What to do in Otakou

Activities, attractions and tours

A stained glass window with religious figures, a wooden altar, and patterned wall panels.
A stone pathway flanked by lush green foliage and red railings leading to a building with an orange facade.
A red and white building with a sloped roof, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A red brick house with a clock tower, surrounded by lush greenery.
A church interior with wooden pews, stained glass windows, and decorative ceiling patterns.

Otakou Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Otakou has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Otakou is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Otakou to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Otakou Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Otakou.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Otakou attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

CA $39
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

CA $138
per adult
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
See wild penguins just metres away !

Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

CA $45
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Mainland Peninsula Tour

Mainland Peninsula Tour

CA $256
per adult
Mainland Peninsula Tour
Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

CA $106
per adult
Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

CA $236
per adult
Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

CA $61
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

CA $216
per adult
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour

Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour

CA $17
per traveller
Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour
See all activities in Otakou
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. 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.
Learn more
A statue of a man in a suit, a large church with twin spires, and a clock tower.

2. St. Clair Beach

Bask in the sun on the soft sand at St. Clair Beach or have a lesson with the skilled instructors at the local surf school. Swim in the sea or immerse yourself in the warm waters of the outdoor pool.
Learn more
A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.

3. Larnach Castle

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds.
Learn more
A large building with a tower, a fountain in the middle of a circular lawn, and trees around.

4. Dunedin Town Hall

Dunedin Town Hall is a civic building and events centre located in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre. It has a 2,000-plus capacity auditorium suitable for concerts, conferences and galas, among other events. Admire this magnificent Victorian-style building that dominates the northern side of The Octagon, Dunedin’s central plaza. It is part of a group of versatile venues collectively known as the Dunedin Centre.
Learn more
A historic building with a clock tower and a cathedral in the background.

5. Dunedin Botanic Garden

Spend a day in nature at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Wander amid towering trees and marvel at multi-coloured flowers from all corners of the globe. Visit an aviary and appreciate the views from the garden’s hills. Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. It covers an area of around 30 hectares (75 acres), which consists of an arboretum, greenhouses, rockeries, and more.
Learn more
A pink bottlebrush flower amidst green foliage.

6. First Church of Otago

Stroll through the grounds of the First Church of Otago and admire the building’s turrets, ornate façade and towering spire. Step inside to see the spectacular wooden ceiling lit up by the glow from a large rose-shaped stained-glass window.
Learn more
An ornate church interior with wooden beams, a balcony, and stained glass windows.

7. Otago Museum

Study a display of indigenous artefacts that includes a 19th-century canoe and fine woodcarvings at the excellent Otago Museum. Stand beside the skeleton of a huge fin whale and stroll around a living rainforest complete with colourful birds and butterflies.
Learn more
The Otago Museum building with a sign for the Bugs exhibition.

Recommended things to do in Otakou

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Otakou

Stay near popular Otakou attractions

Otakou Marae

You can learn about the history of Otakou with a trip to Otakou Marae. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Otakou worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Otakou. Be sure to experience the area's mix of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Otakou?
Begin your day with a visit to Warrington Beach and Penguin Place. Then, explore other areas of Otakou for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Otakou?
The top tourist attraction in Otakou is Warrington Beach, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Otakou?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city highlights, including Penguin Place, Allans Beach and Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. The average stay in Otakou is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Dunedin isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Otakou with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all of your group, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Otakou with kids.
What to do in Otakou for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Otakou for adults.
Are there free things to do in Otakou?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Otakou is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Allans Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.