Top Things to do in Otago Region
Countries
Top 7 Scenic Drives in Otago Region, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Old Dunstan Road, The Castle Cruiser, Organ Pipes Track, Florence Hill Lookout, Unity Park Lookout, Isengard Lookout.
Restaurants in Otago Region
1. Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,928 reviews
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
2. Old Dunstan Road
3. The Castle Cruiser
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Dunedin's premier tour to Larnach Castle. A daily 4 hour tour $90A (5.5 hour tour on Cruise Ship Days from the Octagon @10:15AM or 6.5 hours Port Chalmers Pick-up/Return $105.00Adult/$55Child ages 5-14years @9.45AM) Transport is a luxury 13 leather seater bus -the "Eliza Jane"(named after Larnach's beloved first wife). Unlike our competitor/s we do not take groups larger than this to the castle (unless pre-booked as a larger group). Our aim is to make the experience as personal as possible. Group sizes greater than this make guiding through the castle far more difficult due to room sizes. In-depth commentary and a full history of the castle makes this tour well worthwhile especially when impressive and amazing views which the driver will invariably not be able to fully appreciate. Tour price includes transport, a city sights tour (stops at Larnach's Tomb/Baldwin Street - The World's Steepest Street/Otago University and the Railway Station) and all entrance fees to Castle and Gardens.
4. Organ Pipes Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Curious00208245326 - Cooroy, Australia
I started from the Mt Cargill road car park. As others have said, it’s a pretty tiny little carpark and can only really fit a few cars in on the side of a winding rural road. I don’t consider myself fit in any way, I can walk on flat ground all day with no issue but a couple of minutes uphill and I’m panting and red faced but I still made it up. Multiple quick, breath catching breaks and I made it up the steep incline in about 20 minutes. Well worn path with some steps along the way, mostly in the shade. There’s a series of steps exposed to the sun and then after this the climb is a lot more gentle. The path then forks with the left side heading to the pipes and the right continuing on Mt Cargill. This is well sign posted. I was then out of breath again for the climb up the fallen stones but that was pure fear hahahaha. It’s actually pretty easy to climb up the stones, just take it really slow and test where you’re putting your feet before weight bearing as some are a little loose. Excellent views over the peninsula await. All-in-all, a moderately difficult but relatively short walk that’s well worth the views.
5. Florence Hill Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
Take a few minutes to get off the main road and enjoy the awesome view from this lookout. There is an explanation board to read too.
6. Unity Park Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd launched upon a 1928 exploration of the South Pole from Dunedin. He was honored with the commemoration of a bust in 1967 which is here in Unity Park, a spot with panoramic views clear down to the Port City of Dunedin and across the central city. It is hard to imagine a more idyllic setting to play host to his famous bust. Every tour bus pulls up here to unload umpteen camera-clicking sightseers who may possibly overlook this famous man on their way to the scenic point. And what views there are! New Zealand has just about the most beautiful, breathtaking views on this planet.
7. Isengard Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By FGG-DXB - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Brilliant lookout with spectacular nature & colours, especially enjoyable by people who have watched the lord of the rings and can relate to the place. The white gravel on the river bed is absolutely amazing and adds to the beauty of the scenery. A camera with a good zoom is a must. Allow about half an hour for the drive and visit from Glenorchy.
