What's New in Dunedin - October 2020 Eat and drink

What’s New in Dunedin
 October 2020

Eat and drink
Kind Company
Stunning plant-based food and botanical cocktails with a kick - what a combo. The
awesome team from the Kind Grocer have opened a bright new, airy café featuring
a menu of delicious and indulgent vegan and vegetarian dishes that are all crowd-
pleasers. By night the space transforms into a bar, serving botanical cocktails that are
as beautiful to look at as they are to drink.
www.facebook.com/kindcomapnynz

Ramen Takeichi
International franchise Tokyo Ramen Takeichi has opened its doors and is now serving
up its signature steaming hot bowls of Japanese ramen in Dunedin. The local response
has been emphatic – it keeps booking out. The trendy ramen-ya is the first Takeichi
store in New Zealand and the lines of eager Japanophiles are queuing for their daily
dose.
https://www.facebook.com/dunedinramen/

Patti’s and Cream Scoop Shop
The very excellent Patti’s and Cream food truck folks have made a permanent home
for their cult-status hand-made ice cream in the thriving suburb of Mornington. Swing
by for a mega-scoop of their regular and seasonal flavours, including tasty temptations
such as beer and nuts, pear and blue cheese and London fog. The chilled-out food truck
is still appearing at its usual spots around the city to serve ice-cream and delicious
burgers.
www.pattisandcream.co

No 8 Distillery
Bohemian Dunedin bar and music venue, Dog with Two Tails have launched the No.8
Distillery, which produces a line of delicious craft gins and other spirits made on
premises. Pick your blend from the ever-growing selection which currently includes No.
8 Dunners Dry Gin, No. 8 Hibiscus gin, and the No. 8 Horopito gin, which is smooth
and slightly spicy. The boutique distillery currently offers tastings and will soon offer
bottle refills to take home.
www.no8distillery.com

Jooni’s Crepes
Hot off the pancake press, Jooni’s Crepes opened on George Street in late September,
serving up decadent stuffed crepes in handy paper cones. Chow down on Oreo
explosion, caramel crunch, Jooni’s special and more. It’s often a sold-out crepe
stampede.
www.facebook.com/jooniscrepes

The Dish
A groovy new Mexican-inspired eatery and bar on the ground floor of Dunedin’s
vibrant shared working space, Petridish. The breakfast burritos are the stuff of legends
and the tasty menu selection has aficionados clamouring for more.
www.petridish.co.nz/spaces/the-dish

Mela Eatery
Opening just prior to lockdown, Mela is a cosy little eatery serving Indo Nepalese
and Tibetan street food that has quickly gained a loyal following in Dunedin. Be
transported to the Himalayas with the delicious momos, chaat and other tasty
delicacies.
www.melaeatery.co.nz

Al Sultan
A new authentic Middle Eastern restaurant, Al Sultan has opened its doors in Dunedin
serving an enticing selection of grilled dishes, shawarma and other regional classics
such as khabsa, all in generous portions. Traditional shisha pipes are also available.
www.facebook.com/AlsultanDunedin

Island Fresh
A little slice of the Pacific Islands has arrived in South Dunedin. Island Fresh sells all manner of foodstuffs, clothing and other
accessories to recreate your favourite regional dish or deck out your home island-style.
www.facebook.com/Island-Fresh-Dunedin-108563800949369

Burger Plant
This entirely plant-based burger joint opened its doors in early February and already
has legions of loyal customers. The mouth-watering menu doesn’t skimp on flavour,
with tasty tempters such as the Mexi Burger and Big Boi delivering attitude in pure
plant form and equally enticing sides dishes to match.
www.burgerplantnz.com

Beam Me Up Bagels Central
The Dunedin masters of all things bagel have opened a larger central city location. The
legendary Beam Me Up Bagels have achieved an almost cult-like following for their
amazing selection of fillings and flavours, and now that joy is being spread even further
with a spacious new eatery on Great King Street.
www.beammeupbagels.co.nz

Attractions and shopping
Insiders Dunedin
Discover a Dunedin you won’t find in the guide books. with its small business startups
and larger-than-life characters, Dunedin is a city that’s constantly evolving with new
tastes and experiences. The Insiders Dunedin platform is the place to share and explore
the city’s untold tales.
www.insidersdunedin.co.nz

Hereweka Garden and Retreat
Not new, but little known. An oasis of tranquillity on the Otago Peninsula, Hereweka
Garden Retreat is both an eco-lodge and a garden of regional significance. Stop by
and wander the walking tracks through lush native forest and beautifully planted
‘Gondwana Garden’ in this secret Shangri-la, which features one of the last remaining
stands of native rimu on the Peninsula.
www.hereweka.co.nz

Ocean Beach Railway
The much-loved Ocean Beach Railway is back after a four-year hiatus. Departing from
Dunedin’s iconic ‘Dinosaur’ (Marlow) Park, the steam and electric locomotives take
passengers on a short but sweet jaunt along the beachside track, which has been in use
since it’s launch as New Zealand’s first heritage railway in 1963.

Geotourism NZ tours
Dunedin and wider Otago are full of fascinating geological formations. A new
specialised tour company, Geotourism NZ, will unlock the story of the regions history
by examining the many and varied landscapes we inhabit. From the volcanic rock
layers beneath Dunedin’s hills to the sea arches and basalt columns found throughout
the area.

Walls Plant Land maze – coming soon
A one-stop family entertainment destination in Mosgiel, Wal’s Plant Land is an easy
place to spend an entire day between the mini-golf, mini-train (on Sundays), real fruit
ice-creams, cafe and nursery. An exciting new attraction is soon set to open - a hedge
maze modelled off the famed example at Leeds Castle, UK.
www.walsplantland.co.nz

Otago Peninsula shared pathway extended
Cyclists and walkers are flocking to the new $26 million section of the Otago Peninsula
shared pathway that formally opened in early October, following completion of a 4.4 km
stretch between Vauxhall and Macandrew Bay. It’s the second section in the Peninsula
Connection project to open, the first being between Portobello and Broad Bay villages.
The path allows for safe cycling all the way to the city and back. Work has already
begun on the next section from Broad Bay to Company Bay.
www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/news/september-2020/peninsula-connection-
section-two-completed

Otago Blue Apothecary botanical hand sanitizer
With hand sanitiser being a necessity in 2020, our hands have suffered from the
excessive use of strong products. Enter Otago Blue Apothecary, the sustainably
sourced botanical hand and surface sanitizer that’s kinder to skin and the planet.
Bolstered with essential oils and distilled from sugar cane alcohol, this made-in-
Dunedin gem is heading to a shelf near you soon.
www.otagobluehandsanitizer.co.nz

Emerson’s endangered series beers
What could be better than beer with philanthropic benefits? Legendary Dunedin craft
brewers, Emerson’s are giving back to the city’s unique wildlife by donating the profits
of it’s endangered series brews to local wildlife charities. The latest in the limited-
edition range (no.2 of 3) is the Green-Eyed Penguin, a hoppy west coast IPA inspired
by the love of Hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) The story goes like this: recently, three
patients at The Wildlife Hospital formed something of a love triangle. They shouted
sweet nothings in each other’s ears, all day, every day. The clamouring for attention of
one female, caused the two boys to become rather green-eyed. While their injuries were
successfully treated, the hospital doesn’t perform broken heart surgery.
www.emersons.co.nz/shop/product/green-eyed-penguin

GUILD goes online
Continuing its not-for-profit promotion and sale of amazing local Dunedin designer
goods, GUILD has launched an online store complementing its classy city centre base.
Boasting fine jewellery, bold fashion, homewares, furniture, art and more, the site and
store will also have exclusive one-off designs added daily.
http://www.guilddunedin.co.nz

Stay
Coming soon – Ebb Hotel
A striking new 27-room property, Ebb Dunedin is hoping to become New Zealand’s
first modernist boutique hotel when it opens in early 2021. A striking glass façade
covered in a semi-transparent artwork by nationally acclaimed Dunedin artist, Simon
Kaan, is already in place. The overall design, materials and colour schemes are inspired
by Dunedin’s Scottish and Maori heritage. Its spacious rooms are spread out over
four floors and will include a two-bedroom penthouse suite and each floor will boast a
private guest lounge. The ground floor entrance will lead into an airy, art-filled atrium
that will house a café and bar surrounded by lush greenery. The hotel is being overseen
by Dunedin-based Property Investment Group, CL Hotels, in collaboration with
architect Gary Todd and Sydney-based Indyk Architects.
www.facebook.com/ebbdunedin

What’s On
After Dark – the Superstition Edition
13 November
The Otago Museum’s popular After Dark series is a seriously cool event for grown-ups
and a chance to party in one of Dunedin’s coolest settings. The Friday 13th Superstition
Edition promises live interactions in an enchanted forest, devil’s potions, and cult
cuisines. Think fortune-telling, interactive food experiences curated by the Otago
Polytechnic’s Food Design and Culinary Arts students, karaoke under the planetarium
stars, exploring the Animal Attic with its Victorian taxidermy by torchlight and
dancing to the DJ-spun tunes.
otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/friday-the-13th-superstition-edition

Food truck market
14 November
A new monthly food truck market has popped up in central Dunedin, just in time for
the warmer months. The next market kicks off on 14 November between 3-7pm in the
picturesque grounds of First Church with around eight food trucks as well as music
and other entertainment adding to vibe. Bring your picnic rug, reusable cups and an
appetite.

Dinosaur rEvolution
From 26 September – 8 February 2021
Get up close to giant animatronic dinosaurs, skulls, skeletons and fossil casts at this
exciting new international exhibition at the Otago Museum. Opening in the second
week of the spring school holidays, there will be a whole host of extra activities in and
around the museum for families to engage with, including communal art projects,
planetarium shows, a dino disco and fossil finding.
www.otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/dinosaur-revolution

Christmas Artisan Market
29 November
The inaugural Christmas Artisan Market will be held at the Edgar Centre on Sunday 29 November from 9am to 4pm. Expect
a wide variety of crafts, giftware, art and Christmas trinkets from across Otago, the perfect way to support local and nail your
Christmas shopping all in one go.
www.facebook.com/events/445818642978023

Anthonie Tonnon – Rail Land 2020
22 December
A return visit from smooth, yet edgy performance artist, musician and former Dunedin son, Anthonie Tonnon, with a new take
on his impressively nostalgic celebration of public transport – Rail Land. The event begins and ends with a trip either by heritage
bus or Port-to-Port ferry from central Dunedin to Portobello village’s Coronation Hall on Otago Peninsula. Then you’re treated to
a magical, funky performance of Anthonie’s songs. He’s reknowned for his stunning showmanship and talent. Find out why.
https://www.anthonietonnon.com/tickets

City news
World-class video game development courses coming to
Dunedin
The New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) has joined forces with Swedish-
based FutureGames and the Otago Polytechnic, to develop new, world-class vocational
training to supply talent for Dunedin’s burgeoning video games industry. The partnership
is the latest milestone for CODE, a Dunedin-based national hub that is working towards the
development of a $1 billion NZ video game industry over the next ten years.
www.dunedinnz.com/CODE

JobDUN internship programme kicks off for another year
The annual tertiary student internship programme JobDUN has started for another year,
matching Dunedin students with local businesses for paid summer roles. The highly
successful programme has now been running for 10 years and has resulting in numerous
fulltime job placements following internships, bringing fresh skills and thinking to
Dunedin’s diverse and innovative businesses.
www.jobdun.co.nz

International student summer programme
The Dunedin Summer Programme is for international high school students living in New
Zealand who would like to experience Dunedin and wider Otago through a fun programme
of planned activities and learning opportunities over the traditional holiday period. Choose
from a two-week, four-week or six-week programme with homestay and residential college
accommodation options provided. Students will have a chance to improve their English
and explore the unique attractions of this beautiful part of New Zealand. A tertiary student
programme is also currently in planning.
www.dunedinnz.com/study/summer-programme

Stand-out or startup stories
K9 medical detection programme
Pauline Bloomfield is a dog trainer with a big idea. With cancer becoming such a huge health concern across New Zealand and
a lack of early detection failing patients, she set up New Zealand’s first and only canine medical detection training programme.
Now partnered with the University of Otago, the training programme trial is one-year in with the current team of five dogs
working on detection of bowel and prostate cancer so far and plans are underway for ovarian cancer detection next. The
programme also seeks foster carers for its very special pups.
https://www.k9md.org.nz/

Before We Leave game launched
Emerging Dunedin business, Balancing Monkey Games, has officially launched its new game – Before We Leave – a compelling
city building experience where you can rediscover and rebuild civilization, create a multi-planet resource network, overcome
ancient challenges and fend off hungry space whales. It’s now available to buy on Epic Games.
https://www.balancingmonkeygames.com

Winely
Hardware automation technology, helping to easily understand the wine fermentation process. Realtime data to ensure the right
action and the right time.
A New Zealand tech company is set to disrupt the wine industry globally. Winely, a startup working out of Otago and
Marlborough is the world’s first precision wine technology company. Winely launched in 2018 has made tracks locally and in
Australia providing technology to help winemakers track their wine ferments using smart sensors. Winely has interest from
wineries across New Zealand, Barossa, South Australia and California.
https://www.winely.co.nz/

Kaffelogic
Chris Hilder has achieved the impossible and got a computer to make an excellent cup of coffee. Hilder, a Dunedin software
engineer, began experimenting with an air popcorn maker, similar to an air coffee roaster but without the right air flow, heat, and
temperature control. Some components such as electronics and motors are imported, some parts are custom-made in Dunedin,
and the product is assembled in Christchurch.
https://kaffelogic.com/index.php/home/why

Education Perfect
Twelve years ago, two brothers left Otago University in Dunedin, and had a vision to create an online learning tool to
revolutionise learning outcomes and teacher productivity around the world. From that bold vision, Education Perfect was born.
With 94% of NZ secondary schools currently supported by EP, the platform has recorded huge enrolment numbers throughout the
pandemic and is used by more than 1.2 million students across more than 80 countries.
https://epforlearning.com/

Oritain
A Dunedin biotech company’s product ‘‘proof of origin’’ tracing process has seen the company grow exponentially over the
last few years, with offices in five locations around the globe and an estimated value of more than $45 million. After 11 years
in business, Oritain is now considered the global leader in determining food, fibre and pharmaceutical provenance, used by a
growing number of New Zealand and international primary producers, pharmaceuticals and global apparel companies.
https://oritain.com/

Cloud Cannon
CloudCannon is a software engineering company focused on improving the web development process through easy to use static
websites which enable editors to update content directly. by Since launching from the bedrooms of co-founders Mike Neumegen
and George Phillips in Dunedin as some seven years ago, the company has grown to 14 employees with offices in Dunedin and
San Francisco where they count Twitch and Netflix as clients.
https://cloudcannon.com/