The Great Country Pub Crawl of Central Otago

A woman sitting at a table outside Vulcan Hotel in 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.

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...

The Stoaker Room

A man stoaking meat.
Place Central Otago
Restaurants key icon.

Tucked off the highway near Lake Dunstan and neighbouring Freeway Orchard, The Stoaker Room reconverts old wine barrels into unique cooking apparatuses that steam and smoke...

Blacks Hotel

A pool table inside Blacks Hotel Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Accommodation key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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.

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.

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.

Muddy Creek Café

The exterior of Muddy Creek Cafe Omakau Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

It may be a petite town, but Muddy Creek Cafe provides one big reason to hit the brakes and pull up in Omakau.

The Packing Shed

The light and colourful interior of Packing Shed Alexandra Central Otago .
Place Central Otago Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

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.

Chatto Creek Tavern

The stone exterior of Chatto Creek Tavern Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Bars key icon.

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.

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.

Floral and Feast Kitchen

A close up of a muffin and coffee.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

With its bright neon sign and a cabinet of all things nice, Floral & Feast is a cheerful addition to the Ranfurly community.

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.

Danseys Pass Hotel

The wooden interior of Danseys Pass Hotel Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Accommodation key icon. Bars key icon.

In Central Otago, getting away from it all doesn’t require a long road trip.

The Food & Drink Heroes of Central Otago

A woman working behind the cafe counter at Packing Shed.
From its unparalleled Pinot Noir wines to orchards of juicy plums, famous hand-crafted pies to crafty pale ales, the soil and kitchens of Central Otago erupt with flavour.

Waipiata Country Hotel

A close up of a pie being cut into.
Place Central Otago
Accommodation key icon. Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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...

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.

Station Brewing

The inside ofS tation Brewing Alexandra Central Otago .
Place Central Otago
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Is it a car wrecker? A juice factory? Well yeah, once upon a time it was, but nowadays this Boundary Road warehouse shed is home to Station Brewing, a small family-run...

Sanga’s Pies

Close up of a mince pie.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon.

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...

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.

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...

Bannockburn Hotel

The exterior of Bannockburn Hotel in Central Otago
Place Central Otago
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Just over the bridge from Cromwell, Bannockburn Hotel perches on a hilltop overlooking lush vines and a stunning mountain range.

103 The Store

The colourful interior of 103 The Store Roxburgh Central Otago.
Place Central Otago
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Some destinations in Central Otago involve fast-flowing rivers or lush orchards, and others reward the traveller with a cheese roll topped generously in butter.