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Discover Central Otago, a different escape…

Travellers to Central Otago, New Zealand often reflect on their complex lives when they experience the clear and simple definitions of nature in this region.

Experience true solitude and get close to nature in an inspiring and timeless land. First time visitors are silenced and energised by this tumble of mountain, river, rock and tussock. See the grandeur of breathtaking vistas and be moved by their surging natural power. Central’s clear light brings mountains within an arm’s reach and displays a star-studded night sky. It is a place of extraordinary contrasts, our own middle earth.

Central Otago, affectionately called “Central” by those that know it well, covers an area of 10,000km and has fewer than 18,000 permanent residents. You will notice a change of pace when you come here.

It is a place where you can leave the stresses of work behind and just relax, soak in the atmosphere and let the rejuvenation process begin. Put your feet up in one of our many Central Otago accommodation houses, where you will get to know locals and be treated like a long lost friend rather than a visitor. Most never want to leave, but they take home treasured memories, and nearly always return.
 
Planning
Cycle a Great Ride
Central Otago boasts three of NZ's best trails. Otago Central Rail Trail - the original great ride; Roxburgh Gorge Trail - a unique one-day trail complete with jet boat ride; Clutha Gold Trail - a journey of discovery along the mighty Clutha Mata-au river. Read More

Clyde Wine & Food Festival
The Clyde Wine & Food Harvest Festival is Central Otago’s biggest celebration of locally produced wines and is held every year on Easter Sunday just before the major grape harvest. Kick back and sample some of the region's best wine, food and live entertainment. Read More

Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival
The Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival is New Zealand’s longest running festival of its kind, and is a celebration of the arrival of Spring in Central Otago. Join in a celebration with genuine community spirit in the Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival. Read More

Food & Wine
Whether it’s fine dining, a casual al-fresco lunch, café culture or sipping the best Central Otago pinot noirs while relaxing in grand alpine scenery - you will be spoilt for choice when enjoying local fare and award winning wines at the great selection of cafés, restaurants, cellar doors and country pubs. Read More

Getting Here & Around
Travelling to Central Otago is easy – from north, south east or west, by road and by air. Whether by bus, rental car or tour, the true Central Otago experience is to get off the beaten track. It’s a different pace, so take your time - the roads aren’t crowded and it’s easy to stop for a photo or to explore. Read More

Why Visit Central Otago...
Central Otago is a place where you relax, indulge and rejuvenate. Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail, taste wines in amazing locations, try curling, play a round of golf, cruise the Clutha River, visit historic gold mining towns or just kick back and relax at one of the many boutique Otago accommodation places. Read More

Where to Stay
Stay in a luxury lodge with stunning vistas of snow-dusted mountain ranges, or enjoy the comradeship of sharing facilities and yarns with other travellers at a backpacker lodge. When it comes to Central Otago accommodation there is also plenty in-between – bed and breakfast, farmstay, homestay, self contained, holiday home, hotel, motel and holiday park. Read More

Cycle Central Otago
The Otago Central Rail Trail is one part of the incredible cycling options on offer. Central Otago is criss-crossed with trails for the adventurous or the leisure cyclist and there are lengths to suit any time you might have available. Sample the finer things in life – not just incredible scenery to cycle through and explore but heritage and history, wineries, great food and friendly locals. Take a path less travelled – Cycle Central Otago. Read More

Places To Visit
To travel in Central Otago is to journey into New Zealand’s golden heartland. Its many towns and settlements lie nestled amid the grandeur of towering mountain ranges, stunning rocky tors, sweeping plains, valleys, gorges and meandering and mighty rivers. The larger towns are Cromwell, Alexandra, Ranfurly and Roxburgh. Read More

What To Do
Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail; imagine the back-breaking toil of early gold miners at a heritage site; try your hand at curling; evoke your sensibilities in the art galleries and museums; taste world class wine; fish the rivers and lakes. There is always somewhere new to discover in Central Otago. Read More
Our Regional Identity - A World of Difference
Our Regional Identity - A World of Difference 'A World of Difference' defines what is uniquely Central Otago as a place and a community. Read More

Central Otago NZ - Through Local Eyes
Central Otago NZ - Through Local Eyes Meet some unique and passionate Central Otago locals and be introduced to their favourite places and activities. Read More

Food & Wine
Food & Wine Central Otago is a place of sheer indulgence – whether it’s fine dining, a casual al-fresco lunch or café culture. You will be spoilt for choice when enjoying local fare and award winning wines at the great selection of cafés, restaurants, cellar doors and country pubs. Read More
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