Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Travel Guide
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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.
Travel Deals in Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island
- New Zealand Fares from L.A. (R/T incl. Tax) Air New Zealand
- New Zealand Tours & Vacations, Save up to 40% Tourism New Zealand
- New Zealand Fares from L.A. (R/T incl. Tax) — $1,058-$1,158 Air New Zealand
- New Zealand Tours & Vacations, Save up to 40% — $79 Tourism New Zealand
Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Experiences
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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
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Between rocky beach and primitive forest, a plaque at the park's entrance quotes a Stewart Islander: "I must go over to New Zealand some day."... Read more
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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
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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
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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
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Arriving:· Forums Trip Reports
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First of all, thanks to all of you Fodorites on the Australia & Pacific Forum for your aid during the planning of this trip. Read more
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As usual I've ummed and ahhhed about whether to do this report, this time because we didn't actually 'do' a lot. Read more
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Tips for a campervan or motorhome holiday in New Zealand with a family
I decided that I, my husband and our two boys (12 and 13) should experience a motorhome holiday down the South Island this summe Read more
