Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Travel Guide

Guidebooks

Fodor's New Zealand
Trade Paperback

The province of Otago occupies much of the southeast quadrant of the South Island. During the first three decades of the 1800s, European whaling ships cruised its coast and ventured ashore, yielding a mixed response from the Maori, who had been living here for hundreds of years. In 1848 Dunedin was settled, and all the land from the top of the Otago Peninsula south to the Clutha River and sections farther inland were purchased from the Maori. By the mid-1860s Dunedin was the economic hub of the Otago gold rush. Dunedin's historical wealth endures in such institutions as the University of Otago, the oldest in the country.

Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Hotels

Dunedin has a full range of accommodations, from modest hostels to luxury hotels, whereas Invercargill has more motels than anything else. Local motels...read more

Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Restaurants

Dunedin has the area's highest concentration of good restaurants. Seafood is a big player, in part because of Dunedin's coastal location but also because...read more

Things To Do in Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

$1298* -- New Zealand 'Spring' Fares from West Coast, R/T Air New Zealand
$2699 -- 12-Night Australia & New Zealand incl. $300 Credit CruCon Cruise Outlet

* Some taxes, fees additional

Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Experiences

Top Reasons to Go to Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island

Bird-Watching: See yellow-eyed penguin or an albatross on the peninsula or a kiwi on Stewart Island. Predator-free Ulva Island is often called... Read more
Rakiura National Park

Between the rocky beach and a primitive forest at Lee Bay, a plaque at the park's entrance quotes a Stewart Islander: "I must go over to New... Read more
The Southern Scenic Route—Catlins Sections

The Southern Scenic Route, 440 km (273 mi) long, follows the coast south of Dunedin, picks up the highway to Balclutha, and swings around the... Read more
The Southern Man

The laconic "Southern Man" has a special niche in the Kiwi mind—the typical specimen lives in the country, has a trusty dog by his side... Read more
The Northern Otago Coast and Oamaru

Oamaru. Driving south from Timaru, Oamaru is the first stop of interest. Described as the best example of Victorian architecture in use in New... Read more
Stewart Island Nightlife

The Nature. As the last natural light fades at the lighthouse, you'll begin to hear the whir of wings and strange cries. These are the muttonbirds... Read more

News & Features

News, Airlines

US Airways Launches New App

US Airways launched a new app for passengers this week, letting them book flights, find airport maps, ... Read more
Trip Ideas

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Trip Ideas

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Ask around and most people will tell you to spend as short a layover as possible in Athens before booking... Read more