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Otago Peninsula

It's hard to believe that the Otago Peninsula – a picturesque haven of rolling hills, secluded bays, sandy beaches and clifftop vistas – is only half an hour's drive from downtown Dunedin. As well as interesting historical sites and wild walking trails, this small sliver of land is home to the South Island’s most accessible diversity of wildlife, including albatross, penguins, fur seals and sea lions. The peninsula's only town is the petite Portobello and, despite a host of tours exploring the region, it maintains its quiet rural air.

Explore Otago Peninsula

  • Nature’s Wonders Naturally

    What makes the improbably beautiful beaches of this coastal sheep farm different from other important wildlife habitats is that (apart from pest…

  • Royal Albatross Centre & Fort Taiaroa

    Taiaroa Head (Pukekura), at the peninsula’s northern tip, has the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony, along with a late 19th-century military…

  • L

    Larnach Castle

    Standing proudly on top of a hill overlooking the peninsula, this gorgeous Gothic Revival mansion was built in 1871 by Dunedin banker, merchant and Member…

  • G

    Glenfalloch Woodland Garden

    Make time to pause at these lush, well-tended gardens, filled with flowers and swaying mature trees, including a 1000-year-old matai. Walking tracks…

  • P

    Penguin Place

    On private farmland, this reserve protects nesting sites of the rare yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho). The 90-minute tours cover 2km and focus on penguin…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Otago Peninsula.

  • See

    Nature’s Wonders Naturally

    What makes the improbably beautiful beaches of this coastal sheep farm different from other important wildlife habitats is that (apart from pest…

  • See

    Royal Albatross Centre & Fort Taiaroa

    Taiaroa Head (Pukekura), at the peninsula’s northern tip, has the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony, along with a late 19th-century military…

  • See

    Larnach Castle

    Standing proudly on top of a hill overlooking the peninsula, this gorgeous Gothic Revival mansion was built in 1871 by Dunedin banker, merchant and Member…

  • See

    Glenfalloch Woodland Garden

    Make time to pause at these lush, well-tended gardens, filled with flowers and swaying mature trees, including a 1000-year-old matai. Walking tracks…

  • See

    Penguin Place

    On private farmland, this reserve protects nesting sites of the rare yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho). The 90-minute tours cover 2km and focus on penguin…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Otago Peninsula

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