Otago Peninsula travel guide

Introduction

If the Otago Region was a girl she would be a very engaging sort from a good Scottish background and good-looking. Her height and build can be likened to the towering peaks of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks in the west, to the gently rolling hills, harbours and golden beaches of the Otago Peninsula to the east. Her two large blue eyes would be Lakes Wakatipu and Wanaka. And down her entire length carves the vein of New Zealand’s second longest river, the Clutha. Her personality varies too: from the student city buzz of Dunedin to the quiet whispers of Glenorchy or Clyde. Otago is also down-to-earth and wears her heart on her sleeve. She has distinct moods which change with the seasons: cold and snowy in winter; miserable with rain in spring; and boasting beautiful golden hues in autumn. Otago owes her considerable pedigree to her predominantly Scottish heritage and the discovery of gold, a resource that was once her lifeblood. Now, though, Otago pumps fast and furious with sheer adrenaline. Although her head is in Dunedin, her heart is in Queenstown – the adventure sports capital of the world. Otago is not only pretty, she also knows how to have a good time.

Ins and outs

Getting there

The best way to see the peninsula is by car, but if you have no wheels of your own or you are not familiar with the wildlife, an organized tour is recommended. Some of the tours on offer can take you to several wildlife sites (and sights) that are out of bounds to the general public. By road there are two main routes that penetrate the peninsula. On the western side, hugging the numerous small bays and inlets of the Otago Harbour, is the Portobello Road which serves the peninsula’s main village, Portobello. From Portobello this road then continues past the small settlement of Harington Point to terminate at Taiaroa Head and the albatross colony. An alternative route to Portobello via Highcliff Road accesses two of the peninsula’s major physical attractions, Larnach Castle and Sandfly Bay, and straddles the hilltops of the peninsula offering some memorable views. Note that both roads are sealed but very windy and dangerous. It is important to slow down and not maintain the pace and buzz of Dunedin’s city streets. Both Highcliff Road and Portobello Road are easily accessed via Cumberland Street (city) across the railway line and then by skirting the Otago Harbour on Wharf Street and Portsmouth Drive. For a free map of the Otago Peninsula ask at the VIC (I-Site).