Top Things to do in Otago Region
What to do and see in Otago Region, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Lake Wakatipu, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Lake Wanaka, Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Glenorchy Animal Experience, Whitestone City, Larnach Castle & Gardens, Penguin Place, Otago Museum, The Remarkables Ski Area.
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. 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.
4. 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
5. 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?!
6. 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.
7. 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
8. Penguin Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 939 reviews
Penguin Place is a private conservation effort to help save the world's most endangered penguin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin. Visitors are taken on guided walking tours through a unique system of trenches and hides to view the penguins undisturbed at close range. Penguin Place is funded 100% by the support of our visitors, this funding enables habitat restoration, predator control, a research programme and on-site rehabilitation for sick, starving and wounded penguins. It is our hope that through our efforts, the future of this rare and wonderful penguin will be assured.
Reviewed By fairrosaline - Nairobi, Kenya
This is a great chance to visit and learn about the world’s most endangered penguin while supporting their hospital and habitat. You’ll get to see the penguins very close up in the hospital area and then see a few in their natural habitat on the gorgeous coast of Otago Peninsula. So cute! We also saw seals and very cool native birds, as well as a couple little blue penguins in nesting boxes. There’s a bit of walking and a few inclines on the hills- elderly folks in our group did not have issues, but the last part of the tour is not wheel chair friendly. You can self drive to this place easily via the scenic peninsula or take a wildlife tour or cruise that includes it.
9. Otago Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,124 reviews
Reviewed By geckopoo
We visited this place 12 years ago when on holiday with our kids, so excited to come back after all these years, and so relieved it is still as good as we remembered (if not better!). Always loved the Animal Attic, great homage to the old-fashioned classical museum collections complete with stuffed specimens in original glass cabinets, fantastic! We were staying just a block away so we just loved visiting the Animal Attic first thing in the morning as the museum opened when it was nice, quiet and oh so peaceful out there, just us and the animals, it was like having our own private museum. A floor down was the maritime gallery and natural history section, also our favourite areas - the moa skeletons on display are well curated, labels very informative and interesting. On the first floor is the special exhibits area which until April this year honours 130 years of collecting in New Zealand, very intriguing array of examples ranging from the heart of a great white shark to a petrified rat collection to gold coins from the Elizabethan period. This is a very modern and spacious museum yet it still has a rather conservative and traditional feel - we love it! The technology is well used to enhance and inform without being too gimmicky and glitzy. Good toilets, water fountains and rest areas on all floors too. Best of all, it’s free. Well done, Dunedin for having this excellent museum in your midst!
10. The Remarkables Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,199 reviews
Queenstowns alpine ski area, the Remarkables are welcoming and relaxed for beginners and challenging for the more experienced.
Reviewed By frank04052018 - Munich, Germany
we spend a bit of skiing here, great for beginners and snowboarders , loved the covered magic carpet. Drive up takes a bit and last bit is not sealed
