Page 47 - Flipbook

weekenders OTAGO, NZ
features over 30 vineyards, many of which have outstanding, award- winning restaurants.
The region is also a nature-lover’s paradise - the rare royal albatross and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, plus New Zealand
sea lions, seals and many more species of wildlife call Otago home. Predominantly of volcanic origin, the peninsula is steep and bordered by the Pacific Ocean. On the harbour side, wildlife is attracted to the warmth, the sun and the shelter.
And whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, hire a car and follow the coastal road past tiny settlements and deserted beaches until you reach the pretty Taiaroa Head. Take a camera as you’ll
be staring in wonder at the only other residents – the albatross colony. Look out for fur seals and sea lions on the Otago Peninsula, and don’t forget ‘the pyramids’ at Victory Beach.
Time spent in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s Otago is time well spent.
EAT EXPLORE
WINTER GAMES 2013
Visiting Otago in August? Make sure you check out the New Zealand Winter Games, running from the 11th to the 25th of the month. The elite winter sports competition features 1000 athletes from 50 countries competing in a range of alpine skiing, cross country skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. It’s also one of the few leading sports events where able-bodied and disabled athletes compete together. For more information visit www.wintergamesnz.com
INFINITE VIEWS
From top: Yet another amazing vista over Lake Wakatipu. The pristine beauty of Glenorchy. Larnach Castle in Dunedin.
weekenders OTAGO, NZ
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STAY
Scotia Bar & Bistro T: 0043 477 7704.
199 Upper Stuart Street, Dunedin. Try a wee dram from Scotia’s rare and special selection of 300 whiskies served in the cosy library- esque whiskey bar before sampling from the hearty menu with smoky meats, game and even haggis. www.scotiadunedin.co.nz
Orokonui Ecosanctuary There are twice-daily guided tours ($38 for adults, $19 for children),
or you can potter about on your own ($15 adults, $7.50 children. Open to visitors from 9.30am
to 4.30pm daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There are also family concessions for guided and unguided tours.). www.orokonui.org.nz
Larnach Castle T: 00 64 3 476 1616.
145 Camp Road, Otago Peninsula. Visit New Zealand’s only castle, explore the ‘Garden of International Significance’, Take High Tea in the Ballroom every day at 3pm. Open 9am daily, last admission 5pm Entry from $12.50 www.larnachcastle.co.nz
Royal Albatross Centre T: 0064 3 478 0499 . Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin. The only mainland breeding ground of albatross in the world.
Summer: 24 Nov - 31 Mar Tours from 11am till 6pm Winter: 01 Apr - 23 Nov from 11am till 3pm Tours from $40pp
www.albatross.org.nz
RCI affiliated resorts in New Zealand include:
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Wanaka C004 Located only a short stroll from the lakeshore and the heart of the village. The local area can provide you with all the relaxation or adventure you desire with something to suit everyone.
Travelodge Wellington
3 nights from AU$309/NZ$379 hotel room
4 nights from AU$469/NZ$579 hotel room Located in the town centre and just a short stroll to lively cafes, shops and Wellington Harbour.
Spencer On Byron - Auckland
3 nights from AU$439/NZ$529 1brm
4 nights from AU$569/NZ$699 1brm
Standing tall on the North Shore in Takapuna, with unsurpassed views, this new business class hotel is fresh, innovative and welcoming.
*Subject to availability, prices current at time of print.
RELAX
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Spa at St Clair T: 03 455 0750
236 Forbury Road St Clair, Dunedin. Come and experience Dunedin’s most luxurious Day Spa a few moments from the beach www.spastclair.co.nz
PLAY
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Esplanade Surf School T: 0800 484141 or 021 484 141. St Clair Esplanade, St Clair Beach, Dunedin.
All levels of ability catered for in a safe and fun environment dedicated to improvement.
Offtrack Mountain Bike T: 64 (0)211 750 832. Experience scenery, wildlife, history by mountain bike, tours tailored to your requirements
Half day tours from $70. www.offtrack.co.nz
ENDLESS VACATION 45