Upcoming Dates of Otago Anniversary Day
2023: Monday 20th March
2024: Monday 25th March
2025: Monday 24th March
The Province of Otago
Otago is located in the southeast of the South Island and is home to snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, a rocky peninsula, and sandy beaches.
The main centre in Otago is the South island’s second biggest city, Dunedin. Tourist spots like Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Wanaka are huge drawcards to this area, for international tourists, and New Zealanders alike.
Adventure sports are popular here, as are the numerous vineyards throughout the Central Otago region.
The Anniversary Date
Scottish settlers arrived in Otago on 23rd March 1848. The town of Otago was founded, and in 1853, Otago Province was created.
Otago remains the region’s name, but the city is now called Dunedin. Dunedin is the biggest city in the Otago region.
There are always many events going on around the region on the Anniversary long weekend. Unfortunately for some, there is no skiing at this time of year, a popular winter sport here.
6 Awesome Things to Do on the Long Anniversary Weekend
From the peaceful scenic walks to the full-on adrenaline-pumping activities, Otago has it all.
Cycle the Otago Rail Trails
Cycling along the old rail trails around Otago is an adventure for everyone to enjoy. Use your own bikes, or hire them. This is a great way to really see the countryside up close and take in some of that diverse scenery.
Adrenaline Activities – choose your adventure
Around Queenstown, also known as the Adventure Capital of the world, there are many extreme activities that are sure to get the heart pumping!
These include Bungy Jumping, Ziplining, a giant Swing, a Catapult adventure, Paragliding, White Water Rafting, Jet Boating, Sky Diving and Mountain Biking.
Visit the Wineries
The wineries in Central Otago and Lake Wanaka are genuinely magnificent, hugged by mountains and lined with lakes and deep river gorges.
Here, due to the region’s chilly environment and glacially formed soils, vineyards produce a highly refined pinot noir, several quietly excellent white wine varietals, and the odd pink rosé.
Sightseeing
Take a scenic flight, or a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to see the mountains from a different perspective or ride a gondola to the top of Queenstown to take in the vistas.
Visit Arrowtown
A beautiful old gold rush community located next to the glistening Arrow River and beneath majestic peaks, Arrowtown is attractive and eccentric.
The historic main street, lovely hiking and biking routes, and exquisite shopping and dining, will captivate you.
Anniversary day, being in the Autumn is the perfect time of year to visit and be immersed in the beauty of the colourful trees.
Otago Peninsula
Along the southern edge of Dunedin’s harbour, Otago Peninsula is a part of the crater wall of a large, long-extinct volcano.
The cliffs of The Chasm and Lovers Leap are extraordinary. The eco-experience includes spotting the fur seal and albatross colonies and penguin nesting areas.
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