Been There – Dunedin
It seems that Been There – Dunedin will be the last mug from this collection coming from New Zealand. I have to admit, it was hard to find good pictures of the mug. It seems to be quite rare, or maybe it just isn’t sold in stores anymore. Please note that it was released two years ago.
Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historically rich cities, was founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers under the auspices of the Free Church of Scotland. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic “Dùn Èideann,” meaning Edinburgh, reflecting its cultural and architectural heritage. The city grew rapidly during the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s, becoming the country’s wealthiest and most industrialized urban center. Many of its grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings still stand today, giving Dunedin a distinct European charm. Over time, it evolved into a hub for education, wildlife, and the arts, anchored by the prestigious University of Otago.
Here are some of the symbols and landmarks incorporated in the design of the Been There Dunedin mug:
– The Dunedin Railway Station is one of the city’s most celebrated architectural treasures and a symbol of its prosperous past. Completed in 1906 and designed by architect George Troup, the station is a masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance style, featuring intricate dark basalt and white Oamaru stone detailing. Often called “New Zealand’s most photographed building,” it stands as a proud reminder of Dunedin’s golden age of commerce and industry.
– Another symbol is the steep green slope, which depicts Baldwin Street — once recognized as the world’s steepest residential street. This quirky attraction is famous for fun community events such as the Baldwin Street Gutbuster race. It has become a global curiosity and a proud example of Dunedin’s character and charm.
– The Town Hall, located in the heart of Dunedin, is another emblem of the city’s civic pride and historical significance. Built in stages between 1878 and 1939, it combines neoclassical and Renaissance architectural influences, reflecting the city’s grandeur during its economic peak. Today, it serves as both an administrative center and a cultural venue, hosting concerts, ceremonies, and public gatherings that bring the community together.
– The Octagon is Dunedin’s vibrant central hub, both geographically and socially. This eight-sided plaza is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings, including the Municipal Chambers and St. Paul’s Cathedral. As the heart of city life, The Octagon symbolizes Dunedin’s welcoming spirit, where students, artists, and locals converge to celebrate the city’s creative and cultural pulse.
– The green lizard represents the tuatara, an ancient reptile native to New Zealand and often associated with Dunedin’s wildlife sanctuaries. These remarkable creatures are sometimes called “living fossils,” having existed since the age of the dinosaurs. The tuatara symbolizes the city’s dedication to conservation and natural heritage.
– The sea lion illustrated on the mug reflects the rare New Zealand sea lions that inhabit the Otago Peninsula. These majestic animals can often be seen lounging along the beaches near Dunedin, including Sandfly Bay and Tunnel Beach. They embody the city’s close relationship with its unique and thriving coastal ecosystems.
– The bird shown could represent the kākā or kākāriki, native parrots known for their intelligence and colorful plumage. These birds are protected and can be spotted in nearby wildlife reserves such as Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Their presence highlights Dunedin’s reputation as an ecotourism destination where visitors can experience New Zealand’s native biodiversity up close.
