General Information

 

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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.


TOURS AND CRUISES
Take time to explore the Otago Peninsula. You may choose to drive  or a number of highly regarded, well-organised Tours and Harbour  Cruises are available.

CAMPING
Public camping on the Peninsula is only permitted at the Portobello Village Tourist Park.
Due to the fragile ecology on the Peninsula,  all visitors are asked to assist in protecting this area by using  the designated areas for camping, rest stops and waste disposal.

WASTE
There are rubbish bins provided at picnic and other spots around  the Peninsula. For campers and camper-vans there is adequate disposal  service at the Portobello Village Tourist Park.


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

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

line

Visit Otago Peninsula is part of the following New Zealand wide webworks:

Visit New Zealand:

www.visit-newzealand.co.nz
www.visit-dunedin.co.nz
www.visit-centralotago.co.nz
www.visit-catlins.co.nz

www.visit-southerncoast.co.nz
www.visit-queenstown.co.nz
www.visit-stewart-island.co.nz
www.visit-westcoast.co.nz

Eco Friendly New Zealand:

www.eco-friendlynewzealand.co.nz

Romantic Webs:

www.romantic-cottages.co.nz

www.romantic-bedandbreakfast.co.nz

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