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Welcome to the Neat Places Fam, Central Otago!

Whether you prefer your itineraries relaxed or set at top speed, our Central Otago guide proves it’s simply impossible to run out of things to eat, drink, see and do in this one-of-a-kind place.

48 Hours Central Otago

Cromwell Heritage Precinct on a sunny day.
Central Otago

From drinking in one of the most renowned wine regions in the country and embarking on multi-day biking adventures to exploring gold mining towns and pulling over every 2 minutes to fill your camera with breathtaking landscapes, you could quite easily spend at least a week discovering each glorious pocket. However, we know life doesn’t always give us the time off.  The good news is, you can still fit a lot of incredible experiences into a weekend trip to Central Otago. Spanning from Cromwell (an hour’s drive from Queenstown) and Clyde all the way to remote locations like St Bathans and Naseby, we’ve put together a 48-hour itinerary full of one-of-a-kind adventures unique to the region. Expect great coffee, fascinating history lessons, world-class food, scenic streetscapes, stores full of locally made treasures and – of course – a few pinots along the way.

Your Getaway Guide to Naseby in Central Otago

A woman sitting on a couch in a cafe.
Central Otago

Proudly standing “2,000ft above worry level”, Naseby is a small historic town nestled into the foothills of the Ida Range in Central Otago. While it may be small with just over 100 permanent residents, its old-world charm and access to adventure brings in thousands of holidaymakers settling in for the summer. A hot spot for mountain bikers, history buffs and those who simply want to hide away in the forest for a few weeks, there are endless reasons to make the quick detour off State Highway 85 and into Naseby. Words by: Maggie WorthingtonPhotos by: Anna Briggs

6 Central Otago Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

A dusty hill in Central Otago.
Central Otago

Famous for its hundreds of trails and tracks to traverse on two wheels or two legs, Central Otago is the kind of place you can return to time and time again and always uncover a new adventure. And while that’s an exciting prospect, it can be a little overwhelming at first to find where to even begin. That’s what we’re here for.

The Great Country Pub Crawl of Central Otago

A woman sitting at a table outside Vulcan Hotel in Central Otago.
Central Otago

Whether you’re looking for a series of great pubs that intersect with your cycling route or need to break up the road trip with a cold brew and a charming room for the night, here are seven country pubs to add to your list.

We celebrate the neat restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries around New Zealand. Whether you're a local or visiting you'll find something on Neat Places to tickle your fancy.

New and Notable

Exscite

Low seating inside Exscite Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Stay and explore key icon.

Housed within the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is Exscite, an interactive discovery centre offering a vibrant and engaging learning experience.

Madam Woo

Plates of food on a table at Madam Woo Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Restaurants key icon.

Madam Woo is a beloved fixture in Hamilton's dining scene, and for several years now, it’s been wooing its customers with far more than just its delicious food.

Dot and Winnies Eatery

The busy interior of Dot and Winnies Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon.

Dot & Winnies is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food.

Volare Grey Street

The cafe counter Volare in Made Hamilton East.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Volare has been providing the city of Hamilton with delicious baked sourdoughs and pastries since 2009.

Bamboo Sweets

The blue and white exterior of Bamboo Sweets Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon.

Bamboo Sweets is an artisan chocolate shop nestled in Hamilton’s Casabella Lane, dedicated to crafting exceptional chocolates that promise to sweeten your day.

Brya Rose Art Studio

The inside of Byra Rose Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Galleries and museum key icon.

Nestled in the heart of Frankton, Brya Rose Art Studio has become a go-to spot for creativity and inspiration.

Fossick Collectables

Vintage homewares displayed on shelves against a bright yellow wall.
Place Hamilton

Specialising in all things vintage, retro and collectible, Fossick has become a real treasure haven for unique finds in Hamilton.

Grey Roasting Co

The entrance to Grey Roasting Co Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon.

Grey Roasting Co. is Hamilton’s go-to spot for serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike.


Neat Planner

Looking for something to do? Whether you’re a local, new in town or just passing through, we’ve rounded up the best things happening across New Zealand – from neighbourhood parties to restaurant pop-ups, boutique festivals and more.

Find events near you

Stories

The Food & Drink Heroes of Central Otago

A woman working behind the cafe counter at Packing Shed.
From its unparalleled Pinot Noir wines to orchards of juicy plums, famous hand-crafted pies to crafty pale ales, the soil and kitchens of Central Otago erupt with flavour.

One of a Kind Finds in Porirua

Homewares on display inside Toi Store Porirua.
Porirua

Shopping is one of the best ways to explore a city, and by sifting through Porirua’s many unique local businesses, you’ll uncover a true melting pot of cultures.

Meet 10 Creators and Curators of Central Otago

A woman working at a sewing machine.
Central Otago

Wandering the wild and beautiful landscape of Central Otago is sure to spark inspiration. Is it any wonder then, that the region is home to a thriving community of makers? From the quaint streetscape of Clyde all the way to Naseby’s whimsical forest surroundings, here are 10 creatives soaking up the magic of the land and weaving it into their work. Whether it’s unique landscape photography, boutiques that showcase local designers, woolly knits or charming ceramics, Central Otago is an Aladdin’s Cave of creativity.

A Guide to Asian Cuisine in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

The inside of a Japanese restaurant.
Wellington

The Courtenay Precinct is Wellington’s premier place to play, packed with hundreds of businesses, theatres and hidden treasures – and it’s also home to some of the city’s best Asian cuisine. From bustling hotspots to hidden gems, here’s our guide to the rich selection of Asian cuisine in the Courtenay Precinct.

Dine Around the World in Porirua

The inside of a Thai restaurant.
Porirua

Porirua isn’t just spectacular coastal views and chilled out beaches - it’s also home to a surprisingly diverse range of eateries.

12 Hour City Itineraries