Otago Peninsula > Introduction to Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is arguably New Zealand’s most renowned eco
tourism area. There are unique opportunities to view a remarkable range
of wildlife including Royal Albatross, blue penguins and the rare yellow-
eyed penguins, a variety of seals, water and wading birds.
Explore the Peninsula’s well preserved and colourful history. Larnach
Castle, Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and the Disappearing Gun at
Taiaroa Head are just some of the highlights of any visit.
Discover the talents of current residents when you visit the galleries,
studio and craft shops that dot the small townships and bays.
Otago Peninsula’s cafes and restaurants offer a good selection of food at
reasonable prices and the opportunity to sample some of New Zealand’s
award-winning Central Otago wines.
A variety of accommodation styles to suit all budgets is available on the
Otago Peninsula. Stay a little longer and enjoy the hospitality found at
our bed and breakfasts, farmstays, homestays, motels and self-contained
units, cottages, backpackers, lodges and camping grounds.
If making a 64km round tour of the Peninsula you may choose to travel
the harbourside road out to Taiaroa Heads and return to Dunedin via
the high road. Highcliff Road offers magnificent coastal and city views as
well as numerous photo opportunities.
There is a new ferry service operating between Portobello and Port
Chalmers.
A request to visitors: we want you to enjoy your time on the Otago
Peninsula and so we would ask that you show consideration to other
people driving on the roads by using the various parking bays that are
provided allowing sightseeing opportunities.
The Otago Peninsula roads are popular with pedestrians and cyclists, for
this reason we urge caution when driving.
There are a number of optional detours and walks for those with time
to spare - and the time is always well spent. Wildlife and their natural
habitats are precious and access to tracks and viewing areas is given
with permission of landowners.
As the saying goes - take nothing but
photographs, leave nothing but footprints.
For those wishing to sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal scenery, there
is a variety of excellent wildlife and scenic tours available, either by land
or harbour cruises. Bookings can be made for these at the
Dunedin i-Site
Visitor Centre
Where can you camp on the Otago Peninsula? Camping is permitted
in designated camping grounds - camping is not permitted on reserves.
Only self-contained campervans (compliant with NZS5465:2001) can
stay on public land and DCC carparks for up to two consecutive nights
at one site, as long as there are no more than three campervans within
a 50m radius and it is legally parked (no parking on grass). There is a
recently produced DCC pamphlet available to you.
For information on where to camp please visit www.dunedin.govt.nz or
Freedom Camping
Approximate Distance Guide from the Dunedin Visitor Centre / Octagon:
- Natures Wonders - 32 kilometres
- Royal Albatross Colony - 31 kilometres
- Wellers Rock - 27 kilometres
- Portobello Village - 19 kilometres
- Larnach Castle - 15 kilometres
- Broad Bay - 15.5 kilometres
- Macandrew Bay Village - 11 kilometres
- Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens - 10 kilometres
- Peninsula Map: Portsmouth Drive - 3 kilometres
Be aware there are no petrol / gas stations on the Otago Peninsula.
