Country Vacations & Resorts

Travel Wishes – Destination “O”

This particular “O” might seem a bit obscure at first, but the Otago Region of New Zealand is a perfect vacation destination – here’s why…

The New Zealand South Island’s second largest region is Otago which includes it’s main city of Dunedin and the more well-known Queenstown. Two former counties named, “Wallace” and “Bruce” may give you some clue as to the origins of Otago’s original settlers. This area has three similar yet completely diverse areas – all in one region: Central Otago, North, and South Otago.

The University of Otago

Otago experienced an 1860′s gold rush, is home to the beautiful campus of the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university (1871), and the region also produces some of the world’s finest wines . All this plus the scenic beauty of this New Zealand destination make it an excellent choice for your next country vacation. How could you not like a region who’s largest industry is education?

Geographic and Scenic Diversity

Otago offers so much for the vacation traveler it is hard to know where to begin. Seeking Alpine views? Sandy beaches? Adventure trips? Low-density vacation venues? Check! All can be found in the Otago region. Dunedin, the only real “city” in this area, is known as the “Edinburgh of the South,” and is built on the town’s beautiful harbor. Thinking back to a time when most travel was accomplished by boat or ship, one can imagine early Scots gratefully finding this New Zealand gem after a long and no doubt arduous ocean voyage.

This New Zealand region has some of the country’s most diverse temperatures with dry, hot Summers, and Winters that can mean icy roads. This multi-seasonal climate is worth it though for the temperatures are perfect for wine growers – and a great bonus for thirsty travelers! Visitors from the United States will need to remember seasons are opposite in this Southern Hemisphere country to those in the US. Head here for Christmas and you’ll be sending back images of your tanned self lying on the beach! Who needs crowded beach locations?

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Otago is about 362km (225 miles), from the more centrally-located Christchurch, the “Garden City” of New Zealand’s South Island, and about 411km (255 miles),from the spectacular Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. Rent a car, take your time (remembering to stay on the left side of the road), and enjoy your stay on the South Island.

Driving opposite to what you are used to takes a little practice. It only takes additional thought when doing something like backing out of a parking spot – which way to turn and on which side of the road…otherwise, follow what everyone else is doing until it becomes second-nature! Crossing the street as a pedestrian and looking the right (correct) direction was my first real challenge in New Zealand. Also remember, you’ll need to deal with roundabouts…here’s a handy little roundabout driving practice video…

Want to travel New Zealand like a local? Check out the Otago Rail Trail. Find out more details about it here. Or get some itinerary ideas here.

Visit the Otago Museum in beautiful downtown Dunedin. Check out the Scottish sport of curling at the rink in historic Naseby , or meander through the old gold fields – maybe you will find something of interest there…

Find out more about the wildlife and heritage destination known as Dunedin here.

Make some time to visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, near Dunedin, and maybe take advantage of it’s 4-Star accommodations.

Touring the Otago Peninsula? Don’t forget to visit Glenfalloch, Gaelic for “hidden valley” and a (Founding) New Zealand Garden of National Significance.

So much to see and do here…how much time do you have???

Map of New Zealand’s South Island.
More info on the Otago Region of New Zealand

Cheers!

A perfect place to stay (or two) to get you started on your trip to New Zealand…