Explore Otago Peninsula & Central Otago

PARADISE FOR WILDLIFE

The spectacular Otago Peninsula is a definite highlight of the region – you don’t want to miss this, especially if you’re a wildlife and nature lover. It’s one of the few places in the country to boast such a diverse range of wildlife, from seal pups and sea lions to thriving populations of rare yellow-eyed penguins and northern royal albatrosses.

THE DIVERSE WILDLIFE IS ONE OF THE REGION’S BIGGEST DRAWCARDS.

Albatross also swoop in like giant Airbus planes and are incredible to watch. Take this unique opportunity to see the royal albatross at the only mainland breeding colony in the world on the Otago Peninsula. The observatory at the Royal Albatross Centre is the place to start exploring. Here you can watch the adult birds, with their gigantic wings, return from fishing at sea to feed their chicks. Head to the peninsula on a guided four-wheel drive or boat tour to get the best experience. Using a guide means you can avoid intruding on some of the rare creatures who live here. Look out for New Zealand fur seals and sea lions and noisy blue penguins. Investigate the yellow-eyed penguin Conservation Reserve, which has an intricate network of tunnels, hides and tracks.

Natures Wonders, Dunedin © DunedinNZ

CENTRAL OTAGO

Central Otago will blow your mind with its beauty. Enjoy a diverse landscape with a dazzling mix of scenery and sightseeing.

ALEXANDRA A year-round crowd pleaser, come summer, wine tasting is irresistible and the orchards are full of apricots and cherries. A month or so earlier, the town’s awash with springtime cherry blossom and in autumn, Alexandra is drenched in hues of bronze and gold. If winter brings sub-zero temperatures,Manorburn Dam turns into a picture-perfect ice rink.

CROMWELL In 1992 the construction of Clyde Dam involved the flooding of Cromwell’s historic centre, but mercifully, a handful of buildings were saved and rebuilt as the Heritage Precinct. This now sits on the banks of Lake Dunstan, with art galleries, specialist shops and, from October to Easter, a lively Sunday market. Lake Dunstan is also a pleasant spot for a refreshing swim.

NASEBY Cradled in forest and speckled with charming stone buildings, Naseby is a dinky township with lots of appeal. The residents are fiercely proud of their curling credentials and, come winter, a lively ice-skating scene erupts on Centennial Pond.

RANFURLY Following a series of 1930s fires, Ranfurly was rebuilt with all the art deco flare of the era. The town’s art deco walk absorbs much of this aesthetic and while the exterior of Centennial Milk Bar attracts most of the attention, it is now an art gallery and stepping inside is a must. The striking retro facade screams of yesteryear and makes for a handsome photograph.

Aurum Wines, Cromwell © Tourism Central Otago

EXPLORE MORE

Beer & Blossom Town Alexandra

With limited rainfall and high summer temperatures, Alexandra is one of the hottest towns in New Zealand.

Admire the view from the enormous clock on the hill that has served the town for over fifty years; pick up a Central Otago Wine Map from the i-SITE for a list of cellar doors and check out the Central Stories Museum for an insight into the region’s past.

The Central Otago Beer Festival takes place every February and come springtime, the streets erupt with fabulous cherry blossoms. An annual three-day festival in September celebrates this occurrence.

All seasonal events aside, Alexandra is the year-round home of bike riding. Nearby trails are arguably some of the best inthe country and include the family-friendly Alexandra to Clyde 150th Anniversary Track, the 34km Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and New Zealand’s original Great Ride – the four to five-day Otago Central Rail Trail.

Alexandra © Central Otago District Council

Bonnie Clyde

Most cyclists start (or finish) the famed Central Otago Rail Trail from this small, hospitable township.

Clutching to the banks of the Clutha River, neat stone cottages are tucked away in various nooks, cloaked in summer blooms and in winter plumes of smoke billow from brick chimneys.

Clyde is also home to an almighty big dam, but your eyes are always drawn to the hills, river and old mason buildings concentrated on Sunderland St. Authentic down to their very last beam, particularly impressive are the old bank (now a café), Dunstan House and Olivers Restaurant.

Bank Café, Clyde