South Island South Coast
OTAGO is a region of New Zealand in the south-east of the South Island. Major centres include Dunedin (the Central City of the Region), Oamaru, Balclutha, Alexandra, and the major tourist centres Queenstown and Wanaka. New Zealand's first university, The University of Otago, was founded in 1869 as the provincial university in Dunedin.
The Southern Lakes and Queenstown is the most attractive Holiday Destination in New Zealand. The Southern Lakes area is the highlight of any trip to the South Island of New Zealand. Central Otago is the only region in New Zealand to experience a continental climate, having the hottest summers and coldest winters in New Zealand. The Central Otago area produces award winning wines made from varieties such as the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Riesling grapes. Central Otago has an increasing reputation as New Zealand's leading pinot noir region. The towns of Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Roxburgh, Middlemarch and Ranfurly are ideal bases from which to explore the surrounding historic countryside. A short drive north up the coast from Dunedin is North Otago. The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River north of Oamaru to the mighty Clutha River south of Dunedin. The South Otago area is naturally beautifully. A white sandy coastline stretches out into the distance surrounded by forests, rivers and wildlife.
Wanaka - Wanaka is a breath of fresh air. The friendly township majestically rests at the edge of Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring national park. A unique combination of adventure and leisure is at your fingertips. Wanaka is only minutes away from 3 major ski resorts. If you're keen on fishing, the lakes and rivers around Wanaka are home to Brown and Rainbow Trout. Hikers love the close access to Mt Aspiring national park, where there are short and long walks available. If you are into wine, Wanaka is surrounded by some of New Zealand's finest vineyards. The town also boasts its own world class maze and is host to Warbirds over Wanaka, an annual aero spectacular. See some of the most famous warbirds in the world join forces with the classic aircraft of yesteryear and the modern jets of today to present a veritable feast of aviation attractions. On the ground, a variety of military vehicles, vintage machinery, Classic Fire Engines and an aviation trade expo. Air New Zealand flys direct to Wanaka from Christchurch.
Accommodation in Wanaka includes hotels, luxury resorts, apartments and cottages, as well as more modest self-catering motels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and holiday parks. Backpackers' lodges and youth hostels with budget accommodation in Lake Wanaka.
Arrowtown - The discovery of gold in the Arrow River drove a rush of settlers to establish settlements close by. Arrowtown was first established as Foxes in 1862. Today Arrowtown is a popular historic town and a showcase of New Zealands gold mining history. This may be a small little town but there is plenty to do here. There are world class golf courses for those keen on a round. If you not keen to hit a ball then there's a large variety of walking tracks and treks to historic sights around the town. Maybe you could try your luck and pan for some gold in the river. At the end of the day you can relax in front of the fire in one of Arrowtowns local pubs or restaurants. Stay in an Arrowtown Motel while exploring this region. A hop skip and a jump and you are skiing, leaping off the bungy, or in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Accommodation in Arrowtown includes hotels, luxury resorts, apartments and cottages, as well as more modest self-catering motels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and holiday parks. Backpacker lodges and youth hostels with budget accommodation in Arrowtown New Zealand.
Queenstown - The internationally famous resort town of Queenstown rests beside Lake Wakatipu at the foot of the Remarkable Ranges. A more scenic location would be difficult to find. Queenstown is treasured for its ability to provide year-round outdoor entertainment – in winter the town is busy with snow sport enthusiasts, but with two ski fields close at hand there's plenty of room for everyone. In Queenstown there is numerous accommodation options for all types of visitors. Some of New Zealand's most exclusive luxury lodges, boutique hotels, apartments and resorts in located in Queenstown or nearby. As the 'Adventure Capital of the world', Queenstown is an exciting area to visit during any season with many activities to tempt everyone from extreme adventure to family outings, fine dining, late night shopping or just sitting back in one of the many stylish cafe's to watch the world go by.
Queenstown's four distinctive seasons feature long summer twilights (December-March) and brilliant autumn colours (April-May), some of the world's best skiing and snowboarding conditions in winter and early spring (June-September). Accomodation in Queenstown includes hotels, luxury resorts, apartments and cottages, as well as more modest self-catering motels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and holiday parks. Backpacker lodges and youth hostels with budget accommodation in Queenstown.
Glenorchy - Situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu, just a short scenic drive from Queenstown (approx a 40 minute drive from Queenstown), lies the peaceful retreat of Glenorchy. Here you'll find Glenorchy Hotel, a classic kiwi country style hotel offering good, old fashioned, relaxed hospitality. If you're staying in Glenorchy or on your way to or from one of the many walking tracks, Glenorchy offers a range of comfortable accommodation and bed and breakfast accommodation. Glenorchy offers a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions, as well as being one of the locations for filming of the 'Lord of the Rings' movie.
Cromwell - Welcome to Middle Earth, come and experience the wide open spaces, expansive mountain views and rich history that Cromwell and Central Otago has to offer. Cromwell offers a wide range of sightseeing, sporting and adventure activities. Located less than an hours drive from Queenstown, Wanaka and Alexandra, it is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful southern lakes region and the historic Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail. Take a break, base yourself in Cromwell - less than 45 minutes drive to Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka and Alexandra. Sample some of Central Otago's delicious summer fruit (apricots, cherries, peaches and apples, to name a few), see the area's spectacular scenery, walk the many interesting walks - alongside the lake or through the historic gold mining countryside, enjoy the fantastic autumn colours, visit the many vineyards, take a thrilling jet boat ride, swim, boat and fish in Lake Dunstan, visit the local gold mining centre, or slope off to the Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Treble Cone and Cadrona ski fields.
Oamaru is on the coast of Rural North Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. The Town is famous for its superb limestone buildings, coastal wildlife and the coastal walks. The Art Gallery Museum, Historical Precinct (with its fully renovated Victorian hotel, the Criterion) and the Magnificent Catholic Cathedral are also worth visiting. There is fishing in the Waitaki River or the nearby Waitaki Valley Lakes, where jet boating, boating, sailing and water skiing are all available recreations. Snow skiing in the winter season is within easy reach of Oamaru.
The town celebrates a proud Victorian heritage, participating in full costume activities, including a procession of penny farthings down the main street, followed by a procession of red-coated military looking personnel and ladies in elegant attire, dressed from another time, yet fittingly suited to the surroundings.
Oamaru is well known for its colony of little blue and yellow-eyed penguins, which is within walking distance of the town centre. The yellow-eyed penguins are among the world's most rare penguin species.
There is a great selection of accommodation in Oamaru; you can choose from hotels, motor inns and lodges, self-catering motels, bed & breakfasts and backpacker accommodation. The holiday parks offer self-catering units and budget accomodation, campervan and campsites. Oamaru is 3 hours south of Christchurch, and 1 hour north of Dunedin. Oamaru is also the Gateway to the Waitaki and Southern Lakes District.
Dunedin - Dunedin New Zealand is a city that captivates and enchants, a city for visitors to linger and explore, and Dunedin accommodation lets you do just that. From Dunedin hotel accommodation you can check out Dunedin's Otago Peninsula, which is renowned for its Albatross colony and various species of penguins, seals and pelagic birds. Dunedin is known for such tourist attractions as the Taieri Gorge Railway, recognised as one of the world's great train journeys, Heritage Tour at Speights Brewery, Cadbury Chocolate World or stately homes such as Olveston or the grandeur of Larnach Castle, standing as a sentinel atop the peninsula.
The long, main shopping street of Dunedin, George Street, has a range of world-class local designers and chain stores that entice travellers and locals alike, and the city centre Octagon with its bars and cafes - and the statue of the Scottish bard, Robbie Burns - is the ideal place to relax after shopping. The new blends comfortably with the old in Dunedin - the modern office blocks slipping in cheek by jowl with the Oamaru Stone and granite grandeur of the commercial past, stately buildings that bear testimony to the solidity and wealth of their times. The old is something to be treasured rather than discarded in Dunedin.
Choose from a wide selection of accomodation in Dunedin; luxury hotels and motor lodges, self-catering lodges and motels. Dunedin holiday parks and self-catering motels, budget accommodation, campervan and campsites. Bed & breakfasts and guest house establishments and farm stay accommodation in Dunedin.
Mosgiel - Mosgiel, a suburb of the city of Dunedin in Otago (New Zealand), lies 15km southwest of the city's centre. Within and around the Mosgiel area can be found a number of outdoor activities and attractions. Ride the Taieri Gorge railway, there are four golf courses in the immediate area who welcome day guests. The Showgrounds are nearby, hosting equestrian, vintage car and aeroplane shows and rural fairs. Lake Waihola and the picturesque Taieri River are nearby for sailing, jet boating, kayaking and fly-fishing, and there are many bush and stream walking tracks in the area. Mosgiel accommodation includes comfortable cottage accommodation.
Balclutha - Balclutha is located in the South Otago region and is the gateway to the Catlins and Southern Coast 82km south of Dunedin. An impressive concrete arched bridge greets you at the Clutha River as you enter Balclutha. Today locals have nicknamed Balclutha, the Big River Town. Balclutha is a farming community. When visiting you can explore the gold mining history, relax by the river or have a fish. Continue 31km south on to Owaka or turn off on the more scenic route to Kaka Point and Nugget Point. Balclutha accommodation NZ includes motels and motor inns, comfortable self-contained cottages and affordable holiday park cabins in Balclutha.
Owaka is a small town in Otago, in the southern South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest community in the rugged, forested Catlins area, close to the border with Southland, some 35km south of Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route. Accommodation in Owaka includes comfortable cottage accommodation.
SOUTHLAND is one of those rare getaway places where you truly do get away from it all. No traffic jams. No queues. No worries. New Zealand's southernmost province, Southland spans the breadth of the South Island. Within a day's travel, you'll experience everything from towering rainforests, alpine tussocks, rolling fertile farmlands and golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. It's like a dozen destinations rolled into one. This region's celebrated for its off the beaten track activities and attractions, yet Southland is easily accessible and offers quality amenities and services, including world-class fare and an inviting range of accommodation. Southland's spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and rich heritage draws trampers, sightseers, adventurers, naturalists and culture buffs alike ... or those simply looking for an idyllic, peaceful retreat a world away from the rigours of everyday life.
Gore - Gore is a town and surrounding borough in the South Island of New Zealand. It is also the name of a district in the Southland region. The town is 64km northeast of Invercargill and 70km west of Balclutha; Dunedin and Invercargill are the nearest cities. Gore is home to some of New Zealand's richest farmlands and best trout fishing. Accommodation in Gore includes affordable motel accommodation.
Invercargill - Invercargill is the southern most city of New Zealand, and commercial heart of the region. It is your gateway to Stewart Island, the Catlins, Fiordland and Southern Lakes. Visitors come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks. Invercargill is the home to the internationally acclaimed movie The World's Fastest Indian, starring Anthony Hopkins. Meet the locals and follow the footsteps of Burt Munro the legendary motorcycle racer. There are daily flights to Invercargill from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Invercargill shares in a unique Scottish heritage, as can be seen by the numerous Victorian buildings that line the wide boulevards. It is a city of beauty with many historic buildings to explore. No visit to this city is complete without a visit to Southland Museum and Art Gallery, home to the only living species from the Jurassic Age, the New Zealand Tuatara. Housed under the largest pyramid in the Southern Hemisphere, watch the tuatara go about their daily business. The Museum and Gallery are situated in Queen's Park Gardens. Take in the panoramic views at Stirling Point, the southernmost point of the South Island. Invercargill is adept at providing facilities for all travellers, there are numerous cafe/bars, as well as many fine restaurants.
Invercargill accommodation is a perfect base to explore Southland. There is a wide variety of accommodation in Invercargill; hotels, motor inns to self-catering motels and apartments, bed & breakfasts and backpacker lodges to holiday parks with budget accommodation, campervan and campsites.
Bluff - Bluff is New Zealand's oldest European town and the South Islands southern most. It is as spectacular in its geography as it is fascinating in its history and is the beginning of State Highway One, where many a journey begins. It is the gateway to Stewart Island Rakiura and home of the delicious world famous Bluff Oyster. A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff - home to the famous Bluff oyster and a lively annual seafood festival. From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island - a haven for native bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see kiwi in their natural habitat. Accommodation in Bluff includes cottage and bed and breakfast accommodation.
