Otago's Long Hot Summer
You wouldn't think it, but
Otago often records the hottest summer days in the country, and with the sun setting later, the summer days are l o n g e r so you can pack more in. An Otago summer (from December through to February) has an average of 227 sunshine hours per month. So, when are you planning to go?
THE FRUITBOWL OF THE SOUTH ISLAND
The local produce is boun
tiful and bursting with flavours - what Kiwi Christmas meal would be complete without a steaming bowl of Jersey Bennes (the yummiest little potatoes from
Oamaru), and/or a box of deep red cherries from Central Otago? The frosty winters mean the stone fruit trees are hardened and then are able to produce the most mouthwateringly delicious apricots, plums, peaches and nectarines. Oh, and then there's the wine! Sample our guide to the
tastes of Otago here, and then check out the food and wine events for summer 2012 listed below.
FEEL THE LOVE
The
fierce love that Otago residents have for their part of the country is well known, and it's no wonder - with such beauty at their doorstep it'd be hard to leave, so why not
plan for a longer stay.
If you have a few days up your sleeve and are keen on getting out and about, then head to the Otago Central
Rail Trail - 150km of gravel path following the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde. Its gentle gradient has no steep hills - making it ideal for cycling. Take a day trip and discover its hidden treasures on any of its short sections or take 3-5 days and complete the trail.
But, if four wheels are more your thing then you may want to meander your way through other parts of the South Island in comfort, here's an
itinerary that takes in Christchurch, and
Queenstown with some highlights of north Otago included.
RARE AND UNUSUAL
From the astounding Moeraki boulders and the rare yellow-eyed penguins in north Otago to
albatross and the surprising and beautiful Tunnel Beach outside Dunedin, there are so many
coastal activities to keep you cool and refreshed.
UNQUESTIONABLE CHARM
And let's not forget Dunedin, a city
we really love. Otago's largest city boasts a beautiful natural harbour, rich native wildlife, elegant heritage buildings, and
New Zealand's only castle. The country's oldest university was founded here in 1869 and Dunedin's lively student scene contributes to the
vibrant feel.
Dunedin has a strong Scottish heritage, so it makes sense that one of the best golf courses in New Zealand is located on Maori Hill in Dunedin. Established in 1871,
Balmacewen
is a green where golf enthusiasts can extend their swing and –
hopefully –lower their handicap (bookings are advised). The number 11 hole, The Glen, continues to be recognised internationally as one of the world's great golf holes.
The Southern Hemisphere's only authentic
Chinese Garden is also located in Dunedin. Explore and experience the tranquillity and beauty of the garden and contemplate life over tea and traditional Chinese finger food from the Tea House.
Just a jump from Dunedin is the incredible wildlife of the Otago Peninsula – an area David Bellamy has described as ‘the finest example of eco-tourism in the world’. Stay a while, and
book your accommodation here.
LINGER AT A LAKE AND DIP INTO ADVENTURE
The beauty of
Wanaka and the
adrenalin of Queenstown are well-documented, there's so much to explore that you'll fill up those 227 hours of monthly sunshine without any trouble. Wherever you
choose to stay, make sure you try the local produce and enjoy the hospitality of the south.
Overwhelmed by all the possibilities? Then plan a trip in stages, here's our suggestions for
Otago scenic driving routes.
And remember to check out our Otago HOT DEALS page.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Sea kayaking around Tairoa Head
My Dunedin-based uncle is the outdoorsy type - even in his mid sixties he cycles around the Otago Peninsular hills and is always doing something active. About 20 years ago he took me sea-kayaking around Tairoa Head at the mouth of Otago Harbour.
Being from an inland provincial town of the North Island, I'd never been in a sea-kayak, so I was quite nervous of falling out and making an embarrassment of myself.
We got into the water at Pilots Beach where there were a few sea lions lazing about on the rocks and I was a bit terrified that they'd come and join us; thankfully they stayed put.
We paddled around the head so that I got a view of the lighthouse, built in 1864, and also managed to see a couple of those most amazing albatross coasting the air.
The water was that beautiful sparkly turquoise blue-green, the sun was shining and the breeze was enough to only let the smell of the guano and the sea lions catch us every now and again.
We were just about to turn back when I saw a dark shape in the water coming rapidly towards us. It veered right towards my kayak and I froze - having visions of a sea lion deciding I was a fun toy. My uncle reassured me that sea lions are far too lazy to bother with big objects and that they feed on the abundant fish around the heads.
The dark shape turned out to be a curious seal pup who swam under my kayak and popped his head up to say hello. For a few minutes he circled us, skimmed under the nose of my kayak every now and again and popped his head up before he decided to head on his way.
It was a perfect summer activity: water, family, scenic adventure and wildlife - and I loved every moment of it.
-
Astral, Editor
What's your favourite part of Dunedin and Otago, and what do you want to find out more about?
