Otago Archives - Planet Whitley

Purakaunui Falls on New Zealand's Catlins Coast.

Purakaunui Falls, Catlins: Walks, access, parking and things to know

First time visiting Purakaunui Falls? This guide covers opening hours, walking track, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. History and overview of Purakaunui Falls Purakaunui Falls is a highly photographed, three-tiered waterfall located in The Catlins, on New Zealand’s South Island. The water cascades…

New Zealand, Otago, South Island, walks, waterfalls

Queenstown Wine Trail tour: ticket prices, booking & practical travel guide

Set out from Queenstown for a full-day exploration of the vineyards in the Central Otago wine region with the Queenstown Wine Trail tour. This guide gives you everything you need to know for a relaxed yet wine-rich experience — including how to book, what’s included, and…

New Zealand, Otago, Queenstown, South Island, tours, wine

McLean Falls in the Catlins region of Otago, New Zealand.

McLean Falls, Catlins: Walks, access, parking and visitor tips

First time visiting McLean Falls in the Catlins region of New Zealand's South Island? This guide covers opening hours, track details, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. History and overview of McLean Falls McLean Falls is one of the most striking waterfalls in the…

New Zealand, Otago, South Island, waterfalls

Dunedin Railway Station in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Visiting Dunedin Railway Station in New Zealand

Dunedin Railway Station is one of New Zealand’s best-known landmarks, famous for its ornate architecture and historic charm. Opened in 1906, the station quickly became a symbol of the city’s prosperity during the gold rush era. Today, it remains a popular attraction for visitors to…

architecture, Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, South Island, trains

Taiaroa Headland: The best place in the world to see albatrosses

The Royal Albatross colony at the Taiaroa Headland on New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula offers an extraordinary chance to see nesting albatrosses. The Royal Albatross colony on Taiaroa Headland It’s a long time since the old fort on the Taiaroa Headland was used for spotting enemy…

birds, Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, South Island, wildlife

Seeing takahe and Haast tokoeka at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary near Dunedin is home to some of New Zealand’s rarest endangered birds. Here’s how to visit. Returning to pre-human New Zealand As tasks go, returning a 307 hectare valley to how it would have looked before humans would have arrived in New…

birds, Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, South Island, wildlife

Sign at Slope Point on New Zealand's Catlins Coast.

Discover nature’s beauty on New Zealand’s Catlins Coast

Very few people need to drive along New Zealand’s Catlins Coast. And that’s what makes the road trip so enjoyable. Native birds at Kaka Point The noise along the muddy tracks near Kaka Point is extraordinary. Glimpses of wing and tail can be caught amongst…

driving, New Zealand, Otago, South Island, Southland, waterfalls, wildlife

Penguins arriving at the Oamaru blue penguin colony, New Zealand.

Christchurch to Oamaru drive: The best things to do on the way

The itinerary from Christchurch to Oamaru spans 300km, highlighting key stops like the International Antarctic Centre, Lake House at Ashburton, and Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre. Visitors can enjoy Oamaru's Victorian Precinct and conclude by watching the Blue Penguin Colony at sunset.

Canterbury, Christchurch, driving, New Zealand, Oamaru, Otago, South Island

Oamaru blue penguins, New Zealand: Review with ticket prices

In Oamaru on New Zealand’s South Island, the world’s smallest penguins are utterly adorable. Oamaru blue penguins ticket information Advance booking your tickets to see the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is strongly advised. Bookings can be made here. Tickets to see the penguins in Oamaru…

New Zealand, Oamaru, Otago, penguins, South Island, wildlife

Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula, New Zeealand.

The shocking story of New Zealand’s only castle

Larnach Castle on the Otago Castle near Dunedin is the only castle in New Zealand. And there’s a scandalous story behind it. To skip the story and just buy skip-the-line Larnach Castle entrance tickets, head here. There are also several Larnach Castle tours from Dunedin…

castles, Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, South Island