A landscape that tells stories of times gone by

In ancient times, Maori travelled through Central Otago on their way to the pounamu rivers of the west coast. Hunting parties also visited the region - they built rafts and used the Clutha River to transport moa and other game back to the east coast.

More recently, in the 1860s, Central Otago was the scene of a gold rush. Trails used by miners can still be seen winding over the hills. Stone cottages, a haunted hotel, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and machinery are other relics to discover. You can still try your luck with a gold pan, or be satisfied with the golden sweetness of a Roxburgh apricot.

Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a 'wine rush'. Pinot Noir has become one of the region's newest treasures, and many of the wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings.

Gold history

Retrace the steps of the hardy gold miners who carved their living from the harsh and often unforgiving environment. Relive their experiences in the museums and historic sites throughout the region.

Premium Pinot Noir
The mountain valley vineyards of the world's most southerly wine region have excelled in recent years. In particular, the vibrant, spicy flavour and velvety texture of Central Otago Pinot Noir has earned wide acclaim.

Tracks and trails
Around the hills of Central Otago, the hiking tracks are almost endless. Many were created by miners during the gold rush; others lead to alpine herb meadows, secret valleys and strange rock formations.

During your stay in Alexandra, Central Otago there are plenty of outdoor and indoor pursuits to choose from. Hike or ride on the Otago Central Rail Trail, a 150km mountain biking and walking track through the heart of Central Otago. Or try ice skating, curling and cross country skiing on untamed hills.

Alexandra is located in the Otago region on the bottom eastern side of New Zealand's South Island. Named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Alexandra is the hub of central Otago. The lure of gold in the 1860s bought thousands to the Dunstan gold fields. To feed the large labour force imaginative settlers exploited the horticulture potential of the arid area, aspirant orchardists took up miners water rights and Alexandra was soon blossoming. Alexandra owes is current prosperity to the orchadists. The pretty town is an oasis of trees among barren rocky hills. The best in scenic rural Otago is encompassed in the Alexandra area.

Clyde is a charming little town 10 km west of Alexandra . Historic stone buildings line the streets. The Clyde lookout point gives great views over the once bustling gold fields of the area.

The Alexandra Blossom Festival from 15 September to 1 October, one of the oldest celebrations in New Zealand.

Alexandra is a mountain bike and walkers haven with many old gold trails through the Old man, Dunstan, Raggedy and Knobby ranges.

The Otago Central Rail Trail is a year-round recreational facility, designed for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.

In the deep heartland of Central Otago lies a modern town which is recognised as the Cherry Capital of New Zealand.

Cromwell has been transformed from the town it once was, prior to the building of the Clyde Damv and the creation of Lake Dunstan,to a thriving business hub serving the Southern Lakes area. Increasingly we are hosting visitors who want to make the most of what Central Otago has to offer, while still enjoying day trips to Wanaka and Queenstown which are less than 45 minutes away.

Cromwell offers a friendly welcome to all travellers at the combined visitor centre and museum situated in The Mall. History buffs will be intrigued by the gold mining era, when Chinese prospectors camped deep in the Kawarau Gorge, and sluicing operations transformed the landscape. Others will be fascinated by the submerging of the Old Cromwell town site beneath the lake, and the relocation of original buildings on the lake front terrace.