10 TOP Things to Do in Otago (2026 Activity Guide)

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.

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Top places to visit

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain 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. 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.

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A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

7. 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.

8. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.

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A lake surrounded by mountains with a winding road.

What to do in Otago

Stay near popular Otago attractions

Lake Wānaka

9.4/10 (957 reviews)

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

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Where to stay in Otago

Find the best Otago areas and neighborhoods 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 lake views, and you can plan a trip to Remarkables Park Town Centre and Lake Wakatipu while you're in town.

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

Dunedin City Centre

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Grand Casino and The Octagon while you're in town.

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 neighborhood.

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

Goldfield Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.