Central Otago

Nearby

Central Otago: Understand

A harsh yet compelling land, Central Otago is New Zealand’s Hottest (37 degrees +) and driest spot in the summer. From sun burnt hills and rocky outcrops to the oasis of the clear blue lakes which dot the landscape, you will be enthralled with this beautiful region.

Initially used for grazing sheep, Central Otago soon became the destination of many a fortune seeker when gold was first discovered in 1861. Today, Central Otago’s economy centres around farming, fruit growing and Tourism.

Central Otago: Getting In & Out

By plane:

The best airport to fly into to reach Central Otago, would be Queenstown or Wanaka.

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

By car:

Central Otago is spread across a fairly large area, so your first destination and how to get there will depend on where you are coming from.

Cromwell is closest to Queenstown, not far on State Highway 6.

Alexandra and Clyde are further east from Cromwell, on State Highway 8.

Continuing east but on State Highway 85 you’ll get to Naseby and Ranfurly. From Ranfurly, State Highway 85 meets with State Highway 1 and travels down to Dunedin.

From Alexandra, you can also take State Highway 8 to meet State Highway 1 and travel up to Dunedin. Or, State Highway 8 to meet State Highway 90 to Gore, then State Highway 1 down to Invercargill.

By bus:

Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.

Central Otago: See & Do

The largest town in the region, Alexandra, is a wonderful place to visit in any season.

In the hot summer can enjoy a dip in nearby Lake Dunstan
Taste of some of the local wines
Autumn turns Alexandra’s deciduous trees into a sea of Gold
The long, cold Winter offers big-sky, crisp-clear days.

The quaint settlement of Clyde largely remains unchanged from the gold rush years and is the closest you’ll get to experience what life was like back in the 1860’s.

Located at the head of the Maniototo Plain, Naseby is the most charming of Otago’s gold rush settlements, with a wealth of surviving Victorian architecture. If you get to Naseby, promise us you won’t leave until you’ve tried curling — it’s a hoot!

Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Dunstan, Cromwell is another famous gold mining town and is characterised by several rather large pieces of fruit, which stand proudly on a pole reflecting the area’s fruit growing prowess. Goldfields Mining Centre has tours of a historical goldmine. Experience the thrill of finding gold amongst soil where valuable nuggets are still to be found.

Multi-Day Trips Near Central Otago

Biking the Otago Rail Trail

One of the best ways to explore Central Otago’s stunning landscape is by biking the Otago Central Rail Trail. Formally a railway line called the Otago Central Railway, it spans 150km from Middlemarch to Clyde.

The 4-day Railtrail runs deep into the heart of Central Otago, offering magical mountain and plain views. Being an old railway line, the gradient is gentle which makes it accessible to most age groups.

Central Otago: Eat & Drink

Our latest trip travelling through Alexandra we stopped at the Courthouse Cafe & Bar for lunch – a great decision. The sweets are as good as they look!

Central Otago: Sleep

Be sure to check Airbnb for a range of options.

Golden Gate Lodge is centrally located in Cromwell offering a restaurant, two bars plus units for couples and families that are disability-friendly.

Hawkdun Rise Bed & Breakfast is a private, boutique B&B with it’s lodgings set on a vineyard near Alexandra. Features Queen size bed rooms, ensuites and a verandah.

Quail Rock Bed and Breakfast is a well-appointed bed & breakfast accommodation boasting an extensive garden and superb views from the hills above Alexandra township.

The Lodge & Cottages Wedderburn has both lodge accommodation (a refurbished farm homestead) plus separate, self-contained cottages located at the mid-point of the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Almond Court Motel has self-contained, centrally heated, quiet accommodation in Alexandra. Boasts a swimming pool and wireless internet.