Things to do in Otago

Activities, attractions and tours

Otago showing a small town or village, a lake or waterhole and mountains
Otago showing a small town or village, a lake or waterhole and mountains
Otago featuring a lake or waterhole, forests and mountains
Skyline Gondola showing a small town or village, a lake or waterhole and a gondola
Lake Hawea showing a lake or waterhole, a pebble beach and mountains
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. 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.
Learn more
Coronet Peak Ski Area showing snow skiing as well as a small group of people

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.
Learn more
Lake Wanaka showing a lake or waterhole and a sunset

3. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
Learn more
Queenstown Gardens which includes a bridge and a pond

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.
Learn more
The Remarkables Ski Area featuring snow and a gondola as well as a small group of people

5. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
Learn more
Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

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.
Learn more
Cardrona Alpine Resort

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.
Learn more
The Octagon showing a statue or sculpture, a church or cathedral and an administrative buidling

What to do in Otago

Popular places to visit

Coronet Peak Ski Area which includes snow and snow skiing

Coronet Peak Ski Area

A variety of slopes for all abilities and some excellent après-ski options are on offer at this ski field just minutes from central Queenstown.

Coronet Peak Ski Area
Lake Wanaka which includes a sandy beach, landscape views and a lake or waterhole

Lake Wānaka

Enjoy gorgeous hiking trails and deserted beaches at this pristine lake with the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps.

Lake Wānaka
Our wee #Hogwarts here in #Dunedin. All we need are wands and school robes, then magic is for real.

University of Otago

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Otago during your trip to Dunedin. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its charming cafes.

University of Otago
Queenstown Gardens showing forest scenes

Queenstown Gardens

Play a round of disc golf, or join a touch-rugby match at these historic botanic gardens on the banks of Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Gardens
The Remarkables Ski Area featuring snow and a gondola as well as a small group of people

The Remarkables Ski Area

Skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of inviting slopes at this ski mountain, known for being one of New Zealand’s best venues for freestyle snow riding.

The Remarkables Ski Area
Skyline Gondola which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

Skyline Queenstown

Take one of the world’s steepest cable-car rides to the top of picturesque Bob’s Peak for views across Lake Wakatipu and beyond.

Skyline Queenstown
Cardrona Alpine Resort which includes snow and mountains

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Take lessons on the baby slopes, tear up fresh power at a higher elevation or attempt daring stunts in the terrain parks at this popular mountain resort.

Cardrona Alpine Resort
The Octagon showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a large group of people

The Octagon

Dunedin’s city center combines some of the city’s finest historic buildings with serene parkland and relaxed cafés.

The Octagon
Lake Wakatipu featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains

Lake Wakatipu

A great location for water sports, New Zealand’s third-largest lake is an impressive natural landmark framed by soaring mountains and encircled by walking trails.

Lake Wakatipu

Areas of Otago

Queenstown Beach which includes skydiving, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village

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.

Queenstown City Centre
Frankton featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Frankton
Dunedin which includes a garden, a pond and heritage elements

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

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 Grand Casino or The Octagon.

Dunedin City Centre
Queenstown View on a Sunny Day in New Zealand

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.

Goldfield Heights
Queenstown featuring a sunset, a river or creek and mountains

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.

Fernhill
These piers are all that is left of a sea wall which has long since disappeared. They are located at the western end of a long sandy beach, close to shops and cafes, and a salt water swimming pool

St. Clair

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to St. Clair. A stop by St. Clair Beach or St. Clair Golf Club might round out your trip.

St. Clair
Lake Hawea showing mountains and a lake or waterhole

Wānaka

Oamaru featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Oamaru

A Trio of Bicycles parked up in Old Cromwell (Otago, NZ)

Cromwell

Glenorchy which includes a pebble beach, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes

Glenorchy

Nugget Point Lighthouse showing mist or fog, a lighthouse and a bay or harbour

Kaka Point

Purakaunui Falls showing forest scenes, a river or creek and a waterfall

Owaka

Explore a world of travel with Expedia