Otago Region

A popular region in the southern South Island combining Queenstown's adventure sports, lakeland skiing and Dunedin's Scottish flavor.

Otago lies in the south-central South Island, with terrain stretching from inland lakes and mountains to the southeast coast. Queenstown and Wānaka are hubs for outdoor and adventure sports, with several ski fields in winter; Central Otago is known for Pinot Noir and the Otago Central Rail Trail cycleway. On the coast, Dunedin preserves its Scottish settler heritage, the Otago Peninsula offers albatross and penguin viewing, and the Catlins coast in the south is wild and secluded. Summer suits hiking and cycling, and winter suits skiing. The main gateways are Queenstown Airport and Dunedin Airport.

Destinations

• Dunedin
• Queenstown & Wanaka
• The Catlins

Itineraries

• Southern Scenic Route: Dunedin to Queenstown – Drive from Dunedin along the Catlins coast to the southern tip, then head north to Fiordland on the South Island's quie…
• New Zealand South Island In-Depth Grand Loop – A complete loop of the South Island starting from Christchurch, connecting coastlines, glaciers, fjords, peninsulas, an…
• Queenstown First-Timer's Classic – Lakefront gondola, a day trip to Milford Sound, and the old gold-rush town of Arrowtown: three days to see the best of…
• Christchurch to Queenstown Lakes & Fjords – A one-way self-drive through the Mackenzie Basin, Mount Cook, Wanaka, and Fiordland, ending in Queenstown.
• Queenstown Lakes and Doubtful Sound in Depth – Steamship to Walter Peak Farm, the Glenorchy valley, the lone tree at Wanaka, and Doubtful Sound, with all nights spent…
• TranzAlpine Train & West Coast Glaciers – Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, then drive along the West Coast glaciers to Queenstown.
• Queenstown, Fiordland and Wanaka Self-Drive – Queenstown adventure activities, two nights in Te Anau for the Milford Road, and two nights in Wanaka to climb Roys Pea…
• Queenstown Winter Skiing – Stay in Queenstown and ski at three resorts: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona, ending with hot springs and Ar…
• Queenstown and Wanaka Hiking – Ben Lomond, the Routeburn Track and Roys Peak, with hikes across the southern lakes region and stays in Queenstown and…
• New Zealand North to South: Auckland to Queenstown – Head south from Auckland through geothermal areas and Wellington, cross the strait, and explore the lakes and fjords to…