Title: Visit Otago: 2026 Travel Guide for Otago, New Zealand | Expedia.com

[Otago Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Otago.d6047986.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Otago](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Otago.d6047986.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Otago Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Otago.d6047986.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Otago](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Otago.d6047986.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Otago](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Otago.d6047986.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Otago Vacations](https://expedia.com/Otago.d6047986.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Otago

## New Zealand

![Otago featuring a lake or waterhole, a small town or village and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047986/c8ac1243-af0f-44a8-82e1-8765f171116d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Otago which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6216654/b9db1649-9403-451c-b2c1-d1967b0ff67c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Skyline Gondola showing a lake or waterhole, a small town or village and a gondola](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502443/d62767a0-0489-45c8-a191-1231cc512b90.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Lake Hawea showing a lake or waterhole, a pebble beach and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110732/d6272562-9e30-4b4d-a4db-a98e261dd6ab.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Island featuring forest scenes, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4189/a372aeff-0369-4ca6-83e8-5e15a7a82351.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mountains, rivers, valleys and beaches are in abundance in this diverse region, which has been shaped by its gold mining and European settler history.

Otago is one of the most popular regions of New Zealand’s South Island due to its buzzing cities, adventure sports and stunning landscapes. It is also home to large colonies of seabirds and penguins, as well as boasting a rich heritage of gold mining and Scottish cultural influences. Allow plenty of time to properly explore this large and varied region.

Visit the vibrant university city of Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage. Marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the Dunedin Railway Station, the First Church of Otago and the Law Courts. Ride the bus to St. Clair for a swim in the outdoor hot saltwater pool.

Drive out to the Otago Peninsula to view colonies of blue penguins, sea lions and albatross. The Penguin Place, a reserve that is home to a colony of yellow-eyed penguins, can be found here. Take a tour around the Royal Albatross Centre to learn more about these regal seabirds and watch interactive displays. Head to Pilots Beach at dusk to see little blue penguins, one of the world’s smallest penguins, scurrying up the beach to their nests.

In Queenstown, Enjoy a range of outdoor adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, river rafting and skiing in the winter. Kayak across Lake Wanaka, surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. Wander around Arrowtown, a living historic settlement that was established during the gold rush.

Go curling at the indoor rink in Naseby, where the winter sport was introduced over 130 years ago by Scottish gold miners. Sample some local pinot noir at one of the many wineries in Bannockburn and Cromwell.

Fly into Christchurch Airport and then take a connecting flight to Dunedin or ride the clean and efficient public buses. Rent a car to explore the best of Otago’s scenery and the peninsula. Visit during spring or fall for warm weather and fewer crowds.

Whether you love adventure sports, scenic walks, relaxing on a beach or delving into local history, Otago has something for you to enjoy.

### Popular cities in Otago

[Queenstown

Known for Lakes, Mountains and Scenery

](https://expedia.com/Queenstown.dx180018)

This alpine resort town in New Zealand’s South Island is an adventure-lover's paradise and the birthplace of bungee jumping and jet boating.

## Reasons to visit

- Skyline Queenstown
- Queenstown Gardens
- Kiwi Park

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Queenstown.dx180018)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Queenstown-Hotels.d180018.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Dunedin

Known for Historical, Gardens and Museums

](https://expedia.com/Dunedin.dx6048046)

With heritage architecture, buzzing nightlife and a pristine coastline, New Zealand’s “Edinburgh of the South” is a seaside city for all seasons.

## Reasons to visit

- University of Otago
- The Octagon
- St. Clair Beach

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Dunedin.dx6048046)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Dunedin-Hotels.d6048046.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Wānaka

Known for Lakes, Dining and Family-friendly

](https://expedia.com/Wanaka.dx3792)

Nestled beneath a mountainous national park on the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka, this resort town offers skiing in winter, water sports in summer and stunning scenery all year.

## Reasons to visit

- Rippon Vineyard
- Warbirds & Wheels
- Puzzling World

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Wanaka.dx3792)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Wanaka-Hotels.d3792.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Oamaru

Known for Cheese, Museums and Art

](https://expedia.com/Oamaru.dx9135)

Love museums, art, and history? Get away to Oamaru! 

## Reasons to visit

- Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
- Oamaru Harbour
- Steampunk HQ

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Oamaru.dx9135)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Hotels.d9135.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Glenorchy

Known for Mountains, Cafes and Romantic

](https://expedia.com/Glenorchy.dx6048043)

Get away to romantic Glenorchy! Enjoy the mountains, cafes, and kayaking. 

## Reasons to visit

- Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Glenorchy.dx6048043)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Glenorchy-Hotels.d6048043.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Arrowtown

Known for Golf, Tours and Rivers

](https://expedia.com/Arrowtown.dx181324)

This historic mining town is a great day trip from Queenstown, and gives visitors the chance to strike gold.

## Reasons to visit

- Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Arrowtown.dx181324)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Arrowtown-Hotels.d181324.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

## Cities in Otago

![Queenstown which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180018/6e281ac7-e424-4a2d-a3ca-78365ff1df57.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Queenstown

This alpine resort town in New Zealand’s South Island is an adventure-lover's paradise and the birthplace of bungee jumping and jet boating.

![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

With heritage architecture, buzzing nightlife and a pristine coastline, New Zealand’s “Edinburgh of the South” is a seaside city for all seasons.

![Lake Hawea showing a lake or waterhole and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110732/0b228cf8-38f4-490f-bae1-a7867dd37149.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Wānaka

Nestled beneath a mountainous national park on the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka, this resort town offers skiing in winter, water sports in summer and stunning scenery all year.

![Arrowtown featuring street scenes and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/181324/f39f29bd-647a-484a-83b7-8c7b0e0b30b8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Arrowtown

This historic mining town is a great day trip from Queenstown, and gives visitors the chance to strike gold.

![Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring snow and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110724/faeb8d12-6832-451b-8848-eb1c102503f9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Cardrona

Nestled in New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps, this quiet town is famous for its iconic hotel and state-of-the-art ski facilities.

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