Top Things to do in Otago Region
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Otago Region, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Lake Wakatipu, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Ben Lomond Track, Lake Wanaka, Roys Peak Track, Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Glenorchy Animal Experience, Whitestone City, Larnach Castle & Gardens, Olveston Historic Home.
Restaurants in Otago Region
1. Lake Wakatipu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,061 reviews
Reviewed By 194fayh - Christchurch, New Zealand
When visiting Queenstown a "Must see & Do" is the trip on the TSS Earnslaw boat - built in 1912 a great old ship that takes you up to Walter Peak - again a beautiful old Homestead/Farm wonderful hosts - great gift shop and a sing song on the journey with Lovely Eleanor on the piano playing some great old favourite songs which all the passengers join in on the singng. wonderful adventure and a chance to meet people from around the Globe. cant wait to do it again.
2. Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,058 reviews
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a museum of social history dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area, whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion and transport shaped New Zealand’s first great city.Its fourteen themed galleries feature interactive displays and powerful narratives tracing the human history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the most recent arrivals.Captivating exhibitions are complemented by an on site shop and café. A well-equipped research centre and archive is available for those interested in genealogy and other aspects of local history.
Reviewed By Xin-Fang - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The museum is located next to the Dunedin Railway Station. Free entry (charges may apply to special exhibition) but donations are appreciated. There is a gift shop and a coffee shop near to the reception counter. Toilets are available. We were given a map to show us the route of visit. Starting from Josephine, first train on the Dunedin-Port Chalmers Line in 1873, to the Dunedin Goes Digital (technology development and use in Dunedin and Otago), there are about 17 sections for one to explore. After the exit, it will lead to the Dunedin Chinese Garden (with admission fee). In the museum, there are several sections whereby touchable exhibits are provided to the visitors such as Mokihi, Wharerau, Cottage, Across the Ocean Waves, Roslyn No.1 electrical tram, penny-farthing and Tiger Tea trolleybus.
3. Ben Lomond Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 693 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By lottie27 - Balmain, Australia
As a 30-year old, reasonably fit female who had hiked Ben Lomond seven years previous, I actually found this hike to be reasonably ok for the most part. I had in fact hiked Roy’s Peak, Wanaka the day previous so wasn’t sure how my legs would feel doing two quite big hikes consecutively. As per the other reviews, there are two options, either start at the bottom of the Skyline Gondola (on Beacon St) and take the Tiki Trail up, or pay $38 (or something) and take about 45mins - 1hour (each way) off your hiking time and get the Gondola. For the challenge, I chose the first option and commenced my hike at 7.30am at the bottom of the Tiki Trail. The Tiki Trial is actually quite tough, constantly uphill and over some pretty rough terrain. I grabbed a good stick to use as a hiking pole in the forest and I think this certainly helped me overall. By 8.10am I was at the Skyline Gondola where the views are actually pretty fantastic in their own right. A quick 5 minute toilet stop here and I left the top of the Gondola to commence the hike at about 8.20am. The Ben Lomond track is well signposted from here (much better than when I first did this hike seen years ago) and it says 1.5 hours to the saddle and 2.5 hours to the summit. The hike from the Gondola to the saddle I found to be quite ok... yes it’s constantly uphill but not THAT steep and I in fact made it to the saddle in just under an hour from leaving the top of the Gondola - arriving at 9.15am. The saddle is where the easy hiking sure ends - the hike from the saddle to the summit was particularly strenuous. Having hiked Roy’s Peak the day before, my quads were burning. From the saddle to the summit, it is very much scrambling (on your hands as knees at times) up a rocky mountain face. Even on a dry day like I had I found it quite unsteady underfoot at times. That said, I made it to the summit from the saddle in about 40 minutes. The decent was quite tough on the knees but not as bad as Roy’s Peak and it was nice to be able to take in the views. I got back to the Skyline Gondola by 11.10am (1hr 10mins after leaving the summit), stopped for a cold drink and made it to the bottom of the Tiki Trail just after 12pm - 4.5 hours after commencing. I did walk quite fast and took very few breaks but it just goes to show that it doesn’t need to be a 6/8 hour hike if you’re reasonably fit. The crowds are much smaller than the Roy’s Peak track, even on a beautiful summers day like I had which I found made this hike more appealing. The walk itself is also more varied (having the Tiki Trail forest, the steady climb to the saddle and then the steep scramble to the summit) which made it a little more interesting than the zig zag of Roy’s Peak. My only comment would be that I didn’t find the views (from the saddle or summit) as amazing as the ones from Roy’s Peak, but overall a challenging, enjoyable hike. I didn’t have proper hiking boots and found my Nike trainers did the job ok, just be wary of twisted ankles on the climb to the summit. I found a long stick to be really helpful on the hike to the saddle, although had to lose it to the summit so I had both hands free to grab hold of things around me. Take lots of water, snacks, clothing and suncream as the weather can be very changeable.
4. Lake Wanaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,293 reviews
Reviewed By ivangH5657RG
This natural wonder is so pleasant, families with children can enjoy many water activities by boating, water skiing or just having tasty picnic and feeding local ducks. Also nearby there is children playground as well. To walk to town takes about 10 minutes where you can get ice cream or cosy lunch or diner. And prices are very moderate.
5. Roys Peak Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 916 reviews
The track is closed for lambing from 1 October - 10 November each year. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By winterystorm - Cairns, Australia
I was lucky enough to be with a group on the Runaways Southern Highlights tour. These guys know what they are doing. We started on the mountain at 4am and with the awesome moonlight didn't need to use our headlamps. I would totally recommend starting as early as you can. When the sun comes out there is no hiding from it, no shade at all. The tour director rightly called many sections of it punchy. It took some in the group 1:45 to get to the peak, but it was -1 (degrees celcius) and pretty darn chilly. I took 2:30 and made it just in the nick of time to see one of the most spectacularly majestic sunrises I've ever seen. If you haven't been training for hills/mountains, then start early, take a good amount of water, dress sensibly to protect yourself from the sun on the way up and the cold at the top and wear shoes with decent grip. It's pretty steep in some parts. Expect it to be difficult but know that when you get to the top, every second will have been worth it. Just sooooo incredible. I found that doing a zig zag type move in the really steep bits helped a lot and of course having Isaac, tour director of Runaways encouraging me helped more than I probably realise. I'm 45 and my fitness is average. Still even in my less fit days, the breathlessness and sore muscles are totally worth it. Just be well prepared.
6. Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,928 reviews
Reviewed By Vulcan90049 - Nambucca Heads, Australia
Wonderful drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy,, Great road and Fantastic views along the way,,, lovely little town ship. Well worth the trip
7. Glenorchy Animal Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Glenorchy Animal Experience is situated on a terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. Come and pat, feed, photograph and interact with our many friendly farm animals. From alpaca to Pablo the donkey: something for everyone and suitable for all ages. Daily shearing demonstrations at 2.30pm during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. No Shearing during winter. Souvenir Shop on site.
Reviewed By claires870 - Brisbane, Australia
Got a bag of feed and to begin with the farm to myself! I got treated to cuddles with a baby lamb after their feed ???? Alpacas, llamas, naughty goats, kune kune pigs, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits Frank the horse Daisy the cow Pablo the donkey Plus Doggos Everyone was super friendly & welcoming! The setting is amazing and who doesn’t want to pet & feed super cute animals?!
8. Whitestone City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Learn about our history by taking part in it. Take a tour of the visual tale of our town from the rough-sawn Whitestone beginnings to the polished and finely worked grandeur of our facades that still exist today. Partake of Victorian pastimes or boldly go beyond the curtains to encounter our colourful past. Leisurely repose oneself in the sumptuous surrounds of our parlour.
Reviewed By 13Sue - Auckland, New Zealand
My daughter and I decided to do the Grand tour in Whitestone city. This involved getting dressed up in victorian clothing and being guided around the building by Sandy who provided us with some interesting history of Oamaru as well as snapping photographs of us on our phones. Sandy was very passionate about Oamaru and the history of the area and she spent time ensuring we looked the part which we certainly did! We even attracted a bit of attention as we had our photos taken outside. I loved how we could touch things as we walked around and they even had a Penny Farthing carrousel. I would highly recommend this to dress up fans and history buffs, even those who arent would enjoy this I'm sure. Suitable for all ages.
9. Larnach Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,841 reviews
Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world.The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, with the family having restored empty buildings from ruin and assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. Open to the public throughout, this conservation project has been funded through admission fees. The family has always been committed to opening their home and sharing this significant period of Dunedin and New Zealand's history.Scandalous and tragic stories, spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance complete this enjoyable award-winning experience. Boutique Lodge accommodation is available in the Castle gardens. Weddings, Balls, Conferences and Celebrations are held in the beautiful 3000 square foot Ballroom. High Tea is also now served daily in the Ballroom at 3pm
Reviewed By pirate013
A must see!!!! Beautiful castle!!!! Exquisite gardens!!!! Yummy lunch!!!! Self guided tour!!!! Highly Recommend Untamednz for your private tour!!!! You won't be disappointed
10. Olveston Historic Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 976 reviews
A 'must visit' for lovers of art, heritage and history, Olveston is lavishly furnished with exotic artefacts, prized artworks, antique furniture, ceramics and statues from around the world. The 35-room Edwardian mansion was designed for a one of Dunedin's most prominent businessmen, philanthropists and collectors during the early 1900s. The house was gifted to the people of Dunedin in 1966, fully furnished with the original contents, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home. The house and its 'Garden of National Significance', within the city's Green Belt, can be experienced at 42 Royal Terrace, within walking distance of Dunedin's Octagon. Entry inside the house is by guided tour only (1 hour, max. 15 People per group). Tours commence daily at: 9.30am, 10.45am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm. Group bookings available at a time to suit the group - available on request. Tours are conducted in English. Mandarin, Cantonese, German, French, Japanese and Dutch speaking guides are available for groups on request. The gardens, listed as a New Zealand Gardens Trust 'Garden of National Significance' and the gift shop are open daily and free to the public.
Reviewed By TranquilityAustralia
We loved our short visit to this wonderful historic house. A very interesting insight into times gone by. It has the feeling of being just as it always was and someone has just stepped out and allowed you to be a voyeur into their home.
