The sound of lilting bagpipes fills the evening air as kilt-wearing pipers welcome guests to the majestic Larnach Castle.

Standing sentinel and proud, high atop a hill on the Otago Peninsula, the castle is afforded sweeping sea and coastal views and personifies Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South.

But for an alternative and no less authentic Dunedin experience, there are the myriad ethnic restaurants, funky cafes and contemporary and traditional pubs, where some of New Zealand's most distinctive and internationally successful rock music has been born.

Dunedin is a real University town, home to Otago University - the country's oldest, largest and, alumni would boast, most respected tertiary institution.

Historic stately homesteads and their expansive flowing gardens, once home to the wealthy, have been restored to their former glory and are visited by thousands of tourists each year.

Out and about there's plenty to see and do close to the Octagon - the city centre - in this compact city of contrast. Garden, bush and architectural walks, mountain biking, jetboating, harbour cruising, sea kayaking and even salmon fishing, are available to keep delegates entertained.

Out on the Otago Peninsula the wildlife will amaze. The world's only mainland Royal Albatross colony and the world's rarest penguin - Hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguins - nest undisturbed in their vast colonies.

Once the sun starts to set, head to the heart of the city, the Octagon, and dine the evening away on international cuisine in one of the city's many fine restaurants, cafes and bars. During the day it's a great place to browse and shop in galleries, museums, fabulous designer boutiques, jewellery and craft shops and, of course, bulging bookshops - for after all, this is an academic and literary town.

Dunedin can easily cater for all size convention groups with the purpose-built Dunedin Convention Centre and Otago University campus.

For post-conference activity and partner programmes head out of the city to the surrounding Otago countryside. Board a train for a journey through Taieri Gorge (pr: 'ty-eh-rey') , travel up to the Central Otago vineyards, or south, to the Catlins along the Southern Scenic Route.

Dunedin is easy to reach and serviced by regular flights from the main centres and road and rail links