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

Otago Central Rail Trail.

CREDIT: MILES HOLDEN

and let the iconic alpine scenery take your breath away.

Day 2: Queenstown to Cromwell

Take in the stunning Kawarau Gorge via a 45-minute drive from Queenstown to Cromwell and Bannockburn.

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.

BANNOCKBURN SLUICINGS 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.

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 drive on to Omakau and the Otago Central Rail Trail.

OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL 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.

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.

HAYES ENGINEERING WORKS 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

the on-site cafe before the scenic drive to Dunedin. (Closed June to August).

DUNEDIN RAILWAY STATION An afternoon stroll through Dunedin’s city centre takes you to one of its most opulent buildings, the Dunedin Railway Station. Ornate and flamboyant, this ‘giant gingerbread house’ is said to be one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings. Built when 100 trains came and went daily, the station is now home to a restaurant, gallery and the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. On a Saturday morning, head down to the forecourt farmers’ market to taste the best of the region’s produce, listen to some live music and yarn with the locals. Day 5: Dunedin

The beautiful heritage buildings of Dunedin are worth a day or two of exploring, with some luxuries to be indulged in too.

OLVESTON This Edwardian mansion has been loved by visitors since it was gifted to Dunedin city in 1967. See how the wealthy Theomin family lived in the first half of the 20th century, surrounded by a vast array of fine art, furniture and artefacts collected from around the world. Entry to the house is by guided tour.

LARNACH CASTLE Located on the majestic Otago Peninsula, a half hour‘s drive from Dunedin, Larnach Castle tells a colourful story. Built for his wife in the 1870s, William Larnach’s grand vision fell into disrepair after his personal fortunes crumbled. Passing through various hands, at one point the ballroom was used to shelter sheep! The lavishly restored castle is now one of Aotearoa’s premier visitor attractions, set in immaculate gardens and offering tours, accommodation and incredible views of the peninsula and beyond. n Writer: Claudia Babirat

Larnach Castle.

CREDIT: DUNEDIN NZ

Central Otago Touring Route: www.centralotagotouringroute.co.nz

Tohu Whenua: www.tohuwhenua.nz

Kawarau Suspension Bridge.

CREDIT: CLAUDIA BABIRAT Arrowtown.

CREDIT: WOWK MEDIA

Hannah's Cafe, Hayes Engineering Works.

CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA