TOHU WHENUA
New Central Otago Touring Route Open since November last year, the Central Otago Touring Route is a 341-kilometre journey through dramatic landscapes full of unique attractions, activities, and locals who are genuinely happy to welcome you. The route winds its way from Queenstown to Dunedin via the beautiful Strath Taieri and Maniototo Plains taking you via nine of Otago’s 11 Tohu Whenua, some of Aotearoa's best heritage experiences. Charming goldmining villages, a steamship cruise, cycling, a hands-on eclectic inventor's workshop, and a luxury high tea at a castle are all on offer. To help plan your own heritagethemed roadie, we’ve put together this suggested itinerary.
Day 1: Queenstown & around Begin your journey of Otago’s unique history in Queenstown. This ‘home of adventure’ is also host to several iconic heritage sites. ARROWTOWN A charming gold-rush village nestled below beautiful peaks along the sparkling Arrow River. Stroll Buckingham Street where wealthy merchants traded in the mid-1800s, then peer inside restored huts on the edge of town where Chinese miners led a more modest existence. TSS EARNSLAW An afternoon cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard this iconic century-old coal fired steamship is a great way to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Before roads existed, she ferried people, sheep and goods to lakeside destinations. Depart Steamers Wharf in central Queenstown for Walter Peak Station
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heritage.org.nz
Otago Central Rail Trail. CREDIT: MILES HOLDEN
and let the iconic alpine scenery take your breath away.
drive on to Omakau and the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Day 2: Queenstown to Cromwell
OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
Take in the stunning Kawarau Gorge via a 45-minute drive from Queenstown to Cromwell and Bannockburn.
If you’re curious about this famous historic trail but can’t commit to a multi-day cycling adventure, the Poolburn Gorge section of the Otago Central Rail Trail is a great way to sample some of the highlights in a single day, including the famous Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels and Manuherikia Bridge – the longest bridge on the Trail. Bike hire is available.
KAWARAU SUSPENSION BRIDGE A stop at one of the country’s most iconic bridges is a must. The Kawarau Suspension Bridge is 141 years old and won designer, Harry Higginson, a top world engineering award for his innovative design, which allowed safe crossing of the notoriously windy canyon. In 1988, the bridge became the world’s first bungy-jump site. After crossing the bridge, continue by foot or cycle on the Gibbston River Wine Trail for spectacular views of the gorge.
Day 4: Maniototo to Dunedin The wide open spaces of the Maniototo Plains have inspired all kinds of creativity, from the ingenious inventions of Ernest Hayes to iconic Kiwi artworks including those by Graham Sydney. Meander and enjoy the scenery and southern hospitality on this two-hour drive.
BANNOCKBURN SLUICINGS
HAYES ENGINEERING WORKS
After a winery lunch, make your way to Bannockburn Sluicings, a spectacular human-made landscape of cliffs and pinnacles. Walk one of several tracks past the remains of dams, tunnels, walls and water races built to flush out gold.
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at Hayes Engineering Works, located halfway along the Central Otago Touring Route. This family farm celebrates early 20th century ‘Kiwi ingenuity’ at its best. Marvel at the mud brick home and workshop where rural inventor Ernest ‘Ernie’ Hayes developed agricultural labour-saving devices including the fence-fixing wire strainer, rabbit baiters and windmills, while his wife Hannah cycled around the region in ankle length skirts taking orders for his wares. Have a hearty lunch at
Day 3: Cromwell to Maniototo From Cromwell drive alongside Lake Dunstan towards Clyde and Alexandra where you can explore the Clyde Heritage Precinct or walk to Alexandra's iconic Clock on the Hill. Then
