Touch in rings in New Zealand (5)

I believe the answer is:

otago

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'new zealand' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'touch in rings' is the wordplay.
'touch' becomes 'tag' (tagging is a kind of touching).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'rings' becomes 'oo' (multiple circles).
'tag' inserted into 'oo' is 'OTAGO'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for otago that I've seen before include "NZ location" , "Antipodean region" , "Region in South Island, New Zealand" , "NZ province" , "Dunedin is its chief town" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.