3 minute read
Central Otago Must Do's
ALL SEASONS
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The winters are crisp and cold while the summers are sizzling hot.
In spring, it bursts into life with flowering blossom trees; in autumn the leaves turn red, gold and copper-coloured.
Autumn in Bannockburn Inlet © Adobe Stock
This region’s heartland has everchanging mountainous, dry rocky landscapes, productive farmland,40 spectacular river gorges, old stone and mud-brick dwellings and preserved gold-mining settlements.
Intriguing old towns seeped in history are set in a fascinating landscape of rust-coloured hills, fertile valleys, and dramatic gorges carved by the Clutha and Kawarau rivers.
ON THE TRAIL
Otago Central Rail Trail © Tourism Central Otago
The Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand’s original Great Ride, journeying into pockets of the region not accessible by road. The Rail Trail extends 152km along the former railway route between Middlemarch and Clyde. Its wide gravel path has a gentle 1:50 gradient, making it ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. If you want to cycle the entire trail, it generally takes four days to complete comfortably.
That’s approximately four hours of riding per day, with plenty of reasons to make regular stops and accommodation options along the way. However, the trail is divided into sections as short as 4km each, so you can choose whether you want to cycle just one section, or the whole trail.
There are many opportunities to meet the pioneer-spirited locals and to take detours and side trips to places such as dams, gold-mining relics, the country’s only international curling rink to try your hand at the ancient ice sport, and much more.
Travelling the Rail Trail also offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the history and romance of the railway and the gold rush. Whatever your interest, the trail provides the solitude to reflect amid the transforming light of expansive skies and vast landscapes.
CHARMING TOWNS
Hyde, Otago Central Rail Trail © Adobe Stock
ALEXANDRA With hills, valleys and old gold digging and dredge sites like the Earnscleugh Tailings to explore, this is a town to spend time in. In summer, fill up on apricots, peaches, cherries and apples; in winter, ice skate on Manorburn Dam.
CLYDE An historic township beside the mighty Clutha River, Clyde was once a booming gold rush site; there’s a sweet vintage vibe here, with old gardens, stone walls and heritage buildings.
CROMWELL The construction of Clyde Dam involved the flooding of Cromwell’s historic centre, but a few buildings were saved to form the Heritage Precinct, on the banks of Lake Dunstan, with art galleries, specialist shops and a summer Sunday market. Lake Dunstan is also a pleasant spot for a swim.
Misha’s Vineyard Tasting Room, Cromwell © Central Otago Tourism
NASEBY Cradled in forest and speckled with charming stone buildings, Naseby has lots of appeal. Come winter, a lively ice-skating scene erupts on Centennial Pond.
RANFURLY Following a 1930s fire, Ranfurly was rebuilt with art deco flare. A tour of the town absorbs much of this aesthetic; step beyond the façades to find art galleries and other treats.
ROXBURGH Between Alexander and Milton in the Teviot Valley is Roxburgh, with a thriving summer fruit industry and adventurous options including trekking scenic mountain trails and kayaking on Lake Roxburgh.
Cyclists at a café in Alexandra © Central Otago Tourism
