Things to do in Otago

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with a lake, mountains in the background, and a small island.
A crowded lakeside with people relaxing and a boat on the water, surrounded by mountains and dense trees.
A cable car system over a lake with a town below.
A man standing in clear shallow water with a mountainous landscape in the background.
A lakeside town with dense forests and modern buildings.

Otago Attractions

Learn what makes Otago tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Look into our {437 fun activities in Otago fun activities in Otago}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

$126
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

$63
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

$69
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

$98
per adult
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

$28
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

$92
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

$46
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

$167
per adult
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

$80
per adult
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
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Otago must see attractions

1. 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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A calm lake with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

2. 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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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

3. 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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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

4. 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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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain backdrop.

5. 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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A snowy ski resort with a red and white building labeled "Guest Services" and a yellow building with "Snow Sports HQ" signage.

6. 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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A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

7. 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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A skier in mid-air performing a jump on a snowy slope with a mountainous backdrop.

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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A lake surrounded by mountains with a winding road.

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Otago attractions

A calm lake with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

Lake Wānaka

9.4/10 (957 reviews)
Enjoy gorgeous hiking trails and deserted beaches at this pristine lake with the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps.
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Where to stay in Otago

Find the best Otago areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otago
Learn more about Otago
A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

A small aircraft parked on a tarmac with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Photo by Where Adventures Be
Open Photo by Where Adventures Be

Frankton

Frankton is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while you're in town.

A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

Dunedin City Centre

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.

A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and houses.

Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options, and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighborhood.

A coastal town with a bay, mountains, and a clear sky.

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.

 

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

A calm lake surrounded by mountains under a clear sky.

Wānaka

A dry riverbed with a red car on a dirt path, surrounded by sparse vegetation and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Alexandra

A street with a cafe and a bank.

Oamaru

A mountainous landscape with a lake surrounded by hills.

Otematata

A mountainous town with a lake, surrounded by forest and clouds.

Queenstown

A coastal town with mountains in the background and a body of water in the foreground.

Arthur's Point

A street lined with shops, including a hotel and a cafe, with cars parked on the side.

Arrowtown

A calm lake with ducks, surrounded by mountains and trees.

Omarama

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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