6 Central Otago Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

Let’s start with one for the whole family. Located in Naseby, Maniototo Adventure Park is home to the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a unique opportunity for anyone to try their hand at the sport – any time of the year. Outside, the park also has two luges for thrill-seekers, a traditional outdoor curling rink, and an ice skating rink for a bit of wintertime romance.

Once you’ve had your fun, make your way back into the town centre and grab a table at the Royal Hotel on Earne Street. This pub is one of New Zealand’s oldest, having been around for over 150 years. Enjoy a glass of beer and local wines, alongside a delicious feed of elevated pub fare.

Almost 100 mountain biking trails have been carved out in the vast forest area surrounding Naseby. Choose your own adventure, whether you’re after a gentle ride following the Mount Ida Water Race with epic views of the Hawkdun Range or a more challenging single track option. Access to the forest and its trails is completely free, with bikes available to hire from the Naseby Holiday Park Office.

Jump off the bike seat and head down to Black Forest Cafe afterwards for a much-needed feast. This beloved spot has lots of fresh filled rolls in the cabinet as well as an all-day menu of favourites like chicken and waffles. Grab a coffee (or a cold beer) and treat yourself to a well-deserved dessert from the counter of baked treats.

On the outskirts of Alexandra, Matangi Station MTB offers 35 mountain biking trails covering 75km across 1,500 hectares of working farmland. The land is owned by fourth generation merino growers, who discovered that the rugged terrain was not only a great place for woolly sheep but adventurous mountain bikers too. With the help of the local community, the family have moulded this landscape into world-class trails featuring epic downhills, big climbs and a few obstacles to keep things interesting.

While Matangi Station MTB has trails for every level, the Flat Top Hill trails (a 10 minute drive from Alexandra) are for experienced riders looking to push themselves. Built by locals from the local Mountain Bikers of Alexandra club, there are four technical single track options that weave around the conservation area with breathtaking views overlooking the Roxburgh Gorge.

You’ll be extra thirsty after all of that, so make your way down to Station Brewing for locally brewed craft beer and a lip-smacking beef brisket burger in their cool and laid-back warehouse space.

It may seem obvious, but it would be so wrong to leave Aotearoa’s original ‘great ride’ off the list. The Otago Central Rail Trail is loved by all, offering a gentle 152km off-road journey along the former railway between Middlemarch and Clyde. The ride can be completed anywhere from 1 to 5 days, with plenty of boutique and quaint accommodation options along the way. If you ask us, it’s best to take your time and fully experience the iconic mountainous and rocky landscapes, river gorges, charming bridges, and historic stone and mud-brick cottages dating back to the gold rush era.

However, the Rail Trail isn’t the only great ride in the region. In fact, there’s three others for keen bikers to tick off their list: Roxburgh Gorge Trail (1 day), Clutha Gold Trail (2-4 days) and Lake Dunstan Trail (1-2 days). 

Multi-day adventures require a bit of planning ahead and it’s important you know where the nearest place to refuel your body is. Many well-loved Central Otago country pubs intersect with the rail trail as do foodie favourites like The Packing Shed in between Clyde and Alexandra (bookings essential), Muddy Creek Café in Omakau, Ranfurly’s Floral & Feast Kitchen, Carrick Winery in Bannockburn, and many more. 

Most riders pedalling along the Lake Dunstan trail take on the 40km route from Cromwell to Clyde. However, that doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for relaxing wine experiences – especially for those who aren’t in town for long. We recommend opting for a shorter loop from Cromwell to Bannockburn, a small gold mining town now known for its exceptional wines. Start your journey at Cromwell Heritage Precinct (bike hire available here as well as great coffee from Pinot Junction), following the Kawarau River around and crossing over the Bannockburn Bridge. From here you can either turn onto Felton Road and head to Te Kano for wine tastings and a build-your-own picnic experience on the lawn with stunning views, or stay on the trail that will take you to Carrick Winery.

At Carrick, you can either enjoy gourmet pizza and wines from the Pedal & Pour trailer in the garden, or head into the restaurant for a first-class fine dining experience. Organise a shuttle to pick you up, or pop back on the bike for a leisurely ride back to Cromwell. If you’re looking for a more guided experience, there’s lots of local businesses offering guided tours.

Recognised as a Tohu Whenua (significant landmark) Bannockburn Sluicings is a walking and mountain bike trail loved by locals and visitors. It’s an easy 3.5km loop that takes about 1.5 hours to complete by foot, with plenty of history to soak up along the way.

The conservation land is home to the former Bannockburn gold field, evident in the sluiced hills where treasure hunters once sought out this precious metal. Winding up to Stewart Town, you’ll be able to spot remnants of a large dam, mud-brick ruins, and flourishing fruit trees from the 1860s – a tasty snack if the season is right. Informational panels are placed throughout the route, a chance to have a sip of water alongside a fascinating history lesson.

After your walk, go and see Anna and Andy at Bannockburn Hotel for a feast of tapas-inspired dishes and a wine list of over 200 bottles, including 60 available by the full or half glass.