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.

Explore Otago Peninsula's well preserved,  colourful history.
Larnach Castle, Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens  and the Disappearing Gun are highlights of any visit to the Otago  Peninsula.

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.

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

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 cafés 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 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.

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:

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.

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.

Travel Distance to:

Queenstown: 265km By Road 3 hours 30 min Approx. ½ hours 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 Los Angelos 12.000km Approx. 14 hours by air London 20,000km Approx. 24 hours by air