Otago Region

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Otago is one of those places where there are still wide open spaces and small friendly towns. The area is full of pioneering history, with gold and shipping making fortunes for some and hardship for others.

The Taieri Gorge Railway gets its name from the spectacular Taieri Gorge that the train passes through on its way from Dunedin to Middlemarch. The day trip, from Dunedin to Middlemarch and back to Dunedin, is a great family day out if you have a full day to spare in the region.

 

Otago Central Rail Trail

If your family is into cycling, then the Otago Central Rail Trail is a must-do activity. The trail is 150km long and takes you through some of Central Otago's most breath-taking scenery. You will need to allow four days to complete this bike ride. Don't worry about transporting your bike down, there are a number of companies that hire bikes, including bikes with an attachable children carrier, and most will even transport your luggage to your accommodation that is on the route.

 

Now you have no excuse not to take the whole family on a bike ride. Although the length of the ride may sound long, it is an easy to moderate ride and suits those with a general level of fitness. You can even take your horse or walk the track, as it has been regraded with crushed rock to making it smooth enough to use. Bring your camera with you, it's just awesome!

St Bathans

Ghost stories are something that come with the town of St Bathans and while you enjoy a cool lemonade at the Vulcan Hotel you can tell your children about the ghost that is believed to haunt the hotel. It is said that a woman was murdered in the hotel in the late nineteenth century and she haunts those that dare to stay in the room where she lost her life!

Duntroon

This small town has an unusal draw card, Maori rock drawing dating back to the early days when Maori people lived in this area. There are two sites, one 400 metres up the Dansey's Pass Road and the other under the cliffs of Takiroa on State Highway 83.

 

Oamaru

You and your family can enjoy the wonderful gardens here, or take the children to visit the Blue Penguin Colony. The blue penguins are the smallest in the world and nest along the coastline of Oamaru. Five minutes from Oamaru is the visitor centre for the penguin colony. This is the best place to find out more about visiting the colony. The centre also arranges tours to the Yellow-eyed Penguin Colony at Bushy Beach.

 

Cromwell
Cromwell is in a fruit-orchard area on the shores of Lake Dunstan. There are many beautiful spots for you to stop and have a picnic with your family or venture to the playground at Anderson Park and for those with children who are looking for a skateboard park, there is one behind the giant fruit bowl! 

 

Middlemarch

This very sleepy town in Central Otago marks the end of the Taieri Gorge Railway and the start, or finish of the Otago Central Rail Trail. The Taieri Gorge Railway starts from Dunedin's train station and winds its way through the gorge. You can take this trip as part of a day trip from Dunedin and it's a very family-friendly way to travel. 

Balclutha

Although the town of Balclutha gets generally put down for the lack of tourist attractions, it is rich in history set in the gold-mining days of the 1800s and still worth a visit.
When you drive into Balclutha you will cross an impressive arched bridge which spans the mighty Clutha River. You can reach Balclutha from Gore or Invercargill by road or by train or coach. The town is the gateway to the Southern Scenic Route and the Catlins.

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Accommodation   Activities   Beaches and Parks   Travel Tips


Family-friendly accommodation to suit your family needs and budget.

  
Great activities and attractions to do with your family. 		 
Enjoy the outdoors with your children.		  
Tips for making your holiday even more special while visit the Otago Region.
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