The Top Things to do in Central Otago

Location: Starting points at Clyde, Chatto, Lauder, Otourehua, Ranfurly, Hyde and Middlemarch

New Zealand’s original ‘Great Ride’, the Otago Central Rail Trail is one of the most popular trails in the country. Stretching for over 150 kilometres the trail’s wide, gravel paths are suitable for riders, walkers and even horse riders of all ages. With no traffic to speak of on this off-road ride, adventurers can get out and enjoy breathtaking landscapes all year round.

Travelling through the countryside and alpine areas, you’ll see the scenery transform from mountainous and rocky landscapes to farmland, vibrant rivers and prosperous towns.

“The Otago Central Rail trail will take you past some of the most picturesque areas in the region including historic gold mining villages, country pubs, miles of green pastures and alpine scenery as far as the eye can see”.

Travelling at your own pace you can stop at any or all of the highlights along the way where you’ll be able to mingle with locals and learn about the region’s rich heritage. Some of the highlights along the way include Ophir Bridge, Hamiltons Cemetery and Styx Hotel and Jail.

Whichever way you choose to follow the Otago Central Rail Trail, you’ll be sure to enjoy this historic, scenic and adventurous journey.

Location: Various Locations

The Central Otago region is renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir; so visiting the region without at least tasting this champion wine is almost against the law.

Exuberating vibrant, pure, flavoursome and colourful pinot noir, you’ll fall in love as you look over the rolling vineyards.

There are several ways to experience this famous wine, you can enjoy a glass or two with a meal at a local restaurant or café, embark on an organised tour around the vineyards or nominate someone from your group to be the designated driver for the day.

It is recommended to set aside at least three days to explore one of the country’s best wine regions.

Location: Various locations

Come winter, Central Otago transforms into a curling wonderland as the dams and ponds freeze solid. This ancient Scottish ice sport is a popular winter pastime in Central Otago and is a recommended activity for visitors to the area to try.

New Zealand’s curling capital is located in Central Otago at Naseby, where a purpose-built, year round curling arena was built.

This ancient Scottish ice sport is a popular winter pastime in Central Otago and is a recommended activity for visitors to the area to try.

Likened to playing bowls, curling involves sliding 20-kilogram granite stones across a marked out rink. The aim of the game is to get the majority of your teams stones closer to the tea than your opponent.

It is played between two teams consisting of four a side. This is an activity suitable for all ages with instructions and equipment supplied at Naseby’s Maniototo Curling International rink. If watching is more your forte, there is a two-day competition held during winter on the Idaburn Dam at Oturehua that sees all of the local clubs come together to compete.

Location: Melmore Terrace, Cromwell

Considered one of the region’s best kept secrets, Cromwell Heritage Precinct is just waiting to be explored. A free attraction in Central Otago, there is something for the whole family here.

You’ll feel as though you’re stepping back in time to what life was like in the gold rush. Most of the buildings are in their original form after being saved from drowning under Lake Dunstan or have been rebuilt to replicate their original appearance.

In the precinct you’ll find various buildings including The Second Cromwell School Building from 1870, Athanaeum Hall from 1874, Wisharts Blacksmith and Motor Garage from 1880 and Scott’s Bakery from 1869.

Most of the heritage buildings are still running retail shops with most hosting various artisanal businesses.

Most of the heritage buildings are still running retail shops with most hosting various artisanal businesses.

Some of the shops include Sequoia Finewares selling a unique range of home wares, Up and Down Bookshop selling second-hand books and The Tent House creating and selling natural lavender products.

With Lake Dunstan as the view and the rolling mountains as the backdrop, Cromwell Heritage Precinct is open every day and provides a day filled with history, scenery and adventure.

There are also two cafes located in the precinct serving fresh meals with locally sourced ingredients, making your trip here enjoyable and delicious.

Location: Starting points in Commissioner Flat, Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence

The Central Otago goldfields accommodated thousands of international migrants from the likes of Scotland, China and Italy all in the hopes to strike gold. The rivers running through the region were brimming with gold in the 1860s and are now filled with an incredible amount of history.

By far, one of the best ways to learn about and experience the rich gold mining heritage of the Otago region is with a cycle along the Clutha Gold Trail.

One of the New Zealand Cycle Trail’s ‘Great Rides’ the Clutha Gold Trail is a great adventure for everyone to enjoy.

One of the New Zealand Cycle Trail’s ‘Great Rides’ the Clutha Gold Trail is a great adventure for everyone to enjoy.

Ride at your own pace visiting all of the major stops along the way to learn about the wealthy gold heritage of the area while enjoying the beautiful scenery of rural New Zealand.

The majority of the trail travels alongside the Clutha River with smooth, wide trails guiding you along. Suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, you can begin the trail at either end and see the absolute best of the region.

Location: Clutha River, from Lake Wanaka to Balclutha

Try your hand at catching a big fish in New Zealand’s fastest flowing river. This giant river is home to a range of great catches including Brown, Rainbow and Sea trout, Chinook salmon and Perch.

Though quite daunting for first-time anglers, the catch rate is quite high in the Clutha River. If you don’t happen to reel in a keeper, the experience of fishing in the Clutha River is something in itself.

This giant river is home to a range of great catches including Brown, Rainbow and Sea trout, Chinook salmon and Perch.

The river runs from the lower end of Lake Wanaka to Molyneaux Bay near Balclutha which running through the Central Otago towns of Cromwell, Alexandra and Balclutha.

Fishing techniques such as spinning and fly-fishing are considered the most popular and productive ways to catch fish.

The area has specific limitations and regulations for the amount of catches, fishing methods, size limits and seasons, be sure to check before you cast your line out (a fishing license are also compulsory).

Location: Various locations

Central Otago boasts a range of incredible dining options, from fine dining to casual al-fresco cafes and vibrant pubs and bistros, you won’t leave this region hungry.

Accompanying the award-winning wine, is an equally award-worthy selection of food made from fresh, local produce.

If you’re chasing a fancy night out, there are various fine dining options serving season-appropriate dishes created by their experienced chefs.

Central Otago boasts a range of incredible dining options, from fine dining to casual al-fresco cafes and vibrant pubs and bistros, you won’t leave this region hungry.

Those looking to dine with a more relaxed vibe will love the alfresco dining scene in the region. With the perfect climate in the warmer months, you’ll love enjoying your fresh meal while looking out to the gorgeous, rugged scenery of Otago.

Another option available is the various country hotels and pubs spread around the region. Here you will receive a hearty, home-style meal at reasonable prices; you can’t go wrong with that combination.

Location: Alpha Street Recreational Reserve, Cromwell

With Lake Dunstan as the backdrop, Alpha Street Reserve provides an array of activities and facilities for everyone to enjoy. Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy a day beside the water with the whole family.

With Lake Dunstan as the backdrop, Alpha Street Reserve provides an array of activities and facilities for everyone to enjoy.

The Reserve allows visitors to swim in the lake, enjoy sports on the large grassy area, play on the playground, cycle around the area and walk along the Lake’s foreshore.

With picnic tables, shaded areas, and toilets in the Reserve, it’s the perfect picnic spot to sit back and enjoy the New Zealand outdoors.

Location: Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Melmore Tce, Cromwell

Running every Sunday from 9am to 1pm from Labour Weekend (October) to Easter Weekend is the excellent Cromwell Farmers’ Market.

Selling the best produce from local farmers, these markets have more than just a few stalls.

With rows of fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers, artisanal products and of course, live music.

The atmosphere at the local Cromwell Markets are one to revel in, even though you might not need any fresh produce, it’s worth visiting to enjoy the environment.

Selling the best produce from local farmers, these markets have more than just a few stalls.

Stallholders include Artisan Caterers with their homemade paella and wood fired pizzas, Salmon Barn with their unique tote bags and accessories and Stock the Car Candles selling their alcohol-flavoured candles.

So pack a blanket and camp chairs and set yourself up with a delicious ready-to-eat meal from one of the local vendors and enjoy the live entertainment throughout the day.

Location: Various locations

With an incredibly breathtaking backdrop, teeing up in the Central Otago region is as beautiful as it is enjoyable.

Home to some award winning international and country courses, each course is less than an hours drive from each other, providing you with an array of choices.

Due to the numerous courses in the area, visitors are usually treated to leisurely paced and uncrowded golfing.

Due to the numerous courses in the area, visitors are usually treated to leisurely paced and uncrowded golfing.

Central Otago is home to some of the best courses including Alexandra; an 18 hold tree lined championship course set in a delightful natural environment and Cromwell; New Zealand’s most inland course built on real ‘links’ style land.

With 18 and 9-hole options, you’ll be itching to tee off at some of the country’s most scenic golf courses.