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Things to Do in Cromwell (2026)

A lake view in Cromwell with signs in the forefront.

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 are 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. Here are the best things to do in Cromwell, from Bannockburn cellar doors and orchard stops to the lakeside Heritage Precinct.

More Central Otago: the best Central Otago food producers and all our Central Otago places.

Towns

Clyde

The exterior of a building in Clyde.
4 Places 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.

Roxburgh

A red Roxburgh building on a sunny day.
3 Places 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.