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Melnq8

I don't care for insect repellent, but have used DEET for sandflies on occasion, never tried the local options.

My sandfly bite prevention method is long pants, long socks, and keeping my arms covered when possible. They also seem to be attracted to dark colors...and my husband.

I don't know their hours, but if you like Indian food, I highly recommend Little India in Dunedin.

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Diamantina

I just called the Distinction Hotel in Te Anau. They said the restaurant of their sister property Distinction Luxmore Hotel will be open on Christmas. It's a larger hotel popular with tour groups. I've stayed there myself as it's very close to the Intercity bus stop and I needed to catch an early bus to Dunedin.

My dining choice would be Redcliff Restaurant, but I doubt that they'd be open. It's small.

Diamantina

I called a few restaurants at the Octagon asking what time their kitchens closed. Vault 21 (bar offering Asian fusion) said they generally stop serving food at 9 to 9:30 p.m. but said if the restaurant is still full of people would continue to keep the kitchen open.
Bacchus Restaurant (fine dining) said on Saturdays they'd generally take bookings until 9:30 p.m. but if it was busy would take a 10 p.m. booking. She reminded me in December, weekends can be busy because of the many graduation ceremonies. Will you be here in December? Below is a link to University of Otago graduation ceremonies in Dunedin. Many families will be dining out on these days and popular restaurants will be buzzing and there's a greater chance that the restaurants will be serving after 10 p.m.

The graduation parade, which takes place in the morning, can be fun to watch, with pipe band, graduates in cap and gown (and Maori students in traditional cloaks), strolling with friends or family members down George St. to the Octagon's Town Hall.
https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/otago069905.html

Nova Cafe stops serving at 9 p.m. Nando's, a Peri Peri chicken fast food outlet on Stuart St. just steps from the Octagon, will stop serving food at 9:30 or 9:45 on Saturday nights. I also tried calling Prohibition Smokehouse, which is at the Octagon, but just got an answering machine. Two Chefs, a bistro on Stuart St. just steps from the Octagon, and Little India, which is not at the Octagon but close, also responded with answering machines.

The Chamberson Hotel is about a half block from Countdown Supermarket, which closes at 11 p.m. As a back-up plan, you might want to pick up some snacks from there or the Farmers Market at the Railway Station earlier in the day and stash them in your hotel fridge for your late night return. I believe you'll have a kichenette at the Chamberson. New World Supermarket is three short blocks away, they have a greater selection of takeout foods, like quiche, which you can warm up later.

Don't forget to take snacks, water, and warm layers on the Elm tour. They make a stop at the Royal Albatross Centre, which has a cafe, but choices are not extensive.

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Diamantina

You won't have to worry about Graduation Day crowds!
Dec. 26 is Boxing Day, a national holiday, but supermarkets will be open. Countdown will close a little earlier, at 8 p.m.