Experience true solitude in an inspiring and timeless land; a place where fascinating cultural history tells a story of human endurance in a ruggedly beautiful landscape.

Offering a true escape from urban hustle, the region sandwiched between the lakeside resort of Queenstown and the city of Dunedin covers 10,000km² yet has fewer than 17,000 permanent residents. Central Otago – affectionately known as ‘Central’ – is home to welcoming rural outposts such as Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh, where you can enjoy the famous southern hospitality in the utmost comfort, juxtaposed against a harsh landscape: New Zealand’s most inland region is also the hottest, coldest and driest. Enjoy a cold beer at an historic pub on a scorching summer’s day or a warming glass of the local Pinot Noir wine before a stone fireplace on a winter’s evening while you plan your next adventure – playing a round of golf at one of 11 regional golf courses, experiencing a 4WD adventure, trying the ancient winter ice sport of curling or just relaxing away from cell phone coverage.

Destination-nz.com highlights

Sample the famous Central Otago Pinot Noir – the region is home to a number of award-winning wineries in amazing locations. Savour the moment as you gaze across the Manuherikia Valley, from gently rolling green and gold highlands to a horizon filled with towering mountains.

Notable culture

Retrace the gold rush with your own treasure hunt, taking to the hills on a self-tour of fascinating historic sites or comb the collections at the Cromwell and Alexandra Museums.

Moment in history

Spare a thought for the miners who endured incredibly harsh conditions in the hope of striking it big during Central Otago’s gold rush from the early 1860s to the 1930s.

The iconic experience

Cycle, walk or horse ride the 150-kilometre Otago Central Rail Trail, stopping along the way to sample the fare and meet the locals.

Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More