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.
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.
6 Central Otago Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
Lohi Linen
Keeping the circular economy spinning in Ranfurly, Lohi Linen offers a relaxing retail environment built on purpose and passion.
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...
Industry Lane Eatery
Easy-going and always welcoming, Industry Lane Eatery is a bright and bustling cafe that offers a comfy seat for all.
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...
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...
Danseys Pass Hotel
In Central Otago, getting away from it all doesn’t require a long road trip.
The Stoaker Room
Tucked off the highway near Lake Dunstan and the neighbouring Freeway Orchard, The Stoaker Room converts old wine barrels into unique cooking apparatuses that steam and...
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...
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...
Bannockburn Hotel
Just over the bridge from Cromwell, Bannockburn Hotel perches on a hilltop overlooking lush vines and a stunning mountain range.
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.
