Sights & Activities
Unforgettable sights
The view from Duffer’s Saddle – brave the highest public road in New Zealand as you drive the Nevis Valley Four Wheel Drive track from Bannockburn to reach Duffer’s Saddle at 1300m, and be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the rugged and desolate landscape.
Autumn foliage – Blazing gold and yellow colours reflected in the mirror-like surface of Lake Dunstan make a picture-postcard view to remember.
St Bathans and The Blue Lake – this quaint and tiny town with its haunted pub sits next to one of the most stunningly beautiful lakes you will ever see.
Adrenaline-rush
White water sledging – jump into the Kawarau River at Roaring Meg to experience some of New Zealand’s best high volume class III+ white water action (
www.frogz.co.nz).
Relax & Indulge
Cromwell market – Peruse the many arts, crafts and food stalls at the weekend market amongst the historic buildings in ‘Old Cromwell Town’.
Central Otago Wine Trail – Cruise through the achingly beautiful countryside, stopping at the many cellar doors along the way to sample the local wines; Pinot Noir is the regional variety of preference.
Top Picks
Culture
Stewart Town, Bannockburn – take a self-guided walking tour through a ravaged yet beautiful landscape to see water races, old tunnels and mining shafts, and a gold-mining ghost town where abandoned mining cottages and an old orchard still remain.
Road Trip
The “Pig Route”, State Highway 85 – big long straights in a picture-perfect landscape of sweeping vistas and a winding mountain pass await you on the route between Ranfurly and Alexandra.
Luxury
Moyola Rural Art Deco Guesthouse, Ranfurly – step back in time to the 1930s and 40s and enjoy the ambience of this exquisite four-plus star period guesthouse (
www.ruralartdeco.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Riverside ramble – walk or bike the 13km Alexandra-Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk, a picturesque, flattish and well-maintained track meandering alongside the Clutha River.
Great for groups
Cruise the Lakes – sip a wine, beer or fresh local fruit juice or even try your hand at a spot of fishing while enjoying the ambience of beautiful Lake Dunstan, or be amazed by the gold mining heritage along the shores of Lake Roxburgh (
www.clutharivercruises.co.nz).
Culinary experiences
The Big Picture Wine Adventure, Cromwell – visit the Aroma Room to experience the myriad of aromas found in wine, then take a virtual wine tasting tour of the region by means of an interactive film accompanied by wine samples (
www.bigpicturewine.com).
Exclusive dining
Carrick Vineyard restaurant, Bannockburn – open for brunches, lunches and some evening functions, this top-end restaurant is set amongst the grapevines of the Carrick Vineyard (
www.carrick.co.nz).
Casual dining
Post Office Café and Bar, Clyde – savour mouthwatering dishes baked on the premises inside the original 1862 Post Office building, now featuring a terrace and garden bar (t. +64 3 449 2488).
Café
The Courthouse Café, Alexandra – stop at this cute café for freshly made food, baked goods and gourmet jams, dips and spreads, as well as some of the best coffee in town (t. +64 3 448 7818).
Swishy Bar
Peregrine Wines, Gibbston – visit the cellar door at the stunning architecturally-designed building to sample premium Central Otago wines in ultra-stylish surroundings (
www.peregrinewines.co.nz).
Cosy pub
Bannockburn Hotel, Cromwell – this country pub with mountain and river views serves delicious fresh food for lunch and dinner with an impressive selection of local wines (t. +64 3 445 0615).
Shop or gallery
The Packing Shed Gallery and Café, Alexandra – located in a converted family-owned orchard packing house, this café features delicious food and beautiful arts and crafts on display from local and regional artists. Open November to Anzac Day (t. +64 3 449 2757).
