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
Boy, is there a lot of ground to cover in Central Otago. Here's our guide if you're there for the weekend or 48 hours.
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Creative Spaces Around New Zealand to Inspire Your Next Mindful Hobby
In a world increasingly dominated by screen time, many New Zealanders are seeking out something more tangible. Pottery classes are filling up months in advance, knitting needles are clicking back into fashion, and creative workshops are becoming social occasions in their own right.
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllCarrick 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...
Cromwell Heritage Precinct
If you find yourself in Cromwell or passing through the area, the Cromwell Heritage Precinct deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Three Peaks Coffee
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.
Sanga’s Pies
Started in 2021 and already a staple in hot cabinets across the South Island, you’ve likely spotted the golden glow of a Sanga’s pie during your Central Otago...
Tarras Village
Just 30 minutes from Wānaka and 20 minutes from Cromwell, Tarras Village is a delightfully unique and unexpected stop that has become a destination in its own right.
The Post Office Cafe and Bar
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.
Te Puna Mahara & Awa Eatery
On the bank where the Kawarau River becomes Lake Dunstan, Cromwell’s Awa Eatery takes its name from the water outside: awa is te reo Māori for river.
The Old Clyde Bank
There’s been a bank on Clyde’s Sunderland Street since the gold rush, though these days, The Old Clyde Bank trades in something far more satisfying: a tight menu, a...
OCTA Gallery
Set inside the Cromwell Heritage Precinct’s Belfast Store, OCTA is a living gallery space that houses a world-class collection of original limited-edition prints by...
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.
Buffalo’s American Food Co.
Cromwell’s Barry Avenue might be a long way from the straight-shootin’ diners of the American Midwest, but plain as day and parked by the hockey stadium is...
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.
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...
Pinot Junction
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...
Bannockburn Hotel
Just over the bridge from Cromwell, Bannockburn Hotel perches on a hilltop overlooking lush vines and a stunning mountain range.
Nanny Goat Vineyard
There’s a sure-footed wild creature that has long made the rugged hill country of Central Otago home, and Nanny Goat Vineyard, named in its honour, seems to have...
Touch Yarns
In a charming white cottage on Sunderland Street in Clyde, a wonderland of wool awaits behind a bright red door.
