What to do in Otago
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Otago
Activities
Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise
NZ$175
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
NZ$48
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
NZ$119
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
NZ$79
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
NZ$159
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
NZ$219
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
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Top places to visit
1. Skyline Queenstown
For nearly five decades, visitors have been ascending Bob’s Peak to enjoy the stunning views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It's all thanks to the Skyline Gondola, which takes you across the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car line. As well as its panoramic views, the car also connects you to the mountain biking and hiking trails as well as the paragliding spots on the mountain.
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2. Lake Wānaka
Stroll past cascading waterfalls and view towering glaciers at Lake Wanaka. Cruise across the tranquil, dark water and unwind in the sun on empty lakeside beaches.
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3. Queenstown Gardens
Dating all the way back to 1867, the Queenstown Gardens are a peaceful haven away from the thriving city. They are home to heritage-listed trees and boast captivating views of The Remarkables mountain range. Situated out on the outskirts of Queenstown on a small peninsula on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, the area the place to head to for an idyllic respite.
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4. The Remarkables Ski Area
Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.
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5. Coronet Peak Ski Area
Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.
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6. Cardrona Alpine Resort
When the air is crisp and the snow fresh, Cardona Alpine Resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. On-mountain accommodation will put you close to the action, letting you ski or snowboard right out onto its 850 acres (3.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain. Test out the nursery slopes, practice flips, spins and slides in the four terrain parks, or tackle the challenging backcountry runs.
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7. The Octagon
Visit The Octagon to admire the superb cathedral and Victorian town hall, relax with a coffee at one of many open-air cafés or lie on the lawns and escape the busy city streets. Dunedin’s eight-sided central plaza is the ideal first port of call on your tour of the city.
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8. Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.
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What to do in Otago
Stay near popular Otago attractions
Our guide on where to stay in Otago
Find the best Otago areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otago
Learn more about Otago
Queenstown City Centre
The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.
Photo by Where Adventures Be
Open Photo by Where Adventures Be
Frankton
Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.
Dunedin City Centre
Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Toitu Otago Settlers Museum or Grand Casino.
Fernhill
Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighbourhood.
Goldfield Heights
Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.
Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.
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