Title: Visit Otago Peninsula: Best of Otago Peninsula Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.com

[Hotels in Otago Peninsula](https://expedia.com/Otago-Peninsula-Hotels.d6135551.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Otago Peninsula](https://expedia.com/Otago-Peninsula-Vacation-Rentals.d6135551.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Otago Peninsula](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Otago-Peninsula.d6135551.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Otago Peninsula](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Otago-Peninsula.d6135551.Car-Rental-Guide)[Otago Peninsula Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Otago-Peninsula.d6135551.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Otago Peninsula

## Travel Guide

![Otago Peninsula showing tranquil scenes and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135551/6a23c056-2fc9-47b6-acf8-7fb72d2af8bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Otago Peninsula showing boating and mist or fog](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135551/ff977015-771c-415f-87e1-c32245430baa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Otago Peninsula showing farmland, land animals and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135551/1972ebf0-0e1b-4a5a-8c1a-6463e31cfa9e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Otago Peninsula showing a marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135551/6b2efda0-a8ab-473b-89b4-3184c63fbbaf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Otago Peninsula featuring fishing and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135551/54384b80-2914-4dfa-bd3a-8e0a92574eda.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Otago Peninsula

Where to stay

Things to do

Visit New Zealand’s only castle, meet the endangered yellow-eyed penguin and glimpse the magnificent royal albatross in this pastoral wonderland. 

For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, no place is more pleasing to visit than the South Island’s Otago Peninsula. An idyllic spot, just a 30-minute drive from Dunedin, the peninsula has world-famous marine wildlife, including the royal albatross and the rare New Zealand sea lion. See the country’s only castle here too. Historic sites and walkways that take you to sheer cliff faces over the ocean complete an exciting itinerary on the South Island’s eastern coast.

Start your Otago Peninsula getaway with walking and wildlife viewing on one of the peninsula’s many coastal and rural pathways. Sandfly Bay, the Sandymount summit and the stunning Chasm and Lovers Leap viewpoints are all top trekking destinations. Another option is climbing to the top of Harbour Cone, at 1,030 feet (315 meters) above sea level and featuring amazing views that reach as far as Dunedin and Taiaroa Head.

For the best chance of seeing the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, head to Bushy Beach in the late afternoon. The beach is closed to the public after mid afternoon, so bring binoculars and view the birds from cliff-top vistas.

Venture to Sandfly Bay, Allans Beach and Victory Beach to watch sea lions. To view the famous royal albatross, visit the Royal Albatross Centre, where you can see the great birds in flight and tour a nesting site. Stop at the royal albatross colony at Taiaroa Head, the world’s only mainland albatross breeding site.

Be sure to visit Larnach Castle Garden, a top New Zealand attraction selected as a Garden of International Significance. The well-restored royal residence has 7 acres (3 hectares) of award-winning gardens, including the Patterned Garden, Lost Rock Garden, Serpentine Walk and Rain Forest. Gardeners will also love Glenfalloch Garden, which offers four seasons of foliage, from rhododendrons and azaleas to magnolias and fuchsias.

Visiting the Otago Peninsula is a spectacular scenic daytrip. Drive along Portobello Road from Dunedin, then travel along the coastal roads and various side routes to reach a number of wildlife-viewing areas and historic sites.

### Where to stay in Otago Peninsula

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Portobello

 If you're spending some time in Portobello, Lighthouse and Silver Peaks Reserve are top sights worth seeing. 

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Portobello.dx3000001866)

![Karetai Track, Otago Peninsula. Easy coastal walk which has awesome views and access to Tomahawk Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048046/7a82f124-676b-487a-a051-6c4d15ace46a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Highcliff

 If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Highcliff and surrounding area, you can visit Boulder Beach and Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Highcliff.dx693020867196026880)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Ocean Grove

 When in Ocean Grove, you can plan a visit to Tomahak Beach and St. Clair Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. 

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Ocean-Grove.dx693020870984671232)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Macandrew Bay

 Travelers like the monuments in Macandrew Bay, and Glenfalloch Gardens is a top attraction you might want to visit. 

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Macandrew-Bay.dx3000001905)

![Larnach Castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113108/3093fa8c-72aa-4896-b80c-ca0218d81c6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Broad Bay

 Broad Bay is well-regarded for its pristine beaches, picturesque gardens, and charming cafes, and you might also want to make a stop by The Fletcher House, a top sight in the neighborhood. 

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Broad-Bay.dx553248635926198328)

![Rose garden on the premises of Larnach Castle, on the hills of the Otago Peninsula very close to Dunedin, New Zealand. Entrance fee is only NZD15 and for that you can spend hours admiring the garden, not just roses but plentiful of other rare species of flowers and plants.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/319627118168245345/40e07937-a6c8-4329-bb30-ae865e7d6528.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Larnachs Castle

 If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Larnachs Castle and surrounding area, you can visit Forsyth Barr Stadium and Boulder Beach. 

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Larnachs-Castle.dx693020852577071104)

[See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Otago-Peninsula.dx6135551.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP.Dest.Neighborhoods)

- Otago Peninsula Hotel Deals
- Vacation Rentals in Otago Peninsula

![Larnach Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3640000/3634300/3634295/37fa2f99_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Larnach Lodge

145 Camp Road Dunedin 

$85 nightly

$99 total

Apr 15 - Apr 16

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this luxury lodge in Dunedin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (582 reviews)

Parking was directly outside our accommodation area Staff were delightful

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=4%2F15%2F2026&endDate=4%2F16%2F2026&selected=3634295&PinnedHotelID=3634295&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135551)

![Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29490000/29485400/29485317/e9f476ec_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

 Dunedin City Otago

$88 nightly

$98 total

Mar 18 - Mar 19

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this vacation home in Dunedin. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Fletcher House and Larnach Castle are ...

9/10 Wonderful! (217 reviews)

Very good and nice and quiet amongst the trees. Very peaceful.

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F18%2F2026&endDate=3%2F19%2F2026&selected=29485317&PinnedHotelID=29485317&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135551)

![Harbour Studio (Dunedin)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33700000/33695000/33694952/b9f9f28c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Harbour Studio (Dunedin)

 Dunedin Area Dunedin

$128 nightly

$144 total

Mar 18 - Mar 19

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this condo in Dunedin. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Edgar Centre and Dunedin Railways are located ...

9/10 Wonderful! (137 reviews)

Great concept and enjoyed the stay, however needs maintenance with rot in window frames, cork floor covering in bathroom failing and bed too soft. No wine glasses.Access to car park below studio very challenging due to steep driveway.

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F18%2F2026&endDate=3%2F19%2F2026&selected=33694952&PinnedHotelID=33694952&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135551)

[See all 271 properties in Otago Peninsula](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=3%2F18%2F2026&endDate=3%2F19%2F2026&regionId=6135551)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![Harbour Studio (Dunedin)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33700000/33695000/33694952/b9f9f28c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Harbour Studio (Dunedin)

 Dunedin Area Dunedin

Stay at this condo in Dunedin. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Edgar Centre and Dunedin Railways are located ...

9/10 Wonderful! (137 reviews)

Great concept and enjoyed the stay, however needs maintenance with rot in window frames, cork floor covering in bathroom failing and bed too soft. No wine glasses.Access to car park below studio very challenging due to steep driveway.

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Hotels-Harbour-Studio.h33694952.Hotel-Information)

![Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29490000/29485400/29485317/e9f476ec_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

 Dunedin City Otago

Stay at this vacation home in Dunedin. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Fletcher House and Larnach Castle are ...

9/10 Wonderful! (217 reviews)

Very good and nice and quiet amongst the trees. Very peaceful.

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Hotels-Craftsman-Built-House-Provides-Stunning-Retreat.h29485317.Hotel-Information)

![Fantail Hide on Larnach Rd](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92970000/92966400/92966361/4e0d71e5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Fantail Hide on Larnach Rd

 Dunedin Otago

Stay at this apartment in Dunedin. Popular attractions Edgar Centre and Chisholm Park Golf Club are located nearby.

8.6/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)

We had to get in touch with the host as directions and entry details did not come through . There was a large crack in the bathroom sink and the carpet by the bathroom door was very wet . Barring these comments a good apartment.

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Hotels-Fantail-Hide-On-Larnach-Rd.h92966361.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Otago Peninsula](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=6135551&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

## Check Otago Peninsula hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=2026-03-17&endDate=2026-03-18)[Mar 17 - Mar 18](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=2026-03-17&endDate=2026-03-18)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=2026-03-18&endDate=2026-03-19)[Mar 18 - Mar 19](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=2026-03-18&endDate=2026-03-19)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=3%2F20%2F2026&endDate=3%2F22%2F2026)[Mar 20 - Mar 22](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=3%2F20%2F2026&endDate=3%2F22%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135551&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Larnach Castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113108/3093fa8c-72aa-4896-b80c-ca0218d81c6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Larnach Castle

4.5/5(37 reviews)

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.

[](https://expedia.com/Larnach-Castle-Broad-Bay.d6113108.Vacation-Attraction)

![Royal Albatross Centre which includes rocky coastline, mist or fog and a gorge or canyon](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113110/81ee2a54-842f-4a4a-80ca-35f3fc9de5a9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Royal Albatross Centre

4.5/5(48 reviews)

Get close to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most spectacular birds at Taiaroa Head.

[](https://expedia.com/Royal-Albatross-Centre-Harington-Point.d6113110.Vacation-Attraction)

![Dunedin featuring a church or cathedral and indigenous culture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635754889293/01b80487-09c0-4a2f-8114-096e2ee2b37a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Otakou Marae

Visit this community center to learn about the activities of the Maori people of the Otago Peninsula. See Maori artwork and attend a festival.

[](https://expedia.com/Otakou-Marae-Otakou.d553248635754889293.Vacation-Attraction)

![This piece of land on the Otago Peninsula was made into a reserve in the 1980's, to make sure it would always be protected for the Yellow Eyed Penguins. It is a self-funded conservation project that provides for the birds that make it their home - the nests are provided and their habitat is maintained and restored, there is a research program and a hospital for injured or sick birds. 

The tour takes you to the opposite coast where you can see the penguins come into shore and learn about their strange ways. We saw yellow eyed penguins, little blues and also fur seals. The yellow eyed penguins are endangered, because their juvenile survival rate is incredibly low, and they aren't prolific breeders. Tama, our guide, was funny and entertaining and the whole trip was well worth the $52/pp cost! ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113114/cfc53f35-18ec-41b5-959d-4c0dfc18882b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Penguin Place

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Penguin Place, a lovely green space in Harington Point. Wander the picturesque gardens in this trendy area. 

[](https://expedia.com/Penguin-Place-Harington-Point.d6113114.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Tomahak Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Tomahak Beach during your travels in Ocean Grove? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting. 

[](https://expedia.com/Tomahak-Beach-Ocean-Grove.d6113090.Vacation-Attraction)

#### The Fletcher House

Learn about the local history of Dunedin when you spend time at The Fletcher House. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its charming cafes. 

[](https://expedia.com/The-Fletcher-House-Broad-Bay.d6113104.Vacation-Attraction)

## Cities near Otago Peninsula

![Larnach Castle which includes street scenes and chateau or palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113108/acc2e897-1b15-4b98-9721-5c8b2d4349e2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Dunedin

![Otago Peninsula showing boating and mist or fog](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135551/ff977015-771c-415f-87e1-c32245430baa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Cape Saunders

![Awesome beach on the Otago coast, land is eroded by the sea in a nice way. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635926198085/ed3459d8-9651-4db8-93a4-99e283454644.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Aramoana

![Visited rare and almost extinct Yellow Eyed Penguins. Unlike the same other species of penguins, the Yellow-eyed are shy and rarely go out in the open in daytimes. The shelter provide medical treatment and protected breeding grounds for the birds.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113114/6137b6d1-3485-4237-b764-04d0ed102582.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Harington Point

- Cities near Otago Peninsula
- Places of interest

[Dunedin](https://expedia.com/Dunedin.dx6048046)[Cape Saunders](https://expedia.com/Cape-Saunders.dx6344451)[Aramoana](https://expedia.com/Aramoana.dx553248635926198085)[Okia Flat](https://expedia.com/Okia-Flat.dx692484295065272320)[Harington Point](https://expedia.com/Harington-Point.dx692486506900029440)[Lower Portobello](https://expedia.com/Lower-Portobello.dx692486514185035776)[Sandymount](https://expedia.com/Sandymount.dx692486517541269504)

- [Larnach Castle ](https://expedia.com/Larnach-Castle-Broad-Bay.d6113108.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Royal Albatross Centre ](https://expedia.com/Royal-Albatross-Centre-Harington-Point.d6113110.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Penguin Place ](https://expedia.com/Penguin-Place-Harington-Point.d6113114.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Otakou Marae ](https://expedia.com/Otakou-Marae-Otakou.d553248635754889293.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Boulder Beach ](https://expedia.com/Boulder-Beach-Otago.d6113088.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Tomahak Beach ](https://expedia.com/Tomahak-Beach-Ocean-Grove.d6113090.Vacation-Attraction)
- [The Fletcher House ](https://expedia.com/The-Fletcher-House-Broad-Bay.d6113104.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Glenfalloch Gardens ](https://expedia.com/Glenfalloch-Gardens-Macandrew-Bay.d6113102.Vacation-Attraction)
- [NZ Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium ](https://expedia.com/NZ-Marine-Studies-Centre-And-Aquarium-Otago.d6113106.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Glenfalloch Woodland Garden ](https://expedia.com/Glenfalloch-Woodland-Garden-Macandrew-Bay.d553248621526965635.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Historic Fort Taiaroa ](https://expedia.com/Historic-Fort-Taiaroa-Harington-Point.d6113112.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Lighthouse ](https://expedia.com/Lighthouse-Portobello.d553248621526965647.Vacation-Attraction)
- [University of Otago ](https://expedia.com/University-Of-Otago-North-Dunedin.d6113060.Vacation-Attraction)
- [The Octagon ](https://expedia.com/The-Octagon-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113054.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Forsyth Barr Stadium ](https://expedia.com/Forsyth-Barr-Stadium-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6219595.Vacation-Attraction)
- [St. Clair Beach ](https://expedia.com/St-Clair-Beach-Lawyers-Head.d6113086.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Dunedin Town Hall ](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Town-Hall-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6174369.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Dunedin Botanic Garden ](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Botanic-Garden-North-Dunedin.d6113082.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Grand Casino ](https://expedia.com/Grand-Casino-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6219591.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Baldwin Street ](https://expedia.com/Baldwin-Street-North-East-Valley.d6219574.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Speight's Brewery ](https://expedia.com/Speights-Brewery-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113078.Vacation-Attraction)
- [St. Paul's Cathedral ](https://expedia.com/St-Pauls-Cathedral-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113056.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Tunnel Beach ](https://expedia.com/Tunnel-Beach-Otago.d553248621532608326.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Regent Theatre ](https://expedia.com/Regent-Theatre-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113064.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Brighton Beach ](https://expedia.com/Brighton-Beach-Otago.d6113092.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Olveston ](https://expedia.com/Olveston-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113080.Vacation-Attraction)
- [First Church of Otago ](https://expedia.com/First-Church-Of-Otago-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113066.Vacation-Attraction)
- [New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame ](https://expedia.com/New-Zealand-Sports-Hall-Of-Fame-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113070.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Otago Museum ](https://expedia.com/Otago-Museum-North-Dunedin.d6113074.Vacation-Attraction)