The Tohu Whenua guide to Otago

Homes of invention and innovation, water cruises, ancestral landscapes and cycle trails bursting with history are just some of the Tohu Whenua highlights in this region.

old steamer on blue lake, hills in background

TSS Earnslaw

One of the world’s oldest and largest remaining steamships offers a 90 minute lake cruise across Lake Wakatipu showcasing some of Queenstown's spectacular alpine scenery. Take time to explore the vessel, view the engine room and study the historic displays of the steamship's former life.

 

four small old weatherboard cottages on treelined street

Arrowtown

Explore Arrowtown’s picturesque, tree-lined avenues that retain more than 60 original gold-rush buildings, including an old gaol. This charming town reveals the stories of two very different goldrush communities: the preserved avenue where wealthy European banks and merchants traded, and the restored huts of Chinese miners who lived a much more modest lifestyle.

 

man and woman look at ruined stone cottage in dry rocky landscape
Bannockburn Sluicings

Explored on foot or mountain bike, this spectacular landscape of cliffs and pinnacles was formed by miners' large-scale water blasting during their 19th century search for gold.

 

cyclists bike across wooden bridge with red railings over deep gorge
Kawarau Suspension Bridge

Kawarau Suspension Bridge can be experienced in three ways: bungy jumping off it, cycling over it or walking across it. This is the world’s original commercial bungy venture, begun by A. J. Hackett in 1988. Thousands of people jump off the bridge annually.

 

two cyclists on gravel track in front of mountains and tussock

Otago Central Rail Trail

This popular 152km cycle journey is Aotearoa New Zealand's original Great Ride and follows the Otago Central railway line that once connected isolated communities in Central Otago with Dunedin. Allow three to four days to enjoy all of the spectacular scenery and warm rural hospitality that the Otago Central Rail Trail is famous for. 

 

children look at old machinery inside old barn

Historic Hayes

Historic Hayes belonged to a 19th-century pioneering couple who developed and marketed labour-saving inventions for pastoral farming. Take a self-guided tour through Ernest Hayes’ engineering workshop with its labyrinth of overhead shafts, belts and pulleys driving various lathes, drills and saws and explore the 1920s homestead with its treasure trove of ingenious domestic devices. Hannah's Cafe onsite offers delicious food and drinks.


family group watch a girl on a penny farthing bike, Victorian stone buildings in background
Historic Ōamaru

Ōamaru’s remarkably intact and distinctive Victorian streetscapes are full of quirky galleries, artisan shops, a world-class bakery, cafés, and a boutique brewery, where the staff are often dressed in period costume.

 

two women feed sheet, limestone farm buildings in background
Totara Estate

It was from this once grand estate just south of Ōamaru that the first shipment of frozen mutton was sent to England in 1882. Wander through the men’s quarters, stables, granary, cookhouse and slaughterhouse, where displays recollect farm and domestic life on the estate during Victorian times.  Explore stories of swaggers, farm hands and the Chinese cook.

 

man and two boys walk under arch with Māori designs, trees in background
Huriawa

The Huriawa peninsula, and the surrounding landscapes are home to layer upon layer of treasured Kāi Tahu stories. Take a self-guided Huriawa Pā Walk (a 2.4km loop track) or book a Māori Pā Experience or Māori Waka Experience. Another option is the immersive 4 hour package including both pā and waka experiences where you'll learn about Chief Te Wera and the legendary siege as well as visiting the site of the old Waikouaiti Whaling Station and Tavern.

 

dark brown Edwardian grand house with lit windows

Olveston

Built for the wealthy Theomin family who lived here from 1906, Olveston has been loved by visitors since it was gifted to the City of Dunedin in 1966. Join one of the excellent guides for a one-hour tour of the domestic quarters and living areas where the Theomin family displayed their fine art, furniture and artefacts collected from around the world. 

 

grand brick building behind formal hedged garden

Dunedin Railway Station

Often said to be the country’s most photographed building, the Dunedin Railway Station is open to the public to visit. Just a short walk to Dunedin's Octagon, Marvel at the ornate interiors, which includes a beautiful mosaic of a locomotive on the booking hall floor, and a locomotive-themed stained glass window.

 

 
green garden with flowers, grand castle in background
Larnach Castle

A visit to Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions, is a must for all visitors to Dunedin. Explore the castle and extensive gardens on a guided or self-guided tour, and treat yourself to a high tea experience.

 

yellow train on track above rocky gully with river

Taeri Gorge Railway

Journey from Dunedin Railway Station into the Taieri Gorge — where engineering, history and wild Otago landscapes meet. This is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most memorable rail experiences. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife and listen to tales of gold miners, early farmers and railway workers from the onboard storytellers.

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