Otago

Known for its dramatic landscapes, buzzing student life and tourist hotspots, the Otago region has something for everyone. Based in the South Island, the Otago region is made up of 4 main centres - Dunedin, Queenstown, Oamuru and Wanaka. The popular student city of Dunedin is home to the country’s first university. With the beautiful beaches, friendly community and thriving art scene, it’s hard to not feel at home when in Dunedin. A drive across the South Island will take you to the town of Queenstown, the most popular tourist town in New Zealand. Whether you are a thrill seeker or prefer a laid back lifestyle, Queenstown can cater to all. You can spend your day bungy jumping or skiing, or by taking a relaxing walk along the lake. The centre of Oamaru is best known for its Victorian architecture, popular bar and restaurant scene and stunning scenery. Oamaru is also home to penguins, seals and seabirds, with spectators having the ability to view penguin colonies in their natural habitat. The town of Wanaka is known for its snowy mountains, tourist attractions and world-class vineyards. Spend your days hitting the slopes, partaking in thrill seeking tourist attractions, or wandering around the bustling town filled with cafes and restaurants. Otago is a fantastic region in New Zealand for international students. With many student-friendly urban hubs, an abundance of opportunities, and New Zealand’s most popular tourist hotspots on your doorstep, it is no surprise that the Otago reason is a highly sought after location.