What to do in Otago

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Otago

Otago which includes forests, mountains and a lake or waterhole

Top places to visit

1. 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 which includes snow and a gondola as well as a small group of people

2. Skyline Gondola

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 bay or harbour and a coastal town

3. 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 and snow skiing

4. Lake Wanaka

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 showing a lake or waterhole, a beach and landscape views

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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Cardrona Alpine Resort showing mountains and snow

6. Kiwi and Birdlife Park

The national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a timid and elusive bird that few have the chance to see in the wild. The Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close with this at-risk species, and to learn about the birds in the process. The Kiwi Birdlife Park’s grounds are leafy and expansive, and are a popular destination for visitors to Queenstown for the peaceful escape they provide.

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Kiwi and Birdlife Park showing zoo animals and bird life

7. 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 featuring a church or cathedral and heritage elements as well as a large group of people

Popular places to visit

The Remarkables Ski Area

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.

Skyline Gondola

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.

Coronet Peak Ski Area

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.

Lake Wanaka

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

Cardrona Alpine Resort

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.

Kiwi and Birdlife Park

Your best chance to see New Zealand’s national bird is at this fascinating wildlife sanctuary.

The Octagon

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

Lake Wakatipu

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.

Queenstown Gardens

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

Explore areas of Otago

Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

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.

Dunedin which includes a pond, a park and heritage elements

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Grand Casino or The Octagon.

Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

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

North Dunedin

Unique features of North Dunedin include the spas and gardens. Make a stop by Dunedin Botanic Garden or Otago Museum while you're exploring the area.

St. Clair

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant 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.

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 neighbourhood.