Despite (or perhaps because of) its wild and untamed nature, Central Otago’s rocky and rugged terrain lends itself to a world of experiences designed to delight every sense.
Home to biking trails, a famous food and wine scene, dramatic skies, gold rush relics, mud-brick cottages and so much more, this region is a playground for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, creative spirits and history buffs.
From Roxburgh to Ranfurly, Cromwell to Clyde, and Omakau to Oturehua, each township offers something unique – with breathtaking vistas accompanying the journey from one destination to the next.
For those in search of culinary experiences, you needn’t look far for a world-class glass of pinot noir, a bag of juicy stone fruit picked fresh from one of many orchards, or hearty homemade pies served at country pubs that date back to the 19th century. The food landscape bounces from cabinets filled with cheese rolls to fine dining wineries, with a fierce commitment to stocking kitchen fridges and pantries with local produce.
The Otago Central Rail Trail is one of the most well-known attractions, drawing in thousands of cyclists throughout the year. However, the region boasts three other ‘Great Rides’ of New Zealand, as well as thrilling mountain biking tracks, curling rinks, luges, and more.
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
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.
11 Independent Food Producers of Central Otago
When winding through Central Otago roads, you may have noticed that it’s never far between roadside stalls, orchards and fertile gardens. When we think of this beautiful region of Aotearoa, we cast our mind to plucking juicy stone fruit straight from the tree, jars of homemade preserves with sweet handwritten labels, and a community that loves to be elbow-deep in soil.
The Best Places to Dine Alfresco in Central Otago
There is something inherently joyous about dining in the great outdoors, and when your surroundings are as attractive as Central Otago, that just adds another layer of special seasoning to the experience.
One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide to Central Otago
As an awestruck visitor to the Central Otago region, your trip will likely be a combination of leisurely wine tastings, gold rush history lessons, mandatory stops at every scenic viewpoint, and the inevitable helmet hair. And trust us, all of those things will add up to a very good time.
6 Central Otago Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllGone Potty
Tucked between Alexandra and Clyde on Dunstan Road, just across the road from Orchard Garden, Gone Potty brings a burst of creativity to this peaceful pocket of Central...
Quartz Reef
Tucked away in an industrial pocket of Cromwell, just down from Pinot Noir Drive and Chardonnay Street, Quartz Reef may not offer sweeping vineyard views, but that’s...
Paulina’s Bar
Right on the corner of Holloway and Naylor Street, Paulina’s Bar is the pub of Clyde, an unpretentious, welcoming and much-loved gathering place where regulars know...
Terra Sancta
Tucked away at the far end of Felton Road, an address that rings loud in New Zealand wine circles, Terra Sancta feels like a well-kept secret.
Carrick Winery & Restaurant
A small single-estate vineyard producing wild fermented and certified organic wine in Bannockburn, Carrick Winery offers a multi-layered cellar door and restaurant...
The Packing Shed
After your first visit to The Packing Shed, you’ll find yourself torn between sharing this hidden gem with everyone you know and wanting to keep it as your little secret.
Historic Hayes – Engineering Works and Homestead
Thought you weren’t into tools and machinery? A trip to Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead may just change your mind.
Black Forest Cafe
Named after the local woodland, Black Forest is known by Naseby locals as the best little cafe in New Zealand. We can certainly see where they got that idea.
Folklore Fine Goods
Folklore makes a strong impression down Holloway Street in the historic town of Clyde.
Monte Christo Winery
Hidden away on Springvale Road just outside of Clyde, you’ll find Monte Christo, a winery unlike any other.
Vulcan Hotel
Tucked away at the end of a winding dirt road off the highway, the Vulcan Hotel feels like a step back in time, where you might half-expect a horse and carriage to appear...
Stardust Gallery
Tucked away on Earne Street in the quiet and quaint town of Naseby, Stardust Gallery celebrates the breathtaking beauty of the Māniatoto’s land and skies.
Recharge Bar & Cafe
In the heart of Clyde, Recharge is your go-to for fresh, feel-good food complemented by the friendliest service around.
Janyne Fletcher Gallery
Central Otago has long been a magnet for landscape photographers eager to capture its breathtaking scenery.
Industry Lane Eatery
Easy-going and always welcoming, Industry Lane Eatery is a bright and bustling cafe that offers a comfy seat for all.
Feinerman’s General Store
Roxburgh may be a small town, but Feinerman’s General Store delivers a specialty grocery store experience that rivals even the big cities.
Jackson Orchards
On the highway just out of Cromwell, keep an eye out for a big tin building with pops of raspberry pink and you’ve found Jackson Orchards, a family-owned and operated...
