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.
Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa
Welcome to the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025, packed with beautiful, practical, and interesting finds from local businesses across Aotearoa.
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllCromwell Heritage Precinct
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.
Recharge Bar & Cafe
In the heart of Clyde, Recharge is your go-to for fresh, feel-good food complemented by the friendliest service around.
Domaine-Thomson Wines Cellar Door
Perched on a hilltop in Central Otago’s picturesque Pisa subregion, just outside Cromwell, Domaine Thomson is as much about diving into the region’s rich past as...
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...
Waipiata Country Hotel
Waipiata may be just a wee speck on the South Island map, but its one-and-only pub has become a magnet for travellers seeking a comfortable bed, hearty meals, and a warm...
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...
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...
Monte Christo Winery
Hidden away on Springvale Road just outside of Clyde, you’ll find Monte Christo, a winery unlike any other.
Muddy Creek Café
It may be a petite town, but Muddy Creek Cafe provides one big reason to hit the brakes and pull up in Omakau.
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.
Dicey
Tucked into the hillside on Felton Road, one of Aotearoa’s most famous wine stretches, Dicey is a breath of fresh Bannockburn air.
Industry Lane Eatery
Easy-going and always welcoming, Industry Lane Eatery is a bright and bustling cafe that offers a comfy seat for all.
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.
Station Brewing
Is it a car wrecker? A juice factory? Well yeah, once upon a time it was, but nowadays this Boundary Road warehouse is home to Station Brewing, a small, family-run brewery...
Wanderlust Books
Some adventures in Central Otago require two wheels, while others call for a stroll down to number 55 Centennial Avenue, where thousands of pages patiently wait to whisk...
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.
Gone 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...
