Search Activities & Tours:

Things to Do in Otago New Zealand

Things to Do in Dunedin  ::  Things to Do in Oamaru & Northern Otago  ::  Things to Do in Central Otago

Things to Do in Otago New Zealand: Otago offers a blend of natural and human heritage; world-class wildlife encounters on the coast and beautiful historic architecture in the towns and cities.

Things to Do in Otago New Zealand

This is a region of remarkable natural beauty overlaid with a fascinating cultural history. Rich with elegant historic architecture, this region is the perfect place to explore New Zealand’s colorful heritage. Yet this is only part of the story.

Historic architecture forms an unforgettable backdrop to a vibrant modern culture, known for its artists and designers, and world-renowned wildlife experiences in a stunningly rugged landscape.

Destinations in the Otago Region

Dunedin

The main city of Otago is famous for its heritage architecture and wildlife.

Oamaru

Known for colonial whitestone architecture and Blue Penguins.

Moeraki

The fishing village is known for its huge boulders.

Portobello

A tiny village on the Otago Peninsula.

Alexandra

The commercial centre of Central Otago, rich with gold-mining history.

Cromwell

Famous for summertime stone fruits and its recreated ‘Old Town’.

Ranfurly

Rural Art Deco oasis and the main town of the Maniototo.

Naseby

The base for wintertime curling competitions.

Middlemarch

Conclusion of the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Taieri Gorge Railway.

 

https://www.instagram.com/nztourism/

Things to Do in the Otago Region

Listing view

Cadbury World Tour Dunedin

[wonderplugin_gallery id="134"]

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

The Cadbury World tour is a chocolate lover’s dream that overwhelms the senses! As you enter the factory, the enticing scent of Jaffas, Turkish Delight, or cocoa welcomes you in. But that’s nothing compared to the all-encompassing chocolate scent wafting through the kitchen. Not only will your nose be working overtime, but with hundreds of buttons being made as you walk by, thousands of Roses being packaged, and one tonne of melted chocolate cascading down five stories, your eyes will also have a feast to gaze upon. But don’t worry, your taste buds will have their chance too! In addition to receiving a bag full of samples, you’ll have the pure liquid joy of tasting melted, still-warm chocolate.

Cadbury Factory Site Location

Cadbury World is located in the center of Dunedin at the Cadbury factory site. The Visitor Centre is a colorful and educational environment with chocolate-themed displays where y....
Read more about Cadbury World Tour Dunedin

Dunedin City Sightseeing Tour

 

Explore Dunedin's most interesting sites and get a real taste of what the city has to offer. We show you student culture, local history, rampaging Jaffas and other generally amazing incidents ... Scope out the city's main attractions, landmarks & culture. Discover Dunedin's unique place in the history of New Zealand. Tour duration: 3 - 4 hours, bookings essential....
Read more about Dunedin City Sightseeing Tour

Larnach Castle Tour, Dunedin

 

Bottom Bus provide a scheduled coach service and fully guided tour to Larnach Castle twice daily (except Christmas Day). This service leaves the Dunedin Visitor Centre (in the Octagon) at 9am and 3.00pm. Arrangements can be made to be picked up from and returned to your accommodation on request. A full commentary of local landmarks is given on the journey to the Castle. New Zealand's only Castle. Unique architecture, a Neo-Gothic Castle with Colonial veranda. Fascinating history, of William Larnach, his three wives, his career in politics and banking, and his eventual scandalous suicide. Castle's history, periods of neglect, abandonment and restoration Ghostly presence. Magnificent carved ceilings carved by the best European craftsmen. Breathtaking views from the Tower, 360° Views of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, Harbour & Pacific Ocean. Antiques, a superb collection of New Zealand antiques, includi....
Read more about Larnach Castle Tour, Dunedin

Penguin and Seal Tour

[wonderplugin_gallery id="137"]

 

Travel on an 8-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle for an exhilarating cross country tour. First stop is the mythical "Maori's Footprint" location which offers 720-degree panoramic views (because you will look around twice). Descending from 189 meters above sea level, we stop during the nesting season at a breeding colony of Cormorants (Spotted Shag) nestled on a rugged cliff face rising from the crashing Pacific below. Continuing on we arrive at a hide for a very close encounter with a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and their pups basking on the rocks and swimming in natural pools in front of you. From here a beach-front ride takes us to a covered, all weather track leading down a purpose built hide on Penguin Beach to view little blue penguins in their nests (in season) and spot the rare and shy yellow eyed penguin in the nest or on the beach any time of the day. Then return to the highest point of the farm, 201 ....
Read more about Penguin and Seal Tour

Royal Albatross Centre Tour Dunedin

[wonderplugin_gallery id="181"] The Royal Albatross Centre is situated at the foot of Taiaroa Head in Ōtepoti (Dunedin) and is perfectly integrated with its surroundings. When you enter the foyer, you will be greeted by a carved pole called Poutokomanawa, which tells the story of the Māori people of the headland. Your guide will provide an introduction to the Northern Royal Albatross, while the story of these magnificent birds is narrated by Natural History New Zealand. A short walk from the Royal Albatross Centre will take you to the Observatory, where you can witness the greatest of all seabirds. In addition, you can visit the McMillan Gallery to learn more about the history and wildlife of the area. Don't forget to stop by the Toroa Café for a snack or meal, and browse the Toroa Giftshop for a memento to remember the day you met the Royals of Taiaroa! Experience a tour of the various features of Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head, an area that's unique in the world for the....
Read more about Royal Albatross Centre Tour Dunedin

Speights Brewery Tour

 

Still on the same site it has occupied since 1876, Speight’s Brewery has become on of Dunedin and Otago’s biggest icons. Not just the “Pride of the South”, the Speight’s brand is one of New Zealand’s most loved beers. The Speight’s Brewery Tour is an award winning interactive and informative tour guided tour through an historic working brewery. You’ll see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients which go into making Speight’s beers and discover how Speight’s became a legend in the south. Learn about the antiquity of beer in Babylonian times, through to the introduction of beer in New Zealand and then the history of Speight’s Brewery, before entering the brewery itself to learn about our unique brewing process. No tour would be complete without sampling the fine product. Welcome to our brewery bar where you can pour your own and you will enjoy an appreciation session of six Speight�....
Read more about Speights Brewery Tour

Taieri Gorge Railway

[wonderplugin_gallery id="135"] Taieri Gorge Railway: Afternoon journey Dunedin/Pukerangi/Dunedin - The Taieri Gorge Limited train is Dunedin's prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station. Departing daily (seats are limited on Christmas day) it takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. With full commentary, photographic stops, and onboard refreshments the train offers year-round, all-weather entertainment. You can make the return journey to Pukerangi, or Middlemarch, or use the train as the one leg of your journey to or from Queenstown and Central Otago on our connecting 'Track & Trail' coach. Ask your Kiwiway consultant for more details.

Taieri Gorge Railway Summer Timetable 2024

FavoriteLoadingAdd to Wishlist
Read more about Taieri Gorge Railway

TAILOR MADE TOURS

We offer you the flexibility to either choose from our existing itineraries or create your own itinerary based on your preferences, requirements, and travel dates. To begin, just get in touch with us and receive your personalized itinerary within 48 hours.

Tailor-made Tour Inquiry Form >>

CUSTOM PRIVATE TOURS NZ

You can upgrade your itinerary by taking a private car and an English-speaking driver/guide for the entire itinerary.

TOURS FOR LARGE GROUPS

Looking for a personalized New Zealand tour for a group of 10 or more people? Contact us for a competitive price quote. We specialize in creating unique itineraries that inspire groups.

Group Tour Inquiry Form >>