Otago is home to some of the greatest wildlife experiences in the country. Here you can get incredibly close to endangered yellow-eyed penguins, as well as see hundreds of little blue penguins congregate and waddle to their nests every evening. Add in Dunedin - one of New Zealand’s best cities - and you have an area that is full of surprises.

Quick Summary

Otago travel guide
  • Top Tip: Visit Kaitiki Lighthouse before sunset for one of New Zealand’s greatest wildlife experiences.

  • When to go: The coast of Otago is surprisingly mild in the winter and warm in the summer. Otago has the type of beaches you’d expect to see in Bali, not the South Island of New Zealand!

    In the mountains, the winters can get pretty cold, with warm summers. We loved visiting in the winter, but the summer is a better time to experience all that Otago has to offer.

    • Peak Season: December - February.

    • Off Season: June - August.


Best of Otago