Things to do in Otago

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Otago featuring a lake or waterhole, a small town or village and mountains
Otago which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes
Skyline Gondola showing a lake or waterhole, a small town or village and a gondola
Lake Hawea showing a lake or waterhole, a pebble beach and mountains
South Island featuring forest scenes, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village

Otago Attractions

Learn what makes Otago tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Look into our {430 fun activities in Otago fun activities in Otago}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Otago must see attractions

1. Coronet Peak Ski Area

Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.
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Coronet Peak Ski Area which includes snow skiing and snow

2. Lake Wānaka

Stroll past cascading waterfalls and view towering glaciers at Lake Wanaka. Cruise across the tranquil, dark water and unwind in the sun on empty lakeside beaches.
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Lake Wanaka which includes a lake or waterhole, a beach and landscape views

3. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
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Queenstown Gardens featuring forests

4. The Octagon

Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
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The Octagon which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

5. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
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Skyline Gondola which includes a coastal town and a bay or harbor

6. The Remarkables Ski Area

Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.
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The Remarkables Ski Area showing a gondola and snow as well as a small group of people

7. Cardrona Alpine Resort

When the air is crisp and the snow fresh, Cardona Alpine Resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. On-mountain accommodation will put you close to the action, letting you ski or snowboard right out onto its 850 acres (3.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain. Test out the nursery slopes, practice flips, spins and slides in the four terrain parks, or tackle the challenging backcountry runs.
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Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring snow and mountains

8. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.
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Lake Wakatipu featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole

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What to do in Otago

Things to Do in Otago with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you go in Otago. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that will make your escape a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Otago? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Otago

Coronet Peak Ski Area which includes snow skiing and snow

Coronet Peak Ski Area

4.5/5(26 reviews)

A variety of slopes for all abilities and some excellent après-ski options are on offer at this ski field just minutes from central Queenstown.

Coronet Peak Ski Area
Lake Wanaka which includes a lake or waterhole, a beach and landscape views

Lake Wānaka

5/5(135 reviews)

Enjoy gorgeous hiking trails and deserted beaches at this pristine lake with the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps.

Lake Wānaka
Queenstown Gardens featuring forests

Queenstown Gardens

4.5/5(161 reviews)

Play a round of disc golf, or join a touch-rugby match at these historic botanic gardens on the banks of Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Gardens
The Octagon which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

The Octagon

4/5(45 reviews)

Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.

The Octagon
Skyline Gondola which includes a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Skyline Queenstown

4.5/5(260 reviews)

Take one of the world’s steepest cable-car rides to the top of picturesque Bob’s Peak for views across Lake Wakatipu and beyond.

Skyline Queenstown
The Remarkables Ski Area showing a gondola and snow as well as a small group of people

The Remarkables Ski Area

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of inviting slopes at this ski mountain, known for being one of New Zealand’s best venues for freestyle snow riding.

The Remarkables Ski Area
Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring snow and mountains

Cardrona Alpine Resort

4/5(20 reviews)

Take lessons on the baby slopes, tear up fresh power at a higher elevation or attempt daring stunts in the terrain parks at this popular mountain resort.

Cardrona Alpine Resort
Lake Wakatipu featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole

Lake Wakatipu

5/5(322 reviews)

A great location for water sports, New Zealand’s third-largest lake is an impressive natural landmark framed by soaring mountains and encircled by walking trails.

Lake Wakatipu
Larnach Castle

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.

Larnach Castle

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Otago

Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole

Queenstown City Centre

Discover superb adventure sports, art, nightlife and shopping attractions in this compact district nestled between Lake Wakatipu and soaring mountains.

Queenstown City Centre
Dunedin featuring a park, heritage elements and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(89 area reviews)

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Grand Casino and The Octagon while you're in town.

Dunedin City Centre
Frankton featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(42 area reviews)

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Frankton
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Goldfield Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
Queenstown featuring a sunset, a river or creek and mountains

Fernhill

Nestled on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond mountain, this suburb offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and Sunshine Bay. Explore walking and biking tracks, and access Queenstown via a single road.

Fernhill
These piers are all that is left of a sea wall which has long since disappeared. They are located at the western end of a long sandy beach, close to shops and cafes, and a salt water swimming pool

St. Clair

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to St. Clair. A stop by St. Clair Beach or St. Clair Golf Club might round out your trip.

St. Clair

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Otago

Lake Hawea showing a lake or waterhole and mountains

Wānaka

Oamaru showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Oamaru

Otematata

Otematata

Queenstown which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a bay or harbor

Queenstown

Arthur's Point

Arthur's Point

Arrowtown featuring street scenes and a small town or village

Arrowtown

Hot Tubs Omarama featuring a pond

Omarama

Glenorchy which includes mountains, forest scenes and a pebble beach

Glenorchy

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Otago on a sunny day?
What to do in Otago on a rainy day?
Make the most of rainy weather by trying out an indoor activity, like a Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise or a Milford Sound Scenic Flyover.
What should I not miss in Otago?
You just can't go home without checking off the following list of superb sights:

  • Coronet Peak Ski Area
  • St. Clair Beach
  • Larnach Castle
  • Dunedin Botanic Garden

Are there cheap things to do in Otago?
What can you do in Otago for free?
Your time in Otago needn't break the bank with free things like these to keep you busy:

  • St. Clair Beach
  • Otago Museum
  • Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
  • St. Paul's Cathedral

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