Top Things to do in Otago Region
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5 Things to Do in Otago Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Otago Central Rail Trail, Glenorchy Animal Experience, Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.
Restaurants in Otago Region
1. Otago Central Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 878 reviews
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 familyoz_10 - Melbourne, Australia
I rode this trail over 4 days Clyde to Middlemarch. We booked through Cycle Surgery and were really happy with everything. You do need to book ahead as this is a very popular ride and the accommodation gets booked out. We stayed at Antique Lodge (Clyde) Mandy's Accommodation (Omakau), Wedderburn Cottages, and The Hyde School. All the accommodation was great and the cafes and taverns along the ride had good quality food. If I was to do the ride again, I would do the curling in Naseby (everyone we spoke to thought that was worth it) and take the scenic train from Middlemarch to Dunendin and fly home from there. We are reasonably fit, aged between mid 40s - 60s, and found the day ride between Omakau and Wedderburn challenging as it is about 40kms uphill (mostly a slight gradient, but with the ride's second steepest at the end) on a thick gravel that offers some resistance. Take that day slowly! Other than that, all was pretty easy to navigate.
2. Glenorchy Animal Experience
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
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 2pm. Souvenir Shop on site.
Reviewed By quicks1lver - Sydney, Australia
Great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. The animals all had interesting personalities and were so much fun to interact with. The surrounding views on a good weather day were just the icing on the cake. Staff were very friendly and made you feel at home. You could feel their love for the animals, countryside and respect for the environment. We were allowed to re-visit anytime throughout the day and so we returned later to watch the sheep shearing show which was very informative.
3. Lake Wakatipu
Overall Ratings
5 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By Gordy838 - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom
We drove up to Glenorchy today as well as running jet bikes along some of the lake. It's just gorgeous from any angle or view, including gondolas and whatever the place is up the top with the Luge.
4. Lake Wanaka
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Natasha C
Had 4 mains , seafood chowder, had way to many mussels, if i wanted a mussel chowder would of asked for one, the vension rack was only really blued and potatoes were undercooked, 2 salmon meal were overcooked, told 2 different staff members and they did not care. We are locals to central and had these meals before which were good , quality check in kitchen is lacking.
5. Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a museum of social history dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area, whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion and transport shaped New Zealand’s first great city.Its fourteen themed galleries feature interactive displays and powerful narratives tracing the human history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the most recent arrivals.Captivating Exhibitions are complemented by an on site shop and café. A well-equipped research centre and archive is available for those interested in genealogy and other aspects of local history.
Reviewed By Mark H - Dunedin
This is a great little museum, and like the Otago Museum it is free to visit. Highly recommended. Make sure you visit the adjacent Railway station (consider a trip of the train if you have time), and the adjacent Chinese garden (this does have a small entrance fee).
