Central Otago
TOP TIP: Part of IceinLine, learn the art of curling at the new Alexandra Indoor Curling Rink. A fantastic new addition to the complex.
Cromwell Alexandra Wine Tasting Central Otago
Roxburgh Gorge Trail This is an
wine region makes some of the world’s best pinot noir. Prominent wine producers include Shaky Bridge, Chard Farm, Rippon and Black Ridge. The latter is one of the southernmost vineyards with a tasting room open seven days a week.
isolated one-day bike ride littered with surprises. Covering 34km along the Clutha Mata-au River, remnants from the gold-rush era abound, including schist huts: small, den-like shelters that miners built into the rock face.
Clyde
Ranfurly
TOP TIP: For a comprehensive Central Otago wine map, visit centralotagowine.co.nz
Alexandra Blossom Festival Come spring, the town is awash with fragrant cherry blossom and an annual three-day festival in September celebrates this occurrence. The street parade is a highlight.
Central Otago Beer Festival Held in high summer, when the weather’s warm but the beer’s cold. Good ale, wine, food and live music all come together for one day at Pioneer Park. 2022 dates TBC – keep an eye on craftbeerfest.co.nz.
Ophir
Ice Skating IceinLine is the southern hemisphere’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink – Olympic sized no less.
Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery For an insight into the
region’s past, pop your head inside here and fill it with exhibits detailing bygone gold mining and local agriculture. Free to visit.
St Bathans
Clock on the Hill Admire views across Alexandra from the enormous clock on the hill that has served the town for over fifty years.
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The Millennium Track This dual walking and cycling trail, known to the locals as The River Walk, skirts the banks of the Clutha River for 12km between Alexandra Bridge and the Clyde Bridge.
Naseby
Alexandra Golf Club Tee off at an award-winning course. Eighteenhole green fees start from $35pp, or you can play half for $20. Nice and flat, too – perfect for beginners.
Weaver Estate Vineyard Cottages For all of us who eat, sleep and breathe good wine, Weaver Estate Vineyard Cottages are situated on its namesake working vineyard. Nod off mere metres from the vines.
Otago Central Rail Trail New Zealand’s original Great Ride. By encompassing all that is warm and welcoming about Central Otago, this former railway track connects Middlemarch to Clyde over 152km and one to five days. Completed in either direction.
Ferris Road Brewery Once you’ve completed an Otago cycling trail, why not celebrate with a ‘Trail
LEFT: Cyclists stop in Alexandra BELOW: A drink at Alexandra bar BOTH: © Central Otago Tourism
Ale’ from this rustic brewery and tap room. Open Thursday to Sunday.
Jolendale Park Six hectares of tree and shrub species in a dry rock land setting, this parkland (on top of Alexandra’s Bridge Hill) is a yearround kaleidoscope of colour.
Roxburgh Orchards This town is famous for its fruit orchards. Stock up on supplies at the fruit stalls at Johnson’s Cottage Orchard, Fairview Orchard and Hobbs Family Orchard, to name a few.
The Courthouse Café and Bar Come and gorge on cake and coffee in this former 1878 courthouse. Now serving food rather than prison time. PAGE 5 - REGIONAL MAP
