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Otago travel guide
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Otago is a region of New Zealand in the south of the South Island. It has an area of approximately 32,000 square kilometres making it the country's second largest region. It has a population of 203,500 from the June 2008 estimate.
The name "Otago" is an old southern Maori word whose North Island dialect equivalent is "Otakou", introduced to the south by Europeans in the 1840s. "Otago" is also the old name of the European settlement on the Otago Harbour, established by the Weller Brothers in 1831.
Major centres of what is now the Otago Region of the old province include Dunedin (the principal city of the region), Oamaru (made famous by Janet Frame), Balclutha, Alexandra, and the major tourist centres Queenstown and Wanaka.
New Zealand's first university, The University of Otago, was founded in 1869 as the provincial university in Dunedin.
The Central Otago area produces award winning wines made from varieties such as the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Riesling grapes. Central Otago has an increasing reputation as New Zealand’s leading pinot noir region.
More about Otago
| Country |
New Zealand. |
| Area |
31,241 km². |
| Population |
203,500 (June 2008 estimate). |
| Languages |
English. |
| Currency |
New Zealand Dollar(NZ$). |
| Geographic Coordination |
45°26'S 169°50'E. |
| Climate and Weather |
Weather conditions vary enormously across Otago, but can be broken into two broad types: the coastal climate of the coastal regions and the more continental climate of the interior. |
| Best Time to Visit |
Autumn. |
Otago Tourist Attractions - Best Places to Visit
An excellent day trip destination, Otago Peninsula is just one-hour drive away from the city center. Travel here to catch the world's rare bird species in action. The yellow-eyed penguins, little blue ones, sea lions and fur seals make you feel warm and happy while the mainland albatross colony, the only one in the world, gets you cheering with delight.
This long and gorgeous Otago Harbor has seen many settlers - Maori, Scottish and Chinese who come to its shores with a single aim: to make it their home. Today the Harbor is the center of tourist attractions for its water sports, heritage buildings, and castles.
Larnach Castle is the only castle in New Zealand. A gift of Larnach, Minister of the Crown, to his wife, its stonework, woodcarving, plaster and glasswork, combined with its 43 rooms and palatial ballroom located on the Otago Peninsula overlooking the Otago Harbor make it must visit for all.
The gold rush is a tale of the past but the glory and thrill of those adventurous ages is as good as new in the Edwardian and Victorian houses. The Flemish Renaissance-styled railway station is a case in point.
√ Moeraki Boulders on the Beach Spread along the 40 km long beach are these spherical and smooth boulders formed over four million years of crystallization. On your visit to the beach, you can also spot dolphins skimming through the sea surface as you walk through the native forests.
Things To Do
♠ Royal Albatross Colony & Centre The world's only mainland albatross colony is at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula.
An historic train trip following the gold-bearing Taieri River. A full commentary and sightseeing stops are provided.
♠ Oamaru Harbour-Tyne Street Precinct The original business district is now preserved as an historic conservation area and forms the country's most complete group of 19th century Oamaru stone buildings.
Historic Alexandra is famous for New Zealand's original Blossom Festival. Orchards, herberies and wineries are among the attractions.
It is New Zealand's largest concrete dam, stretching across the Clyde Gorge. It rises 59m above the present river level.
Entertainment
Otago has all the entertainment attractions to suit all tastes and budgets including theatre, opera, music, concerts, family shows, free events, movies, nightlife, pubs, casinos, gambling and horse racing.
Food
Otago is a place of sheer indulgence. You will be spoilt for choice with the fresh produce available at roadside stalls throughout the area. Cherries, apricots, apples, nectarines, plums and pears just to name a few, are all available in season.
Local Transport
Otago, New Zealand offers a wide range of transport options for visitors including rental cars, motorhomes & campervans and bus & coach services.
Getting Around
Air New Zealand flies from Dunedin to the major centres of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
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