What to do in Otakou

Activities, attractions and tours

A stained glass window with religious figures, a wooden altar, and patterned wall panels.
A stone pathway flanked by lush green foliage and red railings leading to a building with an orange facade.
A red and white building with a sloped roof, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A red brick house with a clock tower, surrounded by lush greenery.
A church interior with wooden pews, stained glass windows, and decorative ceiling patterns.

Places to Visit in Otakou

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Otakou, Otago while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Otakou attractions from NZ$16, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Otakou tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 29 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Otakou. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

NZ$48
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
See wild penguins just metres away !

Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

NZ$55
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

NZ$70
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

NZ$169
per adult
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

NZ$289
per adult
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion
Mainland Peninsula Tour

Mainland Peninsula Tour

NZ$314
per adult
Mainland Peninsula Tour
Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour

Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour

NZ$21
per traveller
Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour
Emerson's Brewery Tour

Emerson's Brewery Tour

NZ$40
per adult
Emerson's Brewery Tour
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

NZ$265
per adult
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
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Top places to visit

1. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
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A large building with a tower, a fountain in the middle of a circular lawn, and trees around.

2. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
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A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.

3. 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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A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

4. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
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A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

5. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
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A pink bottlebrush flower amidst green foliage.

6. Otago Museum

Study a display of indigenous artefacts that includes a 19th-century canoe and fine woodcarvings at the excellent Otago Museum. Stand beside the skeleton of a huge fin whale and stroll around a living rainforest complete with colourful birds and butterflies.
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The Otago Museum building with a sign for the Bugs exhibition.

7. Royal Albatross Centre

Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the world’s only mainland royal albatross breeding colony, and marvel at these giant birds as they soar above the wild Pacific Ocean. See penguins and sea lions on the beaches around the centre and check out Fort Taiaroa to find out why this location played such an important role in the nation’s history.
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A coastal cliff with waves crashing against it, surrounded by green vegetation.

Recommended things to do in Otakou

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Port Chalmers: A Self-Guided Tour around Otago’s Historic Seaport: NZ$16
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Otakou

Stay near popular Otakou attractions

Otakou Marae

You can learn about the history of Otakou with a visit to Otakou Marae. While in this walkable area, you can savour the lively bars.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Otakou worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Otakou. Be sure to experience the area's mix of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Otakou?
Begin your day with a visit to Warrington Beach and Penguin Place. Then, explore other areas of Otakou for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Otakou?
The top tourist attraction in Otakou is Warrington Beach, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Otakou?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city highlights, including Penguin Place, Allans Beach and Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. The average stay in Otakou is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Dunedin isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Otakou with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all of your group, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Otakou with kids.

What to do in Otakou for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Otakou for adults.
Are there free things to do in Otakou?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Otakou is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Allans Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.