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Introduction The Maori Golden Days
Lifestyle Activities Ecotourism
Sporting Heritage Social History
Tours Climate Main Industries
Education Tourism Health
Agriculture Engineering Japan Related


Introduction

A University City of Scottish heritage, Dunedin possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world famous wildlife reserves. Situated on the southeastern coast of New Zealand 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.Top / Dunedin Top


The Maori People
The Maori explorers began arriving in the bays to the north and south of Dunedin from about 1100 AD. They fished the rich coastal waters and travelled inland in pursuit of the giant flightless moas as well as duck and freshwater fish. These people also initiated trade with Northerners in the precious greenstone or pounamu. The oldest known tribe was the Waitaha. By the time the Scottish settlers arrived in Otepoti in 1848, they found the site of modern day Dunedin rich in Maori history. The rough, tough and enterprising whalers added an element of diversity and intermarried with local Otakou Maori from the1820s. Race relations in the area were thereby shaped before Captain Cargill and the Reverend Thomas Burns arrived to establish a Free Church settlement. This cultural mix of Maori, whaler and Presbyterian Scot gave Dunedin a character all of its own.Top / Dunedin Top


The Golden Days

In 1861 gold was discovered about 120 kilometers inland, in Central Otago, and the small settlement of Dunedin became the centre for the nation's wealth. Soaring cathedral spires, a magnificent Flemish style railway station, fine banks and office blocks, a nineteenth century castle, old university buildings and a neo-gothic convent are among the city's architectural treasures. The Scottish influence bequeathed fine churches like First Church and Knox, but also contributed much more to the developing city... including a passionate enthusiasm for education. The wealth generated by the nearby gold fields was instrumental in establishing Otago Boys High School, the University of Otago (the first in New Zealand) and Otago Girls High School. Dunedin's art gallery and museums contain some of the best collections in New Zealand.Top / Dunedin Top


Lifestyle
There's always a warm welcome for you in Dunedin and an opportunity to experience a quality of life that really is unique. Perhaps this is due to the 'greenness' which virtually surrounds Dunedin. Queens Drive, which winds its way just above the commercial district, is a lovely area for a leisurely stroll or drive. Whatever you want to do here, you'll find that there is a sense of peace about the whole city.top / Dunedin Top


Climate

There is no rainy season with rainfall spread evenly through out the year. There are occasional frosts during the winter months and snow is rare. Temperatures may reach above 30 degrees in summer.Top / Dunedin Top


Month
Average Maximum (Degrees)
Average Minimum (Degrees)
January
19.9
11.7
February
20.5
16.0
March
17.6
14.4
April
16.7
8.6
May
12.4
5.6
June
9.1
3.9
July
9.3
2.4
August
12.7
4.3
September
11.2
4.8
October
13.2
6.3
November
16.7
8.1
December
17.5
10.1
Top / Dunedin Top


Activities


Ecotourism/ Natural History

Easy access to superb viewing of Royal Albatross, Yellow Eyed Penguins, NZ fur seals, a variety of marine animals and more sheep than you can shake a stick at. There are also over 150 walking tracks in the Dunedin environs and a wide range of breathtaking scenery within minutes of the City, ranging from pristine beaches to rolling green fields, dense native forests to stark subalpine vistas. World famous for the quality of its rhododendrons, the city is a blaze of colour during springtime... especially highlighted during Rhododendron Week towards the end of October each year.Top / Dunedin Top


Sporting

Surfing is a popular pastime at Dunedin beaches. St Clair is among the best surfing locations in New Zealand and is within minutes of the commercial centre. The Olympic-size Moana Pool is well utilised by the locals, as are the impressive golf courses. The Otago Peninsula and Harbour offer everything from wind surfing, salmon fishing, yachting, bird-watching, walking... the list goes on and on.Top / Dunedin Top


Heritage

Larnach Castle, Olveston, University Of Otago, Dunedin Railway Station, Municipal Chambers, St Pauls Cathedral, First Church and many other classified historic buildings give the city a stately appearance and a very European feel.Top / Dunedin Top


Social History

Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Otago Museum, Otago Early Settlers Museum, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Glenfalloch, Otakou Marae.Top / Dunedin Top


Tours

Historic rail journey, harbour cruises, bus tours, specialised mini bus tours, scenic air charters.Top / Dunedin Top


Main Industries

Education

Education is the biggest industry in the city, employing over 5000 people. The Internationally renown University of Otago employs a majority of these people and directly contributes approximately $300 million per year to the local economy. Additionally, most of the 20 000 students in the city come from outside the region and also contribute directly to the economy.Top / Dunedin Top


Tourism

Tourism is another major sector in the city. It accounts for $135 million dollars p.a of the Gross Metropolitan Product of $1.4 billion p.a.Top / Dunedin Top


Health

The health industry in Dunedin is also very strong, accounting for over 3000 jobs and providing much of the national research capacity in conjunction with the University's Medical School.Top / Dunedin Top


Agriculture

Farming and Agriculture are traditional industries for the region and still contribute $135 million to the economy. This industry is supported by the Invermay research facility which specialises in agricultural research. In the future we expect substantial growth from the forestry and timber processing sector and the multimedia/information technology industry in line with our inherent strengths in these areas.Top / Dunedin Top


Engineering

Engineering is particularly strong in the "fabricated metals" area, supplying over 2000 jobs.Top / Dunedin Top


Japan Related

Lion Breweries (owned by Japanese company Kirin) run the highly successful "Speight's" brewery in Dunedin. Japanese owned Anzco Foods Ltd operate a meat processing factory in Dunedin. A number of Dunedin companies have long established trading relationships with Japan.Top / Dunedin Top








About Otaru Introduction History
Climate Activities Art and Culture
Sporting Heritage Social History
Education Industries Tourism
Commerce Agriculture International Tourism
Fisheries Otaru Port Tourist Information


About Otaru

Otaru city lies in the Ishikari Bay of the Sea of Japan. It developed as a modern town in the late 19th century. Provided with a good natural harbour, it is now the second most important Japanese seaport after Hakodate. Formerly called Otarunai (meaning "river of sands" in Ainu) the city was renamed to Otaru (meaning "small barrel" in Japanese) last century. The city's canal zone boomed in the Meiji period (late 1860's to 1920s), when Otaru was the only major port on the Sea of Japan. The canal is still the symbol of Otaru. Old brick and stone warehouses, used today as the Otaru City Museum, line both its banks. From the late Meiji to the early Showa period (late 1920s), the city boomed as a commercial centre. Today its port and, increasingly, tourism, uphold Otaru's importance in the Japanese economy. Top / Otaru Top


Introduction

Otaru is a city situated on the beautiful West Coast of Hokkaido Japan. It is a city favored with a harbor and many other natural assets. Otaru City is well known for its beautiful and historic buildings. Otaru canal and the many interesting glass shops in the area, provide an ideal place for a stroll or romantic outing. Many tourists visit Otaru City every year and tourism is a major source of income for the city. Otaru has a population of 155,460 and is located 30 minutes by express train from Sapporo the prefecture's capital. Otaru has a varied climate with snow falling in the winter months and a warm beautiful summer. The city has developed as a commercial port. Top / Otaru Top


History

Otaru City has developed as a port city playing an important role in Hokkaido's history in the areas of commerce, industry, finance and transportation. In 1995 our city celebrated its 130th anniversary. For many year the coastal area near Otaru was abundant with herring, Industry flourished providing a basis for the local economy. The old herring factories and related buildings are now popular tourist destinations. However, during these 130 years our predecessors have established a valuable historical and cultural heritage. Otaru is a city in where the historical area of the port and the natural beauty of the sea exist in harmony, giving the city a unique atmosphere. Top / Otaru Top


Climate

The oceanic climate is comfortable all year round; it is possible to make the most of Otaru's natural environment. Nearby mountains offer hiking in the spring and skiing in the winter. Viewing the colorful autumn leaves is a popular autumn pastime. People enjoy swimming in the Ocean during the summer. Top / Otaru Top


Year
Rainfall(Degrees)
Hours of Sunshine
Earthquakes(Significant)
1995
1422.5
1471.9
16
1996
1369.5
14741.1
5


Month
Average(Degrees)
Maximum (Degrees)
Minimum (Degrees)
January
-3.6
6.5
-13.1
February
-3.0
9.5
-13.9
March
0.4
9.4
-8.6
April
5.2
19.9
-1.2
May
9.9
28.9
2.0
June
14.9
28.3
5.7
July
19.4
29.9
11.4
August
20.4
29.2
12.3
September
17.7
26.0
8.7
October
11.1
21.7
0.3
November
3.7
15.8
-5.0
December
-1.2
7.0
-9.6
Top / Otaru Top


Activities

Youth, Education & Cultural programs

The city has education programs that promote independence and personal skills in the youth of Otaru. The city actively supports youth groups and seeks to foster leadership qualities in its young men and women.Top / Otaru Top


Art and Culture

Otaru is known as an artistic town. Impressive works of art have been produced by many writers and artists who were born in or visited the city. Their influence can still be felt due to the many museums and galleries in the city. Top / Otaru Top


Sports and Recreation

The city promotes sport activities among those of all ages, regardless of ability. Sports activities are pursued all year round, with a special program for each season. Otaru City seeks to develop its sporting facilities and provide the best possible recreational environment for all its citizens. Top / Otaru Top


Heritage Locations

The Herring Mansion and museum, the Aoyama Family House, the Temiya Engraving Cave, The Transportation Museums. Top / Otaru Top


Social History

The St.Petersburg Museum, Otaru Musicbox Hall, Kita Ichi Glass, Otaru City Museum. Top / Otaru Top


Tourist Information in Otaru

Many tours are available throughout the city. Tour information can be obtained at tourist information centers or at arrival at the main station. There are three-tourist information centers in Otaru. Guidebooks and maps in English and Russian are available there. Internet resources for tourists are currently under development. Top / Otaru Top


Main Industries

Agriculture

Owing to the mountainous nature of its surroundings, Otaru has few rice paddies, and mainly produces fruit and vegetables. Top / Otaru Top


Fishery

Until the 1950s the Japan Sea brought abundant seasonal herring to the region. In recent years aquaculture has become increasingly vital to the industry. The industry seeks to develop its fishing resource through maintaining the local marine ecosystem. Top / Otaru Top


Port

The Port of Otaru has played an important role in the development of Hokkaido. Currently, the port has three Ferry routes to Maizuru, Nigata and Tsuruga in Honshu. In 1997 25,330,000 tons of cargo went through the Port as well as hosting the US Naval Aircraft Carrier 'Independence'. Top / Otaru Top


Industry and Business Development

Otaru seeks to improve its industrial infrastructure and encourage local business to become more international, to modernize and to keep pace with global developments. To that end, the city is promoting new roles for industry, education and the public sector. Otaru is also developing transportation access and information networks. Top / Otaru Top


Commerce

The city is encouraging retail businesses to develop unique characteristics that are representative of the city and add further to the central city atmosphere. The revitalization of traditional markets is thought essential for future expansion. Top / Otaru Top


Tourism

Otaru is well known for its historical canal, heritage architecture and delicious seafood. Otaru also has a very challenging ski-field popular among skiers from both Otaru and Sapporo during the winter. Given these factors there is no surprise that the tourism trade in Otaru is booming. In 1997 over 6 million tourists visited Otaru City. Top / Otaru Top


International Tourism

Tourists from all over the world are welcomed in Otaru City. However, the majority of tourists are from Russia. Each year, Otaru City hosts approximately 30,000 Russian tourists, with the number increasing every year. The average stay of a Russian tourist is three to four days, each person spends on average 550,000 yen (approx. NZ$8000). Consequently shops catering for the needs of Russian tourists have sprung up in Otaru, there are now eight Duty free shops in Otaru. The tourist business is one of Otaru's major sources of income. The local post office exchanges more foreign currency than any other retail currency exchange in Japan. Top / Otaru Top




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