Dunedin & OtagoWhy Go?Otago has attractions both urban and rural, ranging from quirky towns to world-class wineries and some of the coun-try’s most accessible wildlife. Its historic heart is Dunedin, home to a vibrant student culture and arts scene. From the town’s stately Edwardian train station, catch the famous Taieri Gorge Railway inland, and continue on two wheels along the craggily scenic Otago Central Rail Trail.

Those seeking colonial New Zealand can soak up the frontier atmosphere of gold-rush towns such as Clyde, St Bathans, Naseby and cute-as-a-button Ophir. For wildlife, head to the Otago Peninsula, where penguins, albatross, sea lions and seals are easily sighted. Seaside Oamaru has a wonderful historic precinct, resident penguin colonies and a quirky devotion to Steampunk culture.

Unhurried and overflowing with picturesque scenery, Otago is generous to explorers who are after a more leisurely style of holiday.

When to Go¨¨ February and March have settled, sunny weather

(usually…), and the juicy appeal of fresh apricots, peaches and cherries.

¨¨ At Easter, hook yourself a Southern Man at the Middlemarch Singles Ball, or drown your sorrows at the Clyde Wine & Food Festival.

¨¨ Take to two wheels on the Otago Central Rail Trail during the quieter months of May and December.

¨¨ In November watch the pros battle it out on the Highlands Motorsport Park, then ride graciously into the past on a penny farthing bicycle at Oamaru’s Victorian Heritage Celebrations.

Best Places to Eat¨¨ Riverstone Kitchen (p518)

¨¨ Fleur’s Place (p519)

¨¨ The Shed at Northburn Station (p540)

¨¨ Pitches Store (p536)

¨¨ Otago Farmers’ Market (p526)

Best Places to Stay¨¨ Burn Cottage Retreat

(p540)

¨¨ Pitches Store (p536)

¨¨ Dunstan House (p539)

¨¨ Pen-y-bryn Lodge (p517)

Omarama.................... 511Waitaki Valley .............512Oamaru .......................513Dunedin .....................520Otago Peninsula .........531Naseby ....................... 535Lauder, Omakau & Ophir ...................... 536Alexandra .................. 537Clyde .......................... 538Cromwell & Around ... 539

©Lonely¨Planet¨Publications¨Pty¨Ltd

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1 Experiencing a heritage past, and a possible steampunk future, in kooky Oamaru (p511)

2 Peering at penguins, admiring albatross and staring at seals on Otago Peninsula (p531)

3 Exploring New Zealand’s southern heritage in quaint

backcountry villages such as Ophir (p536) and Naseby (p535)

4 taste-testing some of the planet’s best pinot noir in the wineries scattered around Cromwell (p539)

5 sampling local beers and listening out for local bands in

the bars and cafes of Dunedin (p520)

6 Cycling through lonely vistas of brown and gold along the Otago Central Rail Trail (p534)

7 Winding through gorges, alongside canyons and across tall viaducts on the snaking Taieri Gorge Railway (p524)

Dunedin & Otago Highlights