2 minute read
Cromwell Must-Do's
Giant Fruit Sculpture
Because this region is nicknamed the Fruit Bowl of the South, on the outskirts of Cromwell there is a giant fruit sculpture, comprising an apple,pear, nectarine and apricot.
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Suncrest Orchard
Try Central Otago’s famously juicy fruit. Mrs Jones’ Fruit Stall is open daily from 8.30am until 5.30pm. You can lick on a fresh fruit ice cream in the adjoining English-style garden or pucker up for some pinot port at the orchard’s tasting room.
Goldfields Mining Centre
Gold mining comes spectacularly back to at The Highlands Motorsport Park and while you’re there, take a (once used to crush gold-bearing ride connects Cromwell to Clyde by tracing the edges of Cromwell Gorge and straddling its sheer cliff.
Heritage Precinct
Cromwell Heritage Precinct © Hayden Parsons
In 1992 the construction of Clyde Dam caused mass flooding of Cromwell. Some historic buildings were saved and rebuilt as the Heritage Precinct. Now sitting handsomely on the banks of Lake Dunstan, it’s packed with cafés, art galleries and specialist shops.
Lake Dunstan
Jut above the Clyde dam, this large man-made lake beckons swimmers, water skiers and boaties.
Bannockburn Hotel
Boasting one of the best vantage points over the region’s sprawling vines, this hotel boasts an extensive 200-strong wine menu, 60 of which can be ordered by the glass.
The Stoaker Room
Talented chefs cook and prepare your food in pinot noir barrels that are made from French oak and have been converted into cooking devices. The result is a barbecue-meets-smoker taste sensation.
Hot Laps
Race around the track in all manner of speedy machines at The Highlands Motorsport Park and while you’re there, take a tinkle. The bathroom has views of the race track so there’s no fear of missing any action.
Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail
This newly opened 55km bike ride connects Cromwell to Clyde by tracing the edges of Cromwell Gorge and straddling its sheer cliff-side by means of ingenious bridges ‘clipped’ into the rock. Highlights include an 85km-long suspension bridge, stunning lake views and Coffee Afloat: a surprising floating coffee shop.
Cloudy Bay Cellar Door
Is there any better way to spend an afternoon than with wine, cheese and knockout scenery? Move between indoor and outdoor tasting spaces, laze by the fireplace or swing from an egg chair.
Cloudy Bay Winery © Central Otago Tourism
The Bannockburn Sluicings Scenic Reserve
The gold-mining era came and went, leaving a land scarred by excavation. Discover a barren yet fascinating landscape on this 3.5km looped walk and Grade 3 mountain biking trail.
Arthur’s Cinema Cromwell
Set up inside a former church, step inside this bijou house of God and rather than Communion, settle in for a blockbuster – with settees instead of pews.
