10 TOP Things to Do in Otago November 2026

A coastal town with a lake, mountains in the background, and a small island.

A red jet boat named "SHOTOVER" moving through clear water near a rocky shore.

A modern sculpture with a geometric canopy, surrounded by illuminated pillars, set against a backdrop of a lake and mountains at dusk.

A Gothic-style church with a tall spire, flanked by ornate lamp posts and a clear blue sky.

A boat on a lake with mountains in the background.

Things to do

Queenstown: Ice Bar Entry with Warm Winter Gear and Drink

QUEENSTOWN ICE BAR - Queenstown’s Premium Ice Bar Experience

฿1,235

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

฿2,260

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

฿1,881

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

฿3,400

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Feel the Calm, Hear the Stories – A Classic Lake Wakatipu Journey

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise, 90 Minutes

฿1,501

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Our passengers getting treated to great views as a royal albatross glides in from the ocean.

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

฿1,425

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

฿950

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Queenstown: Clay Target Shooting Experience

฿2,830

per adult

First Church, the third iteration of the first Presbyterian church

Dunedin True Crime Walking Tour Inner City

฿1,102

per adult

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Top places to visit

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 night scene with a lake, a tree with colorful lights, mountains, and a city skyline with lights reflecting on the water.

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. 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, a small town, and a clear sky.

6. 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 slope with people skiing and standing, a sign for 'Adult / Learner', and a 'Cardrona Snow Sports Lane' sign.

7. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.

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A large building with a tower, a fountain in the middle of a circular lawn, and trees around.

What to do in Otago

Stay near popular Otago attractions

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 for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otago

A lake with a boat, people on the shore, and a mountain in the background.

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 historic building with a clock tower and Gothic architecture.

Dunedin City Centre

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 Regent Theatre or The Octagon.

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A mountainous landscape with snow-covered peaks, a deep blue lake, and a valley below.

Frankton

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

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 neighbourhood.

A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.

St. Clair

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.