Tables and chairs in a restaurant looking out to a lake.

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.

11 Independent Food Producers of Central Otago

Two customers inside the roadside stall of Forage and Gold.
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

Woman sitting at an outdoor table with a glass of wine in her hand and dish of food in front of her on the table.
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

Building exterior of Sanga's Pies.
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.

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.

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.

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Stardust Gallery

The inside of Stardust Gallery Naseby Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Galleries and museum key icon.

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.

Three Peaks Coffee

The exterior of Three Peaks Coffee Clyde Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

As you cross the Clyde Bridge from Earnscleugh, a small stucco building is waiting on the other side with a cup of specialty coffee – and a few buttery treats too.

Te Kano Estate

The wine tasting counter at Te Kano Bannockburn Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Restaurants key icon.

Pulling up at the entrance to Te Kano is sure to garner some gasps from the passenger (or bike) seat.

Cromwell Heritage Precinct

The Cromwell Heritage Precinct in Central Otago.
Place Central Otago Editor's Pick
Stay and explore key icon.

If you find yourself in Cromwell or passing through the area, the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is a must-visit destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Get your Pocket Guide for Central Otago

The front cover of the Central Otago Pocket Guide.

Feinerman’s General Store

A woman browsing products at Feinerman’s General Store Roxburgh.
Place Central Otago
Goods key icon.

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

Fruit and vegetable stands inside the shopping area of Jackson Orchards.
Place Central Otago
Goods key icon.

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...

Olivers

The outside of Olivers in Clyde.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A place to relax, sip and savour the best of Central Otago, Olivers is one of Clyde’s most celebrated destinations.

Quartz Reef

Exterior of Quartz Reef.
Place Central Otago
Bars key icon.

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...

Industry Lane Eatery

The large sunny interior of Industry Lane Cafe Alexandra Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

Easy-going and always welcoming, Industry Lane Eatery is a bright and bustling cafe that offers a comfy seat for all.

Black Forest Cafe

The exterior of Black Forest Cafe Naseby Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

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.

The Post Office Cafe and Bar

The exterior of The Post Office Cafe and Bar.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Blyth Street in Clyde, The Post Office Cafe and Bar is a beloved local gem with a rich past and warm, welcoming spirit.

Maniototo Adventure Park

The curling and ice skating rink at Maniototo Adventure Park Naseby Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Stay and explore key icon.

Seeking thrills? You’ve come to the right place.

Pinot Junction

Cottage exterior of Pinot Junction.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

Set in the heart of the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Pinot Junction is a café and wine store with a sense of community that reaches well beyond the region’s...

Dicey

Exterior of Dicey's tasting room set against an autumnal Central Otago landscape.
Place Central Otago

Tucked into the hillside on Felton Road, one of Aotearoa’s most famous wine stretches, Dicey is a breath of fresh Bannockburn air.

Vulcan Hotel

A bed in a hotel room.
Place Central Otago Editor's Pick
Accommodation key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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...

Carrick Winery & Restaurant

A large glasshouse outside Carrick Winery Bannockburn Central Otago.
Place Central Otago Editor's Pick
Restaurants key icon.

A small single-estate vineyard producing wild fermented and certified organic wine in Bannockburn, Carrick Winery offers a multi-layered cellar door and restaurant...