The Otago Peninsula, stretching along the southern edge  of the Otago harbour is an easy drive from central Dunedin. A wonderfully scenic  drive will see you passing by lush green pastures, small bays and inlets, sandy  beaches, rugged hills and volcanic landforms. So near to a major city centre,  yet so far removed from the hectic pace of city living.

The Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most  renowned eco tourism areas. There are unique opportunities to view a remarkable  range of wildlife including Royal Albatross, rare yellow-eyed penguins a variety  of seals, water and wading birds.

Discover the talents of current residents when you visit the galleries, studio and craft shops that dot the small townships and roads of Otago Peninsula.

Otago Peninsula's cafe’s and restaurants offer a great selection of fine cuisine at reasonable prices and the opportunity to sample some of New Zealand's award winning wines.

A variety of accommodation styles to suit all budgets are available on the Otago Peninsula. Stay a while longer and enjoy the hospitality found at our Bed and Breakfasts, Farmstays, Homestays, Motels and Self-contained units, Cottages, Backpackers, Lodges and Camping Grounds.

A round tour of the Otago Peninsula is approximately 64 km. You may choose to travel the harbourside road out to Taiaroa Heads and return to Dunedin via the high road. Highcliff Road offers magnificent views.

There are a number of optional detours and walks for those with time to spare - and that 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.

TOURS AND CRUISES
Take time to explore the Otago Peninsula. You may choose to drive or a number of highly regarded, well-organised Tours and Harbour Cruises are available.

CAMPING
Public camping on the Peninsula is only permitted at the Portobello Village Tourist Park. Due to the fragile ecology on the Peninsula, all visitors are asked to assist in protecting this area by using the designated areas for camping, rest stops and waste disposal.

WASTE
There are rubbish bins provided at picnic and other spots around the Peninsula. For campers and camper-vans there is adequate disposal service at the Portobello Village Tourist Park.

Do's and Don'ts Around Wildlife
Seals: Don't get between seals and the water. Keep at least ten metres back from seals.

Sea lions:
Keep well back. Sea lions are not afraid of you and can move quickly over short distances.

Penguins:
Hide so penguins can't see you. Talk quietly and move slowly. Keep to the track and away from nest sites. Don't bring your dog. No flash photography.

Pilots Beach:
The gate is shut each evening at 8pm during the summer season

Yellow Eyed Penguin returning from the sea

Royal Albatross with chick

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION:
Latitude 46 degrees south.
South-east coast of the South Island of New Zealand

CLIMATE:
Rainfall:
Yearly ave: 660mm - spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Sunshine:
Yearly sunshine hours approximately 1800.
Dunedin's "Otago Peninsula" experiences extended twilight over the months October - March with daylight lasting through to 10 pm in the height of Summer

Temperature:

Summer

December, January, February

Ave min 11C.

Ave max 18.3C.

Autumn

March, April, May

Ave min 8C.

Ave max 15C.

Winter

June July, August

Ave min 3.6C.

Ave max 10.4C.

Spring

September, October, November

Ave min 7.1C.

Ave max 14.6C.

Travel Distance to:

Queenstown:

265km

By Road 3 hours 30 min
Approx. ½ hour by air

Christchurch:

360km

By Road 4 hours 30 min
Approx. ¾ hours by air

Wellington:

750km

Approx. 1¼ hours by air

Auckland:

1400km

Approx. 2½ hours by air

Sydney:

2200km

Approx. 3 hours by air

Brisbane:

2400km

Approx. 3¾ hours by air

See also: