Things to do in Otago

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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 {279 fun activities in Otago fun activities in Otago}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Most popular activities in Otago

Tours & day trips

See all 226 activities
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 85 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $137 per adult
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 59 activities
From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $162 per adult
From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 46 activities
Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $354 per adult*
Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | GlenorchyOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 27 activities
Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $121 per adult
Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from QueenstownOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 18 activities
From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $115 per adult
From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat RideOpens in new tab

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

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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 First Church of Otago and Grand Casino 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
Default Image

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