Central Otago

An historic township

Central Otago is full of picturesque tiny towns; remnants of the gold rush days as prospectors explored the region's harsh hinterland. One of those historic communities was in Cromwell. After the Clyde Dam was finished in the early 1990s – which formed Lake Dunstan – the old town was flooded, and some heritage buildings were moved to a new lakefront location, known as the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Today the heritage village is home to cafés, artisans and art galleries. Read more

Cromwell's number two attraction

Highlands Motorsport Park also happens to have a thing for toilets. Loo with a View is known as Cromwell's No.2 attraction. There is a series of toilets for men and women. One is set up like a miniature palace, playing orchestral music. When you flush the throne, the chandelier starts flashing and the room erupts into applause. Another tells a series of dad jokes. There's a line of instrumental urinals and an enormous caricature head of what looks like Donald Trump. Some have floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the racetrack, and thanks to one-way glass, your business stays your business. Read more

The tiny town full of Art Deco delights

Napier doesn’t have the monopoly on Art Deco architecture in New Zealand. The little town of Ranfurly features the speed lines, rounded corners, flat roofs and bright colours of the fashion of the times. Get a brochure from the Visitor Centre in the lovely old railway building and wander off on a tour of the town, or go straight to the Art Deco Gallery and get it all in one hit. Housed inside the former Centennial Milk Bar and Refreshment Rooms, it’s the only Art Deco museum south of the equator, and well worth a good browse. Read more

Central Otago's spectacular road trip

This signposted touring route encompasses many of Otago's magical little mining towns. It's officially known as the Central Otago Touring Route, and the 341-kilometre drive links Dunedin to Queenstown, weaving through a fascinating snowcapped hinterland rich in history and spectacular scenery. It is the car equivalent of doing the Otago Rail Trail. And it's easily one of the country's most spectacular road trips. Read more

Scenic cycling without the crowds

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is one of Central Otago’s best-kept secrets. This day ride follows the mighty Clutha River/Mata-Au from Alexandra to Roxburgh, along a breathtakingly rugged gorge. It is like biking through New Zealand's very own miniature Grand Canyon. The ride offers incredible scenery, as it weaves around rocky cliffs, barren mountains and the glacial blue river. The adventure really starts after an hour and a half of cycling. The only way to get to the second section of the trail (without turning back) is by taking a jet boat ride. Read more

The cycle trail with secret lagoons

The scenery feels otherworldly on the Clutha Gold Trail. The glacial blue of the river contrasts starkly with the barren mountains, with dramatic schist outcrops around every turn. The 73-kilometre cycle track from Roxburgh Dam to the historic mining town of Lawrence is comfortably done over two nights/three days – although there are many options for a day trip. The trail is drenched in gold mining and early Māori history, and before reaching the tiny town of Beaumont, you'll find a series of protected lagoons —the perfect place for a dip. Read more

A time capsule of Kiwi ingenuity

The grounds of Hayes Engineering are mostly frequented by lycra-clad cyclists stopping in at the on-site café. But you can also look around the workshop and homestead of legendary inventors Ernest and Hannah Hayes. Take a tour around the property and local guides will show you Ernest’s fencing wire strainer. Outside is an example of a windmill used to draw up water for stock, and then there is the rusty corrugated iron-clad workshops themselves where locals crank up the lathes and other equipment. Read more

Part dairy, part museum

Just a minute’s drive from Hayes’ is another Oturehua treasure, Gilchrist’s Store. Considered to be New Zealand’s oldest, continuously trading store, it’s been serving the area since 1902. Gilchrist’s is an intriguing mix of a working general store and museum. The store still has many of its saleable goods behind long wooden counters, but you’re welcome to come in just to check out everything, from the ancient bacon slicer to the district’s manual telephone exchange. Read more

New Zealand's secret blue lake

In Central Otago’s hinterland a beautifully restored heritage village sits on the side of an emerald lake. The tiny town of St Bathans was once a fortress, of the gold mining variety. While the heritage buildings are full of character and meticulously restored, the main feature of the town is a giant emerald lake, created by miners and then abandoned so it didn't encroach on the town. The minerals in the soil give the lake its distinctive colour and with the surrounding exposed cliffs, it has an almost lunar-like appearance. Visitors can enjoy walks around the lake and it is also popular for boating, kayaking and paddleboarding. Read more

The best winter fun

The tiny Maniototo town of Naseby, just a two-hour drive from Dunedin, is most famous for curling. It’s been a popular pastime in the area ever since it was introduced by homesick Scottish gold miners in the 1870s. Curling can be played year-round thanks to the Naseby Indoor Curling Rink, which is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Anyone can give the sport a go, no matter your age or ability. Read more

Slide down the world's largest inflatable sheep

In summer you’ll find New Zealand's largest inflatable water park on Lake Dunstan, and it’s a little like a floating version of Disneyland. Kiwi Water Park has a massive obstacle course, a climbing wall, water trampolines and a giant blob, which launches people into the air. More features at the park include an 8.5m high tower with a ski-jump style slide, a huge human hamster wheel that spins on water and a giant inflatable seesaw. The park is designed for kids and adults alike, with something to challenge all ages. Read more

A beautiful time piece

It's a clock on a hill, and it has been up overlooking Alexandra since 1968. Built in 42 working days, the clock face is 11 metres across, making it the biggest of its kind in the country. Its white hands and hour markers show up well in daytime against the baked rock of the Knobbies Range and, at night, they are illuminated. While it was made to look up at, no visitor to Alex should leave without standing just below it to enjoy the opposite view over the town, rivers, hills and mountains. Read more

The joys of fly-fishing

Fishing guides Roger Tompkins​ and Simon Wilkinson operate their specialist drift boat, Walter, in the labyrinth of backwaters on the Clutha River for both half and full-day fly-fishing excursions. The slightly unattractive vessel imported from the US is apparently the best thing to happen to fly-fishing in New Zealand, specifically designed to power through rivers, up streams and into backwaters where fish like to feed and laze in the sun. Read more

A wee gem of a town

Ophir is a little gem of a town tucked away in a valley near Alexandra. The charming village holds the record for the coldest place ever in New Zealand and the longest-running post office, built in 1886 and still operational every weekday morning. It's your introduction to all the heritage buildings that remain in the town. Admire the dignified Court House, then look closely at the other buildings. You can spot the bakery, the bank, the cottage hospital, the churches, and more. Appreciate the peace and the flower gardens and then go to Pitches Store for friendly service and excellent food. Read more

A sluice of the Wild West

This spectacular landscape mimics the hoodoos you might see in the Wild West. The Bannockburn Slucings Track is a 3.5km loop taking you along deep gullies, past tunnels in high cliff faces, and up to where a huge shallow reservoir was built to enable sluicing. You won’t believe how the lust for gold can drive such incredible physical work. Stand at the top of a deep canyon and know that it was dug by hand, that all those piles of rocks were carefully washed by hand, that those tunnels were burrowed by hand. If you go in late summer, look out for the apricots, and later pears, to pick for a treat from the trees by Stewart Town. Read more

Naseby by night

One of the country’s most affordable stargazing experiences can also be found in Naseby. Astrophysicist Paul Bishop has an exceptional little observation post just outside the village, and runs Naseby Night Sky Tours any night it’s clear. You’ll take a closer look at planets, nebula, constellations and the moon if it’s out — all for $50 per adult or $35 per child. Winter is one of the best times for stargazing, and the earlier nights mean you don’t need to stay up late to be gazing at the universe.

A meal with history

Occupying the originally named The Victoria Store, which dates back to 1863, Olivers restaurant is one of a trio of businesses including a Merchant of Clyde, a café-bakery-delicatessen and the Victoria Store Brewery, that inhabit this historic spot. The restaurant is set between the original stone walls, and with a roaring fire and dishes focused on local produce, it’s hard to beat this experience on a cold Central Otago night. To wash it all down, the brewery produces a range of craft beers in the custom-built brewery next door. Read more

The floating burger bar in the mountains

New Zealand's first floating burger joint is found in a jaw-dropping location: on a lake among the mountains. Found along the Lake Dunstan Trail, the burger bar, known as Burger Afloat, sits on a boat next to the existing coffee barge. Given fresh ingredients have to be motored out each day, the boat launched with a single flavour: venison and thyme, with smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, pinot pickled onions and apricot relish.

Wine and dine with a view

One of the country’s most picturesque cellar doors is found overlooking Lake Dunstan and the snow-dusted Pisa Range. Cloudy Bay Shed is found in Northburn — less than 10 minutes' drive from Cromwell — and offers a tasting room, alongside an exceptional menu. During winter months, feast next to the fire — and as it warms up, enjoy a wine overlooking the lake and mountains. The food and wine are at a match made in Central Otago heaven.

NZ's coolest coffee shop

The floating coffee shop at the edge of the Lake Dunstan Trail makes the whole experience unmissable. Richard and Jolanda Foale came up with the concept after realising there wasn't anywhere for riders to get a refreshment. Coffee Afloat is open all year (weather dependent) serving fresh lattes, alongside local baking and even icecreams. The coffee stop is followed by a steep hill, but with caffeine in your veins and incredible scenery to enjoy, this is paradise. Read more

Lunch, your honour

A bit of an institution in Alexandra is The Courthouse Café, set in Alexandra's original Courthouse built in 1876. Reopened and refreshed in 2009, The Courthouse is all about comfort food done well in a relaxed dining experience. They offer an array of delicious in-house baked goods and menu items options like brisket burger, chicken and leek pie and pork spare ribs. Read more

Three of the best cellar doors

Climate extremes in summer and winter, soil variability and dramatic landscapes help to make this southern wine region one of the best in the country. Head to certified organic pinot noir vineyard Domaine Thomson Wines for for a mix of the old and new worlds. Te Kano Estate's cantilevered cellar door pairs its award-winning drops with spectacular views. The family-owned Domain Road Vineyard specialises in high-altitude, cool climate wines, and they've got a trophy cabinet of awards to show for their pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling and pinot gris. Read more

More must-visit watering holes

If you're looking for more spots to swirl, sniff and sip delicious local drops in New Zealand's southernmost wine region, try the Bannockburn Hotel just across the bridge from Cromwell. The local institution has one of the largest wine lists in Central, including drops made nearby. The Office Restaurant and Bar sits next to the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail with a drinks menu that leans heavily into local ales. Misha's Vineyard Tasting Room is where visitors can sample the consistently good wares of the on-site vineyard. Read more

The hard-to-find pie shop

Sanga's Pies serves up next-level baked goods in the heart of Cromwell's industrial district. Tucked away down a gravel driveway, the shop specialises in out-of-the-ordinary pies. The Holey Smoke is an elevated take on the steak and cheese, incorporating cold-smoked cheddar and mozzarella. Seafood fans might consider ordering the Keep It Deep, while the Morning Glory is essentially your Kiwi big breakfast housed in pastry. It's filled with sausage, egg and beans and then topped with a hash brown lid. Read more

Views (and pinot) to die for

Situated high above the vines on Templars Hill, Mt Difficulty cellar door and restaurant must be added to your Central Otago bucket list. On a fine day the outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to absorb the panoramic views of Bannockburn and the Cromwell Basin. During winter, snuggle up by the fireplace and sample their house-made pasta or butcher’s cut meats. The restaurant sports an open kitchen, great for watching the chefs work their magic. Read more

The cabin in the middle of nowhere

Looking for accommodation off the beaten track? Cascade Creek Retreat is a self-contained cabin in rural Milton that sleeps up to six people. Inspired by log cabins you would find in Canada, the retreat was built by its outdoorsy owners who wanted people to experience the best of what New Zealand’s farm area had to offer. An open fireplace is available to keep you toasty in the cold, with marshmallows for roasting. Outdoor baths help make the cabin luxurious. Read more

Glamping on a sheep farm

Tucked behind Naseby on Danseys Pass is the popular Shortlands Shed, off-the-grid, glamping-style accommodation on a sheep farm. It's a perfect weekend getaway for the more intrepid travellers on the South Island. In the colder months you need a 4WD to access the cabin. The bedroom and lounge has a nice fire to keep you toasty, while a massive cedar wood-fired hot tub sits outside. Read more

Overwater accommodation

Unlike Queenstown or Wānaka, Cromwell's lake features an overwater resort on its own little lagoon. The boat shed-style villas at Heritage Collection Lake Resort are split into two levels. The top floor is designed for couples, with a deck and view over the lagoon. The lower levels are the premium suites, with a large lounge, deck, access to the water and a private spa. If you have a boat, you can even launch it on the lake and tie it to your private jetty. The lake is full of trout and in summer you can jump straight off your dock into the water.

Fancy a night in a vineyard?

One of the region’s best value escapes is tucked away on an organic vineyard. Aurum Vineyard Stay has a cosy luxury loft where you can unwind just a few minutes’ drive from central Cromwell. After a busy day exploring or cycling, this is the perfect base to relax with a bottle of the local drop. The bed is also luxuriously comfy, which is certainly a help if you’ve been on a bike all day.

An affordable night in the mountains

Tucked away in the mountains on a rocky outcrop are two small but luxurious cabins. You can spend thousands on a South Island mountain escape, but at Bendigo Cabins the experience will set you back just $250 a night. There are two huts to pick from and both have been designed with the view in mind. Both cabins have an outdoor bath with sweeping views, while the main living area also has a fire, making winter escapes uber cosy. Read more

For more information visit centralotagonz.com