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

Dunedin | Tourism New Zealand

Queenstown | Tourism New Zealand

Clutha | Tourism New Zealand

Destination Queenstown

Events | Central Otago NZ

Events | Dunedin NZ

Events | Queenstown NZ

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 Sport New Zealand website lists everything from Aikido to Zen Do Kai! Check the 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.

Find a sport | Sport New Zealand

Clubs in Otago | CAB

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.

Walks in Otago | DOC

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. 

Otago | Fish and Game NZ

Hunting in Otago | DOC

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. 

Central Otago | NZ Cycle trails

Dunedin City Council | Cycling

Queenstown | Biking

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.

Otago | NZ Museums

Arts and culture | Dunedin NZ

Arts | Queenstown NZ

Shopping

There’s good everyday shopping in all of the larger centres in Otago.

Shopping | Dunedin NZ

Shopping | Queenstown NZ

Markets

Local markets are a great way to experience local produce and crafts and meet a few of the locals.  

Otago farmers' market (Dunedin) 

Central Otago farmers' market (Cromwell)

Queenstown markets | mydestination.com

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