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Creative Spaces Around New Zealand to Inspire Your Next Mindful Hobby
Story Central Otago
In a world increasingly dominated by screen time, many New Zealanders are seeking out something more tangible. Pottery classes are filling up months in advance, knitting needles are clicking back into fashion, and creative workshops are becoming social occasions in their own right.

11 Independent Food Producers of Central Otago

Two customers inside the roadside stall of Forage and Gold.
Story 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 Ultimate Four Seasons Guide to Central Otago

Autumn views looking out across Jackson Orchards and the lake in Cromwell
Story Central Otago
No matter the month on the calendar, Central Otago delivers something special.

The Best Places to Dine Alfresco in Central Otago

Woman sitting at an outdoor table with a glass of wine in her hand and dish of food in front of her on the table.
Story 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

Building exterior of Sanga's Pies.
Story 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.

Clyde

The exterior of a building in Clyde.
Neighbourhood Central Otago

With an old-world charm that will make you swoon, expect to leave a little piece of your heart in the cute and quaint town of Clyde. A town rich in history and culture, Clyde was once a bustling hub for gold miners in the 1860s. Today, visitors can wander along its streets and explore lovingly preserved historic buildings filled with new riches. 

Take home a piece of Clyde at independent stores selling luxurious wool for your next knitting project, local art and photography, fine homewares, preserves made just down the road, and more. You’ll be glad to know, great coffee and fresh baked goods are always within reach, as are first-class restaurants that celebrate fresh seasonal ingredients alongside Central Otago wines (fun fact: the region’s first vines were planted at Monte Christo Winery back in the 1860s, which you can still visit today). A range of boutique accommodation options are available for those wishing to stay a little longer, including a group of old stables converted into elegant sleeping quarters. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Clyde serves as the start or end point for cycling trips on the Otago Central Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail, with many opportunities to play golf, walk the river track, enjoy your favourite water sports, and admire the lake and mountain views from the famous Clyde Dam lookout.

Cromwell

A lake view in Cromwell with signs in the forefront.
Story Central Otago
The sight of a supersized apple, nectarine, pear and apricot signals your arrival into Cromwell. An hour’s drive from Queenstown, Central Otago’s largest town is nestled between the sparkling waters of Kawarau River and Lake Dunstan with a backdrop of rugged hills as far as the eye can see. If the giant sculptures weren’t an obvious giveaway, Cromwell is New Zealand’s fruit hub – whether picked directly from the tree or fermented and crafted into your favourite bottle of pinot noir. Time your trip right and you’ll be rewarded with flourishing orchards of bright red cherries and juicy stone fruit, as well as lush vineyards lining the hills. Pull over to grab a bag of apricots or peaches from a cute roadside stall, pick your own fruit at local orchards, or sip a beautiful glass of wine at cellar doors across the town’s three sub-regions: Bannockburn, Lowburn Valley and Pisa Flats, and Bendigo.There’s plenty of stories to discover here, thanks to a rich history that dates back to the 1860s, after gold was discovered in the Cromwell Gorge. In 1990, the construction of the Clyde Dam submerged the original main street, giving rise to Lake Dunstan. Luckily, some of the original buildings were rescued and relocated to establish today’s Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where heritage sites house great cafes, cool cocktail bars, art galleries, boutique homeware stores and more.Whether you’re looking for a great flat white and a famous pie, memorable wine tastings with spectacular views, a day of fishing and swimming, or somewhere to refuel along the cycling trails, Cromwell promises to be a truly fruitful experience.

Roxburgh

A red Roxburgh building on a sunny day.
Story Central Otago
Nestled in the lush Teviot Valley, Roxburgh is a sight to behold. The charming town is known for its world-class fruit, premium produce, and warm community spirit. On the car (or bike) ride in, take in the breathtaking scene of farmland and orchards transitioning between beautiful green and gold tones throughout the seasons.Despite its petite size, Roxburgh offers plenty of food, history and culture experiences to explore on two feet. The 5km loop track through town showcases heritage buildings on Scottish-named streets, alongside quirky metal sculptures and street murals crafted by local artists. The main street is dotted with must-visit spots, whether you’re after a coffee and cabinet of delicious eats from 103 The Store, local art and collectibles from Forfar Road Gallery, or stocking up on wholefoods and gifts at Feinerman’s General Store. Locals will tell you that no trip is complete without picking up a hot pastry delight from Jimmy’s Pies (and they’re right).The valley is a hub for outdoor adventures, with scenic cycling, running and walking trails, including two of the country’s Great Rides: the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail. Be sure to keep your camera handy – Roxburgh’s beauty is something you’ll want to capture.

48 Hours Central Otago

Cromwell Heritage Precinct on a sunny day.
Story Central Otago
Boy, is there a lot of ground to cover in Central Otago. Here's our guide if you're there for the weekend or 48 hours.

6 Central Otago Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

A dusty hill in Central Otago.
Story Central Otago

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.

Your Getaway Guide to Naseby in Central Otago

A woman sitting on a couch in a cafe.
Story Central Otago

Proudly standing “2,000 ft above worry level”, Naseby is a small, historic town nestled into the foothills of the Ida Range in Central Otago. While it may be little, with just over 100 permanent residents, its old-world charm and access to adventure bring in thousands of holidaymakers who settle in for the summer. A hotspot for mountain bikers, history buffs and those who simply want to hide away in the forest for a few weeks, there are endless reasons to make the quick detour off State Highway 85 and into Naseby.

Words by: Maggie Worthington
Photos by: Anna Briggs

The Great Country Pub Crawl of Central Otago

A woman sitting at a table outside Vulcan Hotel in Central Otago.
Story 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.

The Food & Drink Heroes of Central Otago

A woman working behind the cafe counter at Packing Shed.
Story Central Otago
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.

Meet 10 Creators and Curators of Central Otago

A woman working at a sewing machine.
Story Central Otago

Wandering the wild and beautiful landscape of Central Otago is sure to spark inspiration. Is it any wonder then, that the region is home to a thriving community of makers? From the quaint streetscape of Clyde all the way to Naseby’s whimsical forest surroundings, here are 10 creatives soaking up the magic of the land and weaving it into their work. Whether it’s unique landscape photography, boutiques that showcase local designers, woolly knits or charming ceramics, Central Otago is an Aladdin’s Cave of creativity.