The Beach – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I walked along the beach, unsure if the day was going to get better or suddenly turn without warning. Not being fully prepared to get soaked (although I never am), yet intrigued by the beach I decided the only course of action was to get closer to the water. This move had proven fatal many times and I wasn’t at all confident that this time would be any different.
At The Dock – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I found my way back to the harbour where a container ship was at anchor. The day was bright and clear, the water was still and a nearby sign reflected off the water while the shadows of the dock lay in contrast. I looked at nothing much for a while before deciding to take my leave.
Autumn At Otago University– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I emerged at the University to find long shadows stretching across the courtyards, filling most of the spaces with a cool air that comes just before the onset of winter. The sun was still warm, yet the temperature in the shadows dropped sharply. I found a set of stone steps leading up to one of the lecture theatres, watched the autumn colours on a nearby tree and enjoyed the olden day charm that comes from being around buildings that were constructed in the 1880’s and have been lovingly maintained.
Harrington Point Military Complex – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
The next day I found myself wondering through a very different set of architectural features. I had ventured down the peninsula past the villages of Macandrew Bay, Broad Bay and Portobello through Ōtākou and on to Taiaroa Heads. Having carefully parked my car at Harrington Point, ensuring it was almost nearly out of the way of any traffic that might pass by, I spent a captivating afternoon wandering, tripping and scrambling through an abandoned military complex. It seems the complex which was constructed on Harrington Point in the 1890s was built amid panic and fear that the Russian Empire might invade, which of course, never happened.
Purakaunui Bay – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
The next morning I headed around the harbour. Following the main road that snakes its way along the shoreline from Dunedin to Port Chalmers. Then, heading over the hill that looks down to the harbour mouth I soon found myself enjoying the vista that looks out down to Purakaunui Bay. It really is the most tranquil and peaceful place to waste away the day in the sun. The hillside surrounding the inlet is filled with homes of all shapes and sizes. Some are old, some new but all are loved for the splendid surroundings they sit in.
Dunedin Exchange, Harbour & Town Belt – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’d been walking for some time. Having dodged scooters, bikes, skateboarders and runners in the afternoon sunshine, the wind was now picking up. It was the type of northwest wind that typically rockets down that Harbour and hits Portsmouth Drive at the end of the harbour with a great rate of knots. Before turning back to the car, I took in the view of the city from across the water.
Dunedin’s Salt Water Pool – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
This photo is a revisit back to the last day of summer, it seems a while ago now. Here in New Zealand and in particular the South Island, the Autumn temperatures are certainly taking hold. While the days have been fine, overnight temperatures are dropping to single figures with Dunedin Airport reaching -0.9° a few nights ago. Better make the most of the fine days while they last.
Wingatui Railway Station– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I spent a good portion of the day exploring walking tracks near the Taieri plains and on the way back I called in at Wingatui Railway Station or Wingatui Junction as it is otherwise known. These days it is pretty much unused as most railway stations are in New Zealand, however, it’s not hard to see how it would have been a busy place in its day. The original station was opened in Wingatui on 1 September 1875 with the present building constructed in 1914 and while it is still standing, the station closed on 13 August 1983.
Wingatui was once an important part of the Otago rail network as it was the starting point for the Otago Central Railway and for many years it was the station that provided service for nearby Wingatui racecourse.
Water of Leith– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
It had been ages since I had been to a fair and while they often come to town on long weekends, I always seem to miss them. I remember them as places of fun and surprise, where you didn’t expect much beyond wasting a few dollars on games where you win cheap prizes, eat food that isn’t good for you while enjoying the surprise of finding something that you never knew existed, yet having seen it, couldn’t live without.
So, when I saw the Dunedin Gypsy Fair advertised for the long Easter weekend, I found myself strangely curious to see what it was like and driving there, even a tad excited. I had even ensured I had cash to spend, a real novelty for me. I think what I was really looking forward to was wasting my money on a game that is impossible to win. After all, there’s nothing like a good swindle to remind you of the value of money!
The Dunedin Gypsy Fair was to run over three days over Easter and it seemed sensible to me to attend on the first day. So, at around midday, in glorious sunshine and without a breath of wind, I parked my car and happily strolled off towards the group of mobile homes that were parked in a circular formation in the distance.
Well, I was there for all of five minutes, three of which I wished I wasn’t and one looking for an exit. Within 1 minute my expectations had been dashed. I was too old for the bouncy castle, I wasn’t interested in a temporary tattoo or having my face painted and I could tell right away that I could live without everything on offer in the surrounding stalls. Alas, I resigned myself to the fact that I simply am not the target market for fairs anymore. So, I departed by way of manoeuvring between two campers and headed for a pile of leaves somewhere, or maybe even a stream with a nice little waterfall.
Ōtākou Marae Carving– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
Here’s a photo I took a few weeks ago while I was out and about on Otago Peninsula. One of the many carved posts that sit at the entrance to Ōtākou Marae.
Peninsula Road– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
What sums up driving in New Zealand more than the good old yellow and black winding road sign. It’s such the kiwi way, to link one narrow and winding road to another narrow and winding road with a steep, narrow and winding road.
Mount Cargill– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
The wonderful view from Mount Cargill across to the Otago Peninsula.
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Southern Coastline– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
Here’s a photo I took while walking the Karetai track on the Otago Peninsula. The clouds had just started rolling up the coast covering Blackhead and St Clair. Within an hour, half the city was below low cloud. It’s one of the joys of living on the coast, you get to see the changes in weather patterns.
Also, yesterday you might have noticed some changes happening with the layout here at … from a Small City, that’s because I was making preparations for a few changes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Summer In Dunedin – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
The Dunedin summer isn’t a fictitious phenomenon and here’s the evidence to prove it. Although like Hobbits, it can be fairly elusive.
Purple Toadflax – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
With a bit of time to spare I ventured off the path to get a different view. The day was crsip, clear and warm so pushing my way through the long grass was actually kinda fun. After a short time I stop to look around and found I was surrounded by what I later discovered was Purple Toadflax.
Dunedin’s St Kilda Beach Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
Here’s a photo from St Kilda beach that I really love. It’s got all the colours of a traditional summer palette. There’s blues and greens that are close to nature and contrasted with soft pinks and yellows. It’s cool and elegant in an understated way. So much much to love.
St Kilda Beach– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
Earlier in the week I mentioned colour palettes and how the traditional summer colours are cool. In summer, orange is a very hot, warm colour and it can also be very striking and distinctive. Here, the evening sky lights up bright orange as dusk approaches in dunners.
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Summer Boat– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
Here are those cool summer colours once again. I went exploring around the Otago Peninsula for signs of summer. The one theme I kept comin back to was boats. What says summer more than fine weather, the beach and a boat.
#lovindunners#fromasmallcity
Corner of Cumberland and Jetty Street– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
This was a quick city study one winter’s night here in Dunedin focusing on capturing the street lights and car lights on a chilly evening.
St Clair Light– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
On a still, clear evening with lights from the bars and restaurants taking over and a touch of colour in the sky, it’s hard not to like The Esplanade.
Larnach’s Castle– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
New Zealand’s only castle continues to remain one of Dunedin’s highest ranked tourist attractions. The extensive and expansive property holds a commanding position on the peninsula and as impressive as it is during the day, it is equally as spooky at night. Here are some facts to get you thinking:
Land was purchased in 1870 and construction started in 1871.
Originally the Castle was completed in 1874 with additions continuing until 1887.
It took more than 200 workmen over three years to build the outer shell of Larnach’s Castle.
It took master craftsmen from Europe 12 years to complete the interior of the castle.
Building materials for the Castle were shipped to Broad Bay and then transported up to the Castle. The Castle became known as ‘The Camp’ and the track heading up the hill from Broad Bay was known as ‘The Camp Track.’
Materials used to build the castle include marble from Italy, slate from Wales, glass from Venice and native wood from around New Zealand including kauri, rimu and honeysuckle.
When finished the Castle had 43 rooms and required a staff of 46 servants.
The Ballroom built in 1885 is 3,000 square foot.
It was used as a hospital for mental patients (an overflow of patients from Seacliff Lunatic Asylum) and shell-shocked soldiers when purchased in 1906.
The Baker family (current owners) have owned the Castle since 1962.
There have been numerous reports of ghosts over the years including an incident that took place in 1994 when Castle of Lies, a play on the Larnach family, premiered in the grand ballroom.
The original cost of construction was estimated as being between £100,000 – £150,000 which converted into today’s money is somewhere between $600 -$900 million.
#lovindunners#fromasmallcity
Tuatara Street Art– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I’ve recently been curating a few collections which has taken me across images from multiple years of work. Some of the images have recently been published, others have not. As I came across images I’d forgotten about, I decided they deserved a repost and some extra air time.
Nothing is more comfortable than sleeping in your own bed. After being away for a few nights, I awoke feeling refreshed. I’d survived my Walk In The Snow, my Walk In The Badlands and A Walk In The Bush. Now, I had the day free to myself. With no plans and not having to be relatively useful to anyone, I decided a walk in town would be just the ticket. Besides, there was a Colin McCahon Exhibition showing at the Art Gallery which I very much wanted to see. With the day still young, I headed for Dunedin’s Lower Stuart Street.
I was lucky to get there at all! At the very moment I was going to execute a textbook left turn into a street car park, some moron driving a Kia Sportage decided that this nanosecond would be a good time to have a brain explosion and forget how to drive! I showed my admiration at his lack of driving skills with a loud blast of the horn. This, he clearly appreciated as he cheerfully thanked me with a wave of one finger. Abandoning my car, I quickly tracked down the nearest coffee establishment.
I had heard the Cafe Morning Magpie had ridiculously good coffee and that they were a must for those that love a good cup of joe. This was clearly going to be the place I needed to start my day.
I instantly adored the place. It’s hard to not love a cafe that has upside down lampshades and ladders hanging from the ceiling, a deer’s head on the wall and kitchen staff that happily sing Daft Punk. I finished my coffee while taking in the art work of Josh Tyler Stent and Josh Kennedy on the walls before continuing up Lower Stuart Street.
With 20 minutes to kill before the Art Gallery opened, I decided to wander past the Street Art of Bath Street and Moray Place before taking in Historic First Church. I’ve visited Dunedin’s First Church many times. I think it’s the links to Dunedin’s founding Scottish settlers I enjoy the most. I explored and admired the Gothic architecture, the stained glass windows and the tapestry for a while. It was then that I discovered that the Heritage Centre was closed. Slightly disappointed, I wandered around the grounds, suddenly noticing that the Art Gallery would be open.
Taking one last look from the corner of the grounds, it’s hard to believe that the hill was lowered by nearly 12 metres with a pick and shovel to create a raised platform with cliff faces on three sides for the church to sit on. Whoever convinced the newly settled citizens of Dùn Èideann (Dunedin) that such manual labour was a necessity must have been a hell of a motivator. With that thought, I left as it was time for Colin McCahon.
#lovindunners#fromasmallcity
Wild Dunedin– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I can’t really explain why I went to Sandfly Bay, I think mainly because I hadn’t been there in a while and I felt like looking at Sea Lions. The thing is, we Dunedinites really don’t know how lucky we are with our wildlife. Seeing Seals and Sea Lions on Dunedin beaches is becoming as common as a political party leadership change, only with less surprise.
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Cenotaph In Autumn– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I spent a few more hours exploring the city looking for autumn colour. I walked through alleyways and side streets, looking for places I hadn’t visited recently. Every so often I would come across unexpected shadows created by light from strange angles. I then found myself overlooking what used to be part of Bell Hill before it was excavated with picks and shovels, sometime around the 1860’s. It was here that I found an autumn view of the Cenotaph in Queens Garden. The surrounding trees were a mixture of yellow and green in front of a blue sky. Another autumn surprise from a small city.
Corner of Duke and George Street– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
Wandering through a city in autumn is like constantly putting your hand into a lucky dip box. There are all sorts of surprises that pop up as the autumn leaves change. I wandered along George Street in the afternoon as the clouds changed overhead. Every so often I came across evidence of a recent student party or preparations for a new gathering about to begin. It was then that I came across pockets of colour that I couldn’t help but enjoy.
Chingford Park– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
After leaving Baldwin Street and a family recreating their own Jaffa Race, I headed to a place called Chingford Park. I was a tad wary of this due to the strange encounter I had last time I was there. A man had been walking his dog when he informed me (in a voice that was sharpish and bossy) that the plastic frisbees used for the frisbee golf course are destroying the trees . Also, the city council has secret hidden cameras all over the place!
This was the first time I had returned to the park since that enlightening encounter and fortunately all was quiet. I then proceed to spend my time wandering amongst the trees, enjoying the shifts of light in between the shadows with a nearby stream adding musical backdrop.
Upon leaving I thought to myself, ‘I wonder how long it would take to cut down a tree with a plastic frisbee?’ I then gave a friendly wave to no one and nothing in particular. After all, you never know who’s watching!
Baldwin Street – Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
How proud is Dunedin of Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales took the title for about ten months in 2020/2021 until sanity prevailed and the title was given back to Dunedin. I’m not altogether sure why I went to Baldwin Street. I think it was mostly to get a photo to add to my collection like the one posted today. To be honest, I wasn’t too adventurous with my photos as I captured the traditional slanted letter box and cabbage tree image that seems to feature heavily on social media. I did however grab a few other angles and shots that I would tuck away for a rainy day. Also, in case I ever met anyone from Ffordd Pen Llech I wanted to be able to say ‘told ya so!’
Purakanui Honesty Box– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
Having collected a range of photos from the Mapoutaphi Pa, Canoe and Purakanui beaches that I would work on over the next few months, I left the Bay behind to start my trip back to town. As I was leaving I happened upon a sight that warmed my heart. An honesty box.
Back when everyone was a lot more trusting of each other and carried cash, the honesty box was a staple of New Zealand life. You saw them everywhere and you could buy all sorts of things from them. All you needed was a little cash and a sense of right and wrong.
When I was young we used to stop at them and buy fresh fruit like apples, cherries and peaches. Closer to town you could buy vegetables and fresh farm eggs and the challenge was always to get everything home safely without it being broken, eaten or squashed.
So leaving Purakanui my heart leapt when I saw one. I hadn’t seen one in years and I was almost overcome with excitement. There were fresh eggs, carrots, onions, cabbages, cauliflower and courgettes, all home grown of course. Newly dug heritage spuds, beetroot, an assortment of books and freshly baked bread that made my stomach rumble. I considered all the options in front of me and was seriously tempted with the smell of the bread. My thoughts drifted off to a steak sandwich with mustard mayonnaise and spicy tomato relish which would accompany the bread wonderfully. The only drawback was that unfortunately I have long since joined the band of people who no longer carry cash and I didn’t all together trust myself that I would remember to pay later.
I decided it was best to leave the goodies for others and headed back to my car, happy in the knowledge that some traditions are still alive.
Canoe Beach– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I left the charm of Aramoana and headed back to Port Chambers before heading over the hill to a bay called Purakanui. A distance of only 28 kilometres, but it’s a splendid drive that gives you remarkable views of the whole northern coast of Dunedin. Before leaving Aramoana, for a moment I had considered walking up to Hayward Point, which is a cliff top walking track through farmland and regenerated forest. There are two starting points for the track to Heyward Point. One is at the end of Heyward Point Road and the other is from Aramoana. I had been at the Aramoana starting point but the uphill climb was one I couldn’t face, so I ended up deciding that it would be better suited for a day when I was a little more enthusiastic about hills! Besides, today was more of a car travelling day and I had promised myself I would play Bob Dylan’s 1976 Desire album at some point during the day and that seemed much more appealing.I also wanted to reach Canoe Beach and the Mapoutaphi Pa Site at Goat Island at Purakanui and I was already pushed for time.
Aramoana Beach– Buy or view the Ōtepoti | Dunedin gallery
I can’t remember ever seeing anyone upset while riding a horse. Whenever I see people riding horses they seem to be having the time of their life, unless you count jockeys who have just fallen off and they look in agonising pain. Which, to be fair, they probably are!
Since we are on the subject of horses, did you know that the Police Offences Act of 1928 made it an offence to allow a mare to be mated within sight of a public road, church, railway station or wharf? This was the same act that meant you weren’t able to beat a carpet or fly a kite if it annoyed others. It was also illegal to wear felt or slippers as a disguise at night.
However, the best part of the 1928 Police Offences Act is that they use the terms rogues, vagabonds and incorrigible. All words we should bring back into our daily vocabulary. Other words I would also add to this list include hootananny, hornswoggle cockalorum and tittynope.