The Ultimate Four Seasons Guide to Central Otago

Central Otago is blessed with a long directory of country pubs, featuring roaring fires and cosy schist stone interiors that promise to restore feeling to your extremities. From toasting marshmallows by the enormous fireplace at Danseys Pass Hotel to hearty pies at Waipiata Country Hotel, here are seven country pubs in Central Otago that will charm the pants off you.

Speaking of pies, they’re a national staple all year round, but are never more appreciated than in winter. Sanga’s Pies in Cromwell has become a well-known name across the South Island, delivering flaky gifts to over 60 suppliers. Their wee bakery window on Chardonnay Street attracts both regulars and visitors who come to warm their bellies with pastry-wrapped delights. We suggest you join the queue. 

A hub of activity in Naseby, Maniototo Adventure Park offers endless entertainment for the whole family – whatever the season. Visit in winter to spin around the ice skating rink or soar through the pine forest on the ice luge – 360 metres of pure thrills. The park is famous within the curling community as it boasts the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere – but anyone is welcome to pick up a sweeper and have a go.

Stick around in Naseby on a clear night, and you’ll be treated to a heavenly sight. Simply look up and take in the breathtaking starry skies, or join Naseby Night Sky Tours for a one-hour journey through the universe. It’s a relaxed, informative and utterly fascinating experience, open to anyone 8 years and over.

Didn’t pack enough woollies? Not to worry. Just 20 minutes north of Cromwell, Tarras Village is home to a collection of boutique destinations that celebrate local artisan products – including beautiful merino wool produced from the lush surrounding farmland. Head into The Merino Shop – an iconic establishment operating since 1984 – to browse high quality wool garments, including the luxurious Perriam brand. 

If you’re a keen knitter, or have decided this winter is the time to learn, Touch Yarns in Clyde is a craft haven. The family-owned business has been around for over three decades and the team is passionate about sourcing and spinning wool locally. The shelves are full of skeins in every colour and fibre – from fluffy mohair to luscious alpaca – with endless patterns available for all abilities.

What better place to experience spring than by seeing it come to life in a cafe garden setting? Located in between Clyde and Alexandra, Orchard Garden is a beautiful family-friendly retreat nestled amongst tall trees and lush plantings. Whether you’re in for coffee and a perfect cheese roll or a leisurely lunch with a couple of local wines, the landscaped courtyard offers many pockets to sit and soak up the sunshine. Don’t leave without wandering through the macrocarpa hedge maze – a joyful adventure for all ages.

Although the ice has melted, the fun sticks around at Maniototo Adventure Park, thanks to their Gold Rush Luge which operates all year round. Originally part of the Cresta Run at Coronet Peak, the team has transformed the trail into a fun downhill luge that’s suitable for kids and adults.

Dams and engineering might not be on your usual itinerary, but Central Otago’s infrastructure and rich industrial history often surprise visitors – proving to be just as exciting as a luge. Go inside New Zealand's third-largest hydroelectric dam, The Clyde Dam, for a 2-hour intimate tour through tunnels and turbines, with a knowledgeable local as your guide.

Over in Oturehua, Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead offers a fascinating insight into the life of New Zealand’s original innovators, Ernest Hayes. Get up close with Ernest’s designs that changed the agricultural landscape, from rabbit bait cutters to wire strainers still in use today, explore his family home, and enjoy coffee and baked goods from Hannah’s Cafe while taking in the beautiful green surroundings. Try and visit on one of their operating days, when the factory comes to life and you can watch the original machinery in action.

Oh, and check to see if your trip coincides with the Alexandra Blossom Festival, a fun and floral community event that is the longest of its kind in Aotearoa (running since way back in 1957!).

Across the region, eateries make the most of the sunshine with al fresco dining set in blooming gardens, beside glistening lakes, or atop scenic hilltops. Whether you’re after a refined winery lunch at Monte Christo or the relaxed beer garden vibes of Chatto Creek Tavern, you’ll find plenty of open-air charm at these 11 summer-friendly spots.

St Bathans is a striking summer destination, where the vivid Blue Lake shimmers against a backdrop of chalky white cliffs. Once a bustling gold mining site, the vast excavation was gradually filled with water in the 1930s, creating today’s popular swimming spot. Bring your togs for a refreshing dip, then head to the historic Vulcan Hotel for a drink and lunch in the beer garden.

Few things capture summer in Central Otago like biting into a sun-ripened peach or plum, plucked fresh from the tree. The region’s unique climate produces some of the finest stone fruit in Aotearoa, with roadside stalls and orchards scattered throughout. Pull over to fill a paper bag with seasonal goodies – ideal for road trip snacking – or pick your own straight from the branches. Jackson Orchards is just one of many offering tours and tastings (see our guide to local producers for more).

Autumn is one of the most rewarding times to visit Central Otago’s wineries. Not only will you catch the buzz of harvest season, but the vines themselves turn into vibrant tapestries of gold and red. Many vineyards are perched on elevated sites with sweeping views, making the scenery just as satisfying as the wine. Head to the Bannockburn hills and hop between Dicey Wines, Terra Sancta, and Te Kano for tastings, or settle in for a wine-forward lunch at Carrick or Monte Christo. And that’s just scratching the surface of the Central Otago wine directory.

Perched on the edge of Lake Dunstan, the Cromwell Heritage Precinct offers a charming blend of history and creativity. Once part of the original town – submerged after the construction of Clyde Dam in 1990 – many historic buildings were preserved and relocated here. Today, they house a collection of boutique businesses. Stop for coffee and lunch at Pinot Junction (sit by the water for some of the best autumn views around), browse local lavender products at The Tent House, hunt for vintage treasures, and admire original artworks at OCTA Gallery.

When it’s time to head indoors, swap panoramic landscapes for artistic ones. Central Otago’s dramatic scenery continues to inspire a vibrant creative community, with local galleries and studios dotted across the region. Discover the work of regional makers and curators in our full guide – featuring highlights like Janyne Fletcher Gallery in Ranfurly, Stardust in Naseby, and Forfar Road in Roxburgh.