Otago Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Otago

A coastal town with a lake, mountains in the background, and a small island.

A crowded lakeside with people relaxing and a boat on the water, surrounded by mountains and dense trees.

A cable car system over a lake with a town below.

A man standing in clear shallow water with a mountainous landscape in the background.

A lakeside town with dense forests and modern buildings.

Things to do

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

RM186

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

RM113

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

RM412

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Queenstown: Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options

Minus 5 ICE BAR - Queenstown’s Original Ice Bar Experience

RM118

per adult

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

RM278

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

RM846

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

RM371

per adult

84% of travellers recommend

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

RM511

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

RM481

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. Skyline Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the crest of Bob's Peak since 1967. Jump on board the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere and find yourself whisked up the side of the mountain for the perfect view of Queenstown and the magnificent surrounding landscape. Bob's Peak is also a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and especially paragliding.

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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

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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A calm lake with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

3. 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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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain backdrop.

4. 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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A skier in mid-air performing a jump on a snowy slope with a mountainous backdrop.

5. 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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A snowy ski resort with a red and white building labeled "Guest Services" and a yellow building with "Snow Sports HQ" signage.

6. Queenstown Gardens

If you go to the outskirts of Queenstown you will find a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu which is home to the splendid Queenstown Gardens. Since 1867, this tranquil retreat has been a peaceful counterweight to the town’s busy streets. Visit the gardens to see heritage-listed trees and a number of other native and foreign species of flower, shrubs and plants. The first trees in the garden – mighty English oaks – were planted by the mayor of Queenstown in 1866 and the area’s most prominent tree species, the Douglas fir, was introduced here during the 19th and 20th centuries.

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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

What to do in Otago

Stay near popular Otago attractions

Skyline Queenstown

9.2/10 (3,768 reviews)

Experience one of the world's steepest cable-car journeys and enjoy stunning views from Bob's Peak across Queenstown and the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

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Where to stay in Otago

Find the best Otago areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otago

A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

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.

A small aircraft parked on a tarmac with a mountainous landscape in the background.

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.

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A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

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 Regent Theatre or Grand Casino.

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A coastal town with a lake, mountains, and houses.

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.

A coastal town with a bay, mountains, and a clear sky.

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.