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 AllBlacks Hotel
In a handsome Art Deco building that marks the turn off into Ophir, Blacks Hotel is a quintessential country pub that has seen its fair share of history.
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...
Forfar Road Gallery and Collectibles
While they may be a little quiet about it, Teviot Valley is home to a community of some of New Zealand’s most talented artists.
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.
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...
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...
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...
Dicey
Tucked into the hillside on Felton Road, one of Aotearoa’s most famous wine stretches, Dicey is a breath of fresh Bannockburn air.
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...
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.
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.
Chatto Creek Tavern
On the highway between Alexandra and Omakau, this historic stone and mud-brick tavern has been a local icon since the days when travellers pulled up in horse and carriage.
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...
Forage & Gold
The only thing sweeter than a roadside stall is one selling jars of locally made honey.
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...
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.
