Trifter

Image by PhillipC via Flickr

A relatively untapped tourist mecca of baron, dry land where only native grasses and the hardest of other flora survive, stunning panoramic vistas await your arrival to one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand and you’ll soon see why.

Image by PhillipC via Flickr

With temperatures bordering extreme in all seasons, both winter and summer provide a magnificent experience for young and old alike. Visit in summer for water sports, mountain biking, hiking, or simply strolling the historic gold mining towns, or winter to experience hoar frosts, stunning snowy lakes views, skiing and hot chocolate by the open fire or a glass of the uniquely famous tastes of the worlds most southern wines. Either choice you won’t regret.

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Towns

The town of Alexandra is considered the hub of Central Otago with its infrastructure and businesses to accommodate all. Centred in the middle of the region its population hovers around the 5000 mark and has seen a moderate plateau of new residents in the past few years most preferring the town of Cromwell, 20mins north, as the new Central hub.

Cromwell and Lake Dunstan has been growing rapidly in the years since the man made lake was completed and filled in 1992 mainly due to land prices in Queenstown and Cromwell’s proximity to the tourist capital of New Zealand. Businesses and new residents alike have found all they need in Cromwell for half the price and twice the space and with around 4000 residents; it looks set to take Alexandra’s place as the centre of Central.

Clyde 10mins from Alexandra and 15mins from Cromwell, was all but abandoned by permanent residents up until the construction of the Clyde Dam started in 1986 but the gold mining town of the late 1800’s has shown a fast rise as a tourist hideaway. It boasts incredible historic experiences and of course a mass of fruit orchards and vineyards.

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Ranfurly and its surrounds provide an escape to the past and as you visit all of the gold mining villages along the way, you will see why. The people seem not to have changed in hundreds of years and their hospitality and kindness will keep you in awe of how wonderful the world can be. The Maniototo area is best viewed by making the trip via the rail trail on a bike. (See things to do)

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Bannockburn on the outskirts of Cromwell proves that time doesn’t change and you only need to visit the local tavern to take a step back in time and to have a great time. As well as pouring fine ale, the locals will be able to give you a great yarn about everything from gold mining to mustering.

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You’ll find many other small towns along the way that all hold their own uniqueness and a wonderful past which will keep your heart wanting more and you’re mind telling you never to leave.

Where to Stay

Alexandra

An abundance of motels and hotels await you in sunny Alexandra but the place to be has to be The Alexandra Garden Court Motel and the outskirts of the town. It boasts peaceful tranquillity in a rural setting but within walking distance to town and amenities and at fair prices for your money.

Cromwell

Like Alexandra, Cromwell boasts a number of motels to rest your weary head and all off the main drag and very near the town centre. The Golden Gate Lodge at Cromwell’s entrance provides a wonderful mid range hotel experience with clean and tidy rooms that look onto the local golf course, restaurant, bar, and conference centre. All this within walking distance of the town centre.

Clyde

The Dunstan Cottage on Sunderland Street in Clyde is an experience to treasure. This fully restored, self contained cottage will have you spell bound at its history and beauty. It can be booked through the Postmasters Café just around the corner.

Ranfurly (Maniototo)

Most likely you will be biking or hiking the rail trail and need a place to stay. There are a number of cute, historic places along the 150km stretch including backpackers, camping grounds and hotel rooms in all of the small settlements including Lauder, Ophir, Oterehua, and Waipiata just to name a few. All of these quaint little towns offer extremely hospitable places to rest up and at affordable prices.

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Where to Eat

Alexandra

If you are looking for a great place for lunch then you can’t go past Orchard Gardens on Manuherikia Road between Clyde and Alexandra. Be aware that its not on the main road into town but is easily accessible and adds very little time to your trip. Not that you are rushing anywhere in Central. Orchard Gardens offer affordable meals in a fantastic garden setting. Alternately, take a trip down Earnscleugh Road (yet another route between Clyde and Alexandra) and check out the array of cafes in garden and orchard settings. All are worthwhile.

Cromwell

The place to eat in Cromwell has to be Gallery Fare on 6 right on the outskirts of the town coming from Queenstown. It offers tasty dishes including top New Zealand favourites like corn fritters, blue cod, and great coffee. If you prefer more history then take a stroll into Old Cromwell Town where you will find the Grain and Seed Café offering a great atmosphere of food combined with history and stunning lake and mountain views.

Clyde

You can’t go past the Postmasters Café in the Clyde township where indoor or outdoor dining is offered and a history lesson to boot. Great service and great food are yours to savour. Once you are done, walk round the corner for a night cap at the Dunstan Tavern on the main street.

Ranfurly (Maniototo)

Take a break at the Chatto Creek Hotel on the road between Alexandra and Ranfurly where you will be greeted by the local farmers and their enthralling stories of old. You won’t get fancy food, but you will have a great time and plenty of ale.

Bannockburn

The Bannockburn Hotel will provide you with a wonderful time in their newly refurbished restaurant where an excellent steak and great more yarns will ensure you an experience never to be repeated.

Tarras

 Last but not least you need to check out the Tarras Country Store on the road between Cromwell and Tarras (a small township 20mins north of Cromwell). This place offers a very different menu with local, wild rabbit just one of the features of an exotic foray of foods. Bookings are a must as opening times can vary.

What to do

Hiking and Walks

A vast array of hiking and walks awaits the Central Otago adventurer with trails catering for all ages and levels of fitness. Walk to the giant clock on the hill overlooking Alexandra, to the gold mining ruins and sluicing of Stewart and Carrick towns at Bannockburn, and of course the Otago Central Rail Trail starting at Clyde. 

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Cycling

A number of the walking tracks mentioned previously are also great for mountain biking and of course there are many more. But if you want the ultimate mountain biking experience, take the relatively gentle ride 150km from Clyde to Middlemarch (near Dunedin) stopping at all the small villages along the way for a pint and a nap. The locals are wonderful, down to earth people and are always ready for a yarn and a quiet drink. The track is mostly flat and would be fine for people of medium fitness and biking ability.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Shopping

Old Cromwell Town is a great place to wander through to pick up a market bargain or find that unique, historic ornament. Be sure to visit it famous preserves store Provisions at the entry to the town. Both Cromwell and Alexandra offer your stereotypical shopping experience although on a rather smaller scale than most other places.

Water Sports

If you have a boat or access to one then Lake Dunstan offers a number of sheltered spots along its water front for skiing and wakeboarding. Alternatively kayaks can be hired along with windsurfers and kite surfers. Guided tours can be arranged.

Snow Skiing

Being 45mins from Queenstown and the same time to Wanaka makes Cromwell and Central Otago very accessible to all of the 5 ski fields in the area including Cardrona, Treble Cone and the Snow Farm in Wanaka, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown. So if snow sports are your thrill then Cromwell is a great place to base yourself.

Nightlife

Central Otago is not renowned for its exhuberent nightlife but you will find plenty of young people at the Fat Badger in Alexandra, The Victoria Arms in Cromwell and at the Bannockburn Hotel in Bannockburn. Dancing is pretty much non existent with drinking and having a good time being the primary focus. Again, Queenstown is only a hare’s breath away if you really need to get your groove on.

So visit sunny Central Otago and be prepared for a once in a lifetime experience that you will find nowhere else in the world.

More travel advice by RJ Chamberlain:

Eight Budget Hostels for Your World Trip 

The Seven Best Travel Sites on the Net 

24 Hours in Gorgeous Goa for the Budget Traveler