OTAGO
The Otago Region is located in the south central area of the South Island. The main centres in the region include Dunedin which is the most populated, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Oamaru. The population of the Otago Region is 194,000, representing 4.8% of the total population and is the seventh largest region in size in New Zealand. Otago offers a distinctive lifestyle and a stunning physical landscape to take pleasure in all year round. The majestic Southern Alps dominate the physical countryside inland.
The continental climate of the Otago region is the coldest and driest in the country. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters cold and very snowy. Temperatures range between 10-30 degrees Celsius in the summer and 6-15 degrees Celsius in the winter. The unique continental climatic extremes together with mineral rich soil has made the region a foremost location for wine cultivation, especially the pinot noir varietal for which it is recognised internationally.
The main industries in the region include education, research and medical-healthcare centred at the University of Otago. The school of medicine has contributed to establishing the primary medical community in the country. Other industries include fabricated metals engineering, tourism and ecotourism, adventure sports, horticulture and a world class wine culture.
The overwhelming splendour of the Otago Region can be enjoyed in more than a few ways. Wildlife tours and water sports, the University of Otago in Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown for its skiing, snow boarding, tramping and vineyard touring. Extreme adventure sports including bungee jumping, cycling and world class tramping can all be enjoyed throughout the region
all year round.
www.dunedin.govt.nz/
www.otago.ac.nz/
www.centralotagonz.com/
www.otagodhb.govt.nz/
