Otago Recreation
Otago has a huge and exciting range of recreational opportunities - accessible wildlife, adventure tourism, alpine activities, world class vineyards and restaurants, historic sites, deserted white sandy beaches and vistas of staggering beauty.
Looking for general recreation information?
Central Otago | Tourism New Zealand
Queenstown | Tourism New Zealand
Sport and recreation
District councils around the region provide a range of recreation facilities including sportsgrounds, parks and gardens. Your local community center may also run many different activities and groups for the community to join. Check with your local council for more details.
Swimming pools | Dunedin City Council
Sport and recreation facilities | Queenstown Lakes District Council
Sports clubs and social groups
New Zealanders enjoy a huge range of sporting activities - the nzsport site lists everything from Aikido to Zen Do Kai! Check their site to see what’s available in your area, and how you can get involved. Joining a club or team is a great way to meet people.
The Queenstown District Lakes Council maintains a list of local sports and recreation groups.
Sports and recreation groups | Queenstown Lakes District Council
Outdoors
Tracks and walks
There are many opportunities to stretch your legs, clear your lungs and get close to nature on the walkways and tracks you’ll find wherever you go in New Zealand. Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) site to find the great walks available in the Otago region. You'll also find information about the parks and open spaces available near you on your local council website.
Parks and reserves | Dunedin City Council
Parks and reserves | Central Otago District Council
Parks and recreation | Queenstown-Lakes District Council
Playgrounds
Parks with large children's play structures and playgrounds are can be found on your local council website.
Playgrounds | Dunedin City Council
Playgrounds | Central Otago District Council
Playgrounds | Queenstown Lakes District Council
Hunting and fishing rules
Both fishing and hunting are a big part of life for many in the Otago region. Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fish and Game NZ websites for full information about licences and restrictions on hunting and fishing in freshwater.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has information about the rules of fishing in the sea. There are two areas in the Otago region that cover fishing rules, depending on where you decide to fish.
It is very important to be aware of restrictions as there can be serious penalties for breaching them.
South East area fishing rules | MPI
Southland area fishing rules | MPI
Cat and dog regulations
New Zealand has various laws about looking after and controlling dogs, cats, and other animals. Each council has their own bylaws so check out your local council website for details.
Animal control | Dunedin City Council
Animals and pests | Dunedin City Council
Dogs | Queenstown Lakes District Council
Dog control | Central Otago District Council
Cycling
The Otago region features a large number of tracks through beautiful scenery, including the popular Otago Central Rail Trail.
Art and culture
Museums and galleries
There are a number of museums and art galleries to visit in the Otago region. You'll find details of each on the NZ Museums website. You'll also find information about cultural experiences available in the region on the local tourism websites.
Shopping
There’s good everyday shopping in all of the larger centres in Otago.
Markets
Local markets are a great way to experience local produce and crafts and meet a few of the locals.
Otago farmers' market (Dunedin)