings and a tranquil countryside setting that is the envy of the world, Dunedin is no ordinary holiday hamlet in New Zealand’s South Island. Originally dubbed Owheo by its early Maori populace the town which resembles Scotland’s capital Edinburgh in appearance also bears the Gaelic name of its European counterpart which reads as Dùn Èideann in Scotland’s native tongue. Frequented by nature lovers from around the world New Zealand’s own incarnation of Edinburgh is also renowned for an iconic stream that also bears the same name as the famed stream in Scotland. Dubbed Water of Leith this breathtaking body of water which reminds visitors of its namesake Scottish river is a mesmerising attraction in its own right.
Beginning its meandering journey at Leith Saddle the River Leith as it’s also known travels an impressive 14km before finally reaching the sea at Otago Harbour. Situated at a an altitude of 380m above sea level Leith Saddle from which the Water of Leith originates is located near the Dunedin Northern Motorway. Beginning its decent from Leith Saddle the River Leith then flows across Sullivan’s Dam and Ross Creek Reservoir making a sizable contribution to much of the town’s drinking water supply before heading southwest to the densely wooded area of Leith Valley. From there onwards the river continues its run across Glenleith City before reaching the more urbanised areas of Dunedin.
One of the most stunning locations from which to observe the Water of Leith is of course the portion of the river that flows through Woodhaugh Gardens. Popular as one of the city’s most beautiful parklands guests can admire the beauty of the river which heads southwest surrounded by floodplains and fringed by narrow hills.
On the final leg of its run towards ocean waters the river then heads south and flows across the centre of the University of Otago before passing the Otago Polytechnic as well as the Dunedin College of Education. It finally reaches Otago Harbour occupying the southern fringes of Logan Park after passing the Forsyth Barr Stadium which also affords engaging views of the river.
Travellers in search of luxury Dunedin hotels should look no further than Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for all their accommodation needs. With a host of elegant New Zealand hotels under its belt this reputed name in hospitality pulls out all the stops when it comes to vacationing in style.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
