Central Otago Touring Route

Day 1

What better way to start your relaxing day than with breakfast at the beach?

Sweeping white-sand beach just minutes from the central city.  St Clair is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, walking and socialising and the St Clair Esplanade is a a popular leisure destination for weekend walks or dips in the sea.

The cafes and bars lining the promenade are an attraction in their own right. These eateries are something of a mecca in the summer months and the outdoor tables offer an excellent vantage point to watch the world go by. Afterwards, take a scenic drive either along the harbour side road stretching along the southern edge of the Otago harbour, or climb the Highcliff Road. 

The Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas. There are unique opportunities to view a remarkable range of wildlife including Royal Albatross, rare Yellow-eyed penguins a variety of seals, sealions, water and wading birds.

Take a scenic drive either along the harbour side road stretching along the southern edge of the Otago harbour, or climb the Highcliff Road. These scenic drives will see you passing by lush green pastures, small bays and inlets, sandy beaches, rugged hills and volcanic landforms.

Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours have been operating award-winning tours for over 35 years. Experience unrivaled access to protected locations on the Otago Peninsula - enjoy views of the stunning scenery and rarely spotted Southern Ocean wildlife. 

Orokonui Ecosanctuary is the flagship biodiversity project for the South Island where multiple species of plants and animals are protected from predators. Within this Coastal Otago forest, pests have been removed, habitat enhanced with weed control and planting, and many rare and endangered species re-introduced. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful native forest and experience the antics of the indigenous bird life in their natural environment.

So having spent a relaxing day discovering the natural wonders on offer, what about the evening?

Arc Brewery is a new small brewery owned and operated by Jono and Emma, located up the road from Dunedin in Blueskin Bay. Being a small batch brewery there is always new beers in the pipeline while continuing to serve up taproom favourites. Their aim is to create fresh flavour-forward beers while considering the balance between creativity and drinkability.

Day 2

Before you depart Dunedin be sure to explore the newest and most innovative museum experience in Dunedin. 

Welcome to Toitū Otago Settlers Museum where it is all about the people of Dunedin and surrounding areas, and their stories. There you can trace the fascinating journeys from the earliest settlers, Kai Tahu and their ancestors, to the most recent arrivals.

Take a walk around Sutton Salt Lake, New Zealand's only inland salt lake. A 3.5 km self-guided loop track to the lake and back is an easy way to enjoy the tranquility and natural history of this stunning landscape. Please note, this track is not wheelchair accessible.

Middlemarch provides a great opportunity to break your journey enroute to Ranfurly, the heart of the Maniototo. Offering big blue skies by day and incredible dark skies by night: stay, take a breath, relax and enjoy.  

Day 3

Spend the day exploring some of the many jewels hidden within the hinterland of Central Otago.

Clachanburn Gardens is a lush oasis set against the stark beauty of the Maniototo. Rolling lawns and vibrant borders flow toward two tranquil ponds, framed by rugged hills and distant mountains, offering a stunning contrast to Central Otago’s dry heat. Hosted by Jane Falconer, this enchanting country garden is open by appointment from spring to autumn, where visitors can enjoy a delightful Devonshire Tea or a leisurely Summer Garden Lunch.

Winter in Central Otago is crisp and refreshing. Mornings may start frosty and foggy, but by mid-morning, the sun breaks through, revealing a stunning, chilled landscape. Wrap up warm and embrace the season—whether it’s exploring the outdoors or cozying up indoors to savor the region’s rich flavors and heritage.

Lose track of time in a quaint historic town that's barely changed since the gold rush days. Stay overnight in the Vulcan Hotel, if you dare! In 1887, St Bathans was a bustling town with around 2,000 miners living in the immediate vicinity. Some of the buildings from that era remain today and little else has been added since, so it's very easy to imagine the town as it was during the gold rush.

Day 4

While you're here, embrace the adventure of New Zealand’s original Great Ride—the Otago Central Rail Trail. E-bikes make it easier than ever to explore, with rentals available along the route to get you rolling. The touring route follows sections of the trail toward Clyde, offering plenty of entry and exit points. Local operators provide bikes and shuttles, making it simple to enjoy breathtaking highlights like the Poolburn Gorge, with its spectacular tunnels and viaducts.

Clyde, a historic gold rush town nestled in a sheltered basin, is steeped in history and culture. Once bustling with rowdy gold miners in the 1860s, it now boasts beautifully preserved architecture and a charming heritage precinct. Wander past restored buildings now home to boutique stays, cafés, and restaurants. Browse unique shops showcasing local merino wool, art, homeware, jewelry and other gifts, or simply soak in the town’s rich past.

The Clyde Dam, New Zealand’s largest concrete gravity dam, is an unmissable landmark in this charming town. Standing 100 meters tall and built with an incredible one million cubic meters of concrete, it’s a true engineering marvel. Guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into its history and construction—an experience not to be missed.

Day 5

No matter the season, Cromwell has something to offer everyone.

Discover the charm of the lakeside Cromwell Heritage Precinct, with its historic buildings, art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.

Wine enthusiasts can explore the local wineries and vineyards, while adventure seekers can enjoy the Lake Dunstan Trail or experience the thrills of Highlands Motorsport Park. For those who love the water, there’s fishing, swimming, or boating on Lake Dunstan, as well as a chance to play a round at New Zealand's most inland links golf course at Cromwell Golf Club. 

With a range of accommodations, unique experiences, and a motorhome-friendly vibe, Cromwell offers far more than just its iconic giant fruit sculpture — it’s the ultimate must-do selfie spot!

Day 6

You’ve made it to Queenstown, the final stop on the tour, and while the road trip ends here, your journey doesn’t have to.

Enjoy the chance to stretch your legs amongst spectacular scenery with an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. Take a leisurely stroll through the Queenstown Botanical Gardens in the heart of town, or for a longer adventure, ride a section of the Queenstown Trail- a New Zealand Great Ride - with over 150km of magnificent off-road trails. If you really want to get the blood pumping, embrace Queenstown’s adventurous spirit and challenge yourself with a huge variety of experiences like bungy jumping, ziplining, whitewater rafting, jet boating, skydiving and more.

All this adventure is bound to work up an appetite, and Queenstown is home to a thriving food scene with more than 150 restaurants, cafés and bars - attracting some of New Zealand’s most celebrated chefs. Dine beside the vines at Mt Rosa Winery or Kinross Cellar Door & Bistro, enjoy al fresco dining by the lake while soaking in the mountain views at Public Kitchen, or in the cooler months, sip local pinot noir next to a roaring fireplace at Echardt’s Bar.

A visit to Arrowtown is a must during your time in Queenstown. One of New Zealand’s oldest settlements, this charming town has a rich gold mining history dating back to 1862, when gold was first discovered in the Arrow River. You can even try your luck at gold panning, with several spots offering lessons.
Arrowtown is home to two Tohu Whenua landmarks - sites of historical significance. Wander through the Chinese Settlement to glimpse the hardships faced by early gold miners, then stroll down Buckingham Street, where beautifully preserved heritage buildings now house boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Beyond its historical relics, Arrowtown is full of modern-day ‘treasures’ to discover- from serene landscapes to an established food, shopping, and arts scene. Stop by its oldest pub, The Fork & Tap, for a local craft beer, Aosta for award-winning Italian cuisine, or explore the many art galleries and boutique stores dotted throughout town.’