Otago

Otago is the second most southerly region of the country, and one of the most diverse. Its 32,000 square kilometres encompasses mountainous regions and vast open plains, glacier-fed rivers and deserted sandy beaches.

Nestled near the bottom of the South Island, Otago has a traditional farming heritage plus many little-known natural and historic treasures. Where else can you walk among wild seals, visit a life-sized but miniature castle, kayak through semi-submersed caves, or jet boat down rock-strewn rivers? Otago has it all – accessible wildlife, adventure tourism, world class vineyards and restaurants, historic sites, deserted white sandy beaches and vistas of staggering beauty.

Otago has a number of areas worth visiting, each with its own personality and each different from the last.

Dunedin is the region’s only city (population 124,000). It lies at the head of picturesque Otago Harbour on one side and looks out over the Pacific Ocean on the other. It is surrounded by hills which are the remnants of an extinct volcano. A hive of activity during the academic year, it is the most southerly port of call for cruise ships visiting New Zealand.

Queenstown is the tourist mecca of the South Island and a must-see destination for all visitors to New Zealand. Sited on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the town is surrounded by snow-clad mountains in winter while in summer water sports are popular. There are a number of fabulous resorts and golf courses in the area, plus sufficient adventure tourism activities for the most die-hard adventurer.