10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Otago Region That You Shouldn't Miss

February 6, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Indoor Curling Rink, Otago Central Rail Trail, Nugget Point/Tokata Walks, Clutha Gold Trail, Maori Point Vineyard, Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Cardrona Distillery, Wildwire Wanaka, Glenorchy Animal Experience, Whitestone City.
Restaurants in Otago Region

1. Indoor Curling Rink

1057 Channel Rd, Naseby 9396 New Zealand +64 3-444 9878 [email protected] http://www.curling.co.nz
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 220 reviews

Indoor Curling Rink

Indoor Curling is a lot easier than you may think! Bring your friends and family and come along to the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere! Rink is heated - but have a warm top. Options for all ages/abilities. Lounge/bar - viewing area. Flat shoes (runners) ie :no jandals/sandals/heels. Great fun for all!

Reviewed By AliD1956 - Auckland, New Zealand

This is such a fun activity especially if you are with a group doing the Otago Rail Trail...They give you full instructions and then you can experience a fun game...would highly recommend it especially for groups.

2. Otago Central Rail Trail

Alexandra, 9340 New Zealand +64 3-447 3271 [email protected] https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,149 reviews

Otago Central Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand's Original Great Ride. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable Central Otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet never far from the next town. Whether you start from Clyde or Middlemarch, the wide easy gradient is suitable for riders, walkers and cyclists of all ages. You may choose to go solo, or share the experience with friends, either way it's a trail of discovery best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Discover historic villages, enjoy local food and drink and the famous southern hospitality. As you travel through this untamed natural environment there is plenty to explore on and off the trail. Don't miss this 'must do' experience.

Reviewed By talloaks1

We completed the Otago rail trail at the beginning of this week starting in Clyde and ending in Middlemarch. We had an awesome tour operator Nick, who went above and beyond and organised awesome accommodation including his own home, a well appointed home near St Bathans. We loved the whole experience including curling in Naseby. Highly recommend, especially on an E - bike for this 58 year old!

3. Nugget Point/Tokata Walks

Esplanade Road Catlins coastal area, Balclutha New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c189586b7b3d418cb04703aadabec434.aspx
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 330 reviews

Nugget Point/Tokata Walks

Reviewed By jackmA3797TF - Brussels, Belgium

Going to Nugget Point Lighthouse added an extra 70 kms to our trip but this was definitely worth it. The winding road leading there was nice to drive, with the foggy ambience building up along the way. And after a 15 minutes walk, arriving at the lighthouse revealed a beautiful scene, quite picturesque. The rugged coast, the mini-archipelago ("the nuggets"), the immense and wild Pacific Ocean and the crushing waves below all make for a great moment. Conclusion: a truly beautiful spot of the Catlins Coast.

4. Clutha Gold Trail

120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh 9500 New Zealand +64 3-446 8920 [email protected] http://www.cluthagold.co.nz
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 100 reviews

Clutha Gold Trail

The Clutha Gold Trail is one of the ‘Great Rides’ of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail. Open year-round, this smooth, wide, well-formed trail over undulating, flat and meandering terrain requires moderate fitness. Whether you walk or ride, the trail offers a unique heritage experience in a diverse and stunning landscape - a journey of discovery around every corner.

Reviewed By Kiwibird248 - Christchurch, New Zealand

This trail has a different character to the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Otago Rail Trail. The first section from the Roxburgh Dam is beside the river. Millers Flat is a lovely place to stop for refreshments. In the following section from Millers Flat to Beaumont it is worth taking the time to visit the bridge at Horseshoe Bend. And, prior to Lawrence the Big Hill Tunnel is fun to ride through. It is a pleasant and peaceful trail on a well-maintained track.

5. Maori Point Vineyard

413 Maori Point Rd, Tarras 9347 New Zealand +64 3-428 8842 [email protected] http://www.maoripoint.co.nz
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Maori Point Vineyard

The tasting room will be open again from 1 June. Until then, you are welcome call us to make an appointment to visit. Wine tasting, riverbank walks. Māori Point is a family-run vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand, specialising in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Visitors are welcome at the tasting room, or to picnic down at the riverbank. https://maoripoint.co.nz/pages/find-us

Reviewed By 873thiagob - Cromwell, New Zealand

Thank you Matt so much for a lovely afternoon we had at Maori Point. We were blown away by your fantastic approach to wine, land and the relaxed experience you provided us with. I cant believe we have not visited you before but certainly we will come back for more Rose, Pinot and everything else...Maori Point is a must visit while in Central Otago. Cant wait to visit again.

6. Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Mount Creighton New Zealand
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,928 reviews

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

Reviewed By Vulcan90049 - Nambucca Heads, Australia

Wonderful drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy,, Great road and Fantastic views along the way,,, lovely little town ship. Well worth the trip

7. Cardrona Distillery

2125 Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona 9382 New Zealand +64 3-443 1393 [email protected] http://www.cardronadistillery.com
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 239 reviews

Cardrona Distillery

We are a small craft distillery nestled in the beautiful Cardrona valley . We produce traditional hand made spirits from malted barley, the time honoured way. We welcome you to come and visit us for a guided tour and tastings so we can share our traditionally spirit making methods with you. We are open daily from 9.30am to 5pm with tours every hour from 10am to 3pm. We also run a Family Reserve Tour, from Tuesday - Friday from 10am-1pm. We have a delicious locally sourced food menu, which changes daily, book here to secure a table on the day you plan to visit

Reviewed By hungry_traveller_94 - Auckland, New Zealand

My partner and I really enjoyed this beautiful tour. Not only is the location stunning, the people here are local hard working and passionate owners. The knowledge and experience really shows in their produce. Their Vodka (single malt) is one of only four of its kind in the world and currently ranked number 1! They have a top shelf single malt whiskey called “just hatched” which has captured our taste buds. The source Gin is a fav amongst our family members and a must buy. Highly recommend visiting Cardrona Distillery even if you’re not interested in the process, the tour itself is enough to entertain.

8. Wildwire Wanaka

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 965 reviews

Wildwire Wanaka

Climb the highest waterfall cable climb in the world. Choose your level from introductory to advanced. Our tours are suitable for beginners, families and experienced explorers. We have 3 levels to cater for your adventure and adrenaline level. Starting in Wanaka we drive in our van to the waterfall, your guide will provide safety equipment and training. There are swing bridges, airy climbing ladders and hidden pools beneath towering falls. The views to the surrounding mountains and lakes are breathtaking. If you can climb a ladder, you can do it!

9. Glenorchy Animal Experience

Glenorchy-Paradise Rd Rapid 225, Glenorchy 9350 New Zealand +64 21 252 7753 [email protected] http://www.glenorchyanimalexperience.co.nz
Excellent
91%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 322 reviews

Glenorchy Animal Experience

Glenorchy Animal Experience is situated on a terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. Come and pat, feed, photograph and interact with our many friendly farm animals. From alpaca to Pablo the donkey: something for everyone and suitable for all ages. Daily shearing demonstrations at 2.30pm during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. No Shearing during winter. Souvenir Shop on site.

Reviewed By claires870 - Brisbane, Australia

Got a bag of feed and to begin with the farm to myself! I got treated to cuddles with a baby lamb after their feed ???? Alpacas, llamas, naughty goats, kune kune pigs, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits Frank the horse Daisy the cow Pablo the donkey Plus Doggos Everyone was super friendly & welcoming! The setting is amazing and who doesn’t want to pet & feed super cute animals?!

10. Whitestone City

12 Harbour Street, Oamaru 9400 New Zealand +64 21 944 561 http://www.whitestonecity.com
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 144 reviews

Whitestone City

Learn about our history by taking part in it. Take a tour of the visual tale of our town from the rough-sawn Whitestone beginnings to the polished and finely worked grandeur of our facades that still exist today. Partake of Victorian pastimes or boldly go beyond the curtains to encounter our colourful past. Leisurely repose oneself in the sumptuous surrounds of our parlour.

Reviewed By 13Sue - Auckland, New Zealand

My daughter and I decided to do the Grand tour in Whitestone city. This involved getting dressed up in victorian clothing and being guided around the building by Sandy who provided us with some interesting history of Oamaru as well as snapping photographs of us on our phones. Sandy was very passionate about Oamaru and the history of the area and she spent time ensuring we looked the part which we certainly did! We even attracted a bit of attention as we had our photos taken outside. I loved how we could touch things as we walked around and they even had a Penny Farthing carrousel. I would highly recommend this to dress up fans and history buffs, even those who arent would enjoy this I'm sure. Suitable for all ages.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.