Vineyard, Central Otago  Tourism Central Otago

About Otago

The natural unassuming splendour of Otago is a major draw card. Inland, the rolling golden hills, textured with schist rock formations, resemble oil paintings; whilst the wild Otago coast is a haven for bird and marine life.

Otago Central Rail Trail

The region's best known visitor attraction is the Otago Central Rail Trail. The popular trail is a stunning 150km track that follows the old railway line between Middlemarch and Clyde.  This 3 to 5 day tadventure is purpose-built for mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders, and is a truly unforgettable experience. Read a travel story about the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Dunedin & Oamaru

Dunedin is Otago’s capital city.  Originally a Scottish settlement, Dunedin is rich in heritage and history.  Visit beautiful Larnach Castle or experience a taste of yesteryear at Olveston Historic Homestead.  One of New Zealand’s most prestigious universities – Otago University – is also found here, making Dunedin a decidedly youthful and vibrant southern city. View penguins, seals, dolphins and pelagic birds on a wildlife or eco tour departing from Dunedin.

Oamaru is another city located on the Otago coast. A Victorian-styled township with a proud history, Oamaru is known for its Little Blue and Yellow-Eyed Penguin colonies and the nearby Moeraki Boulders - a bizarre natural attraction formed around 60 million years ago.

Wanaka

The resort town of Wanaka is a relaxing alternative to its boisterous big brother - Queenstown. With access to numerous world class ski areas, a superb central lake, myriad hiking trails and plenty of family fun, Wanaka is a popular and laid-back vistor destination.

Cromwell & Alexandra

Cromwell and Alexandra are popular wine and fruit regions – enjoying long hot summers and crisp cool winters.  Stone fruit is a particular speciality and Cromwell’s giant fruit monument is a testament to the area's reliance on orcharding.

Maniototo - "Big Sky Country"

Further south, the country turns to farmland. Seemingly infinite in size, the Maniototo area is nicknamed “big sky country”, with heavens that look to stretch on forever.

Dotted with quaint rural towns, this area is especially fond of the winter pastime of curling – a regular winter feature at Naseby’s purpose-built ice rink.

 Hotel Room Inside Accommodation  © espensorvik via Flickr

Otago

Accommodation

Every type of accommodation is on offer in Otago, from big city hotels to coastal B&Bs, affordable family motel and apartment accommodation.

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Roy Sinclair

Otago

Activities

The region offers plenty of activity options, from the adrenaline rush of Queenstown, to museums and art galleries in Dunedin. 

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