Central Otago Itinerary

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Day 1

• Savour the Distinction of Central Otago Pinot Noir New Zealand's fastest growing wine region, Central Otago is the world's southernmost wine production area, with many of its vineyards in gorgeous, dramatic settings. Although small, Central Otago is a rapidly developing wine growing region, with an international reputation for Pinot Noir. Take a personally guided wine tour offering professional expertise and local knowledge.
• Discover Otago's Goldmining History Glimpse past goldmining at Carrick and Bendigo goldfields, and in nearby Bannockburn, a historic town, where sluicing has left its mark. Goldfields Mining Centre has an operational sluice gun, and opportunities to pan for gold. For a different view, take a spectacular jet boat ride on the mighty Kawarau River, through the heart of one of New Zealand's most historic goldmining regions with Goldfields Jet.
• Stay overnight in Cromwell with Host Accommodation.

Day 2

• Old Cromwell Town
  The reconstructed buildings of Old Cromwell Historic Precinct are today alive with artists at work. Wander through the buildings and watch the artists at work, taste the produce inspired by the abundance of Central Otago's wonderful stonefruit from Provisions or sit and have a coffee at the Grain and Seed café.

  Pack a picnic and relax on the shores of picturesque Lake Dunstan. Experience the thrill of fishing for trout, walk or cycle one of the many trails that follow the lake's shoreline.

• Stay overnight in Cromwell with Host Accommodation.

Day 3

• Depart Cromwell drive to Alexandra
• Explore the mighty Clutha River. Journey the isolated reaches of the historic and picturesque thyme studded Roxburgh Gorge. Marvel at some of New Zealand's best examples of European and Chinese mining. Clutha River Cruises will take you through some of the most stunning scenery that only Central Otago can provide.
• Discover unique Central Otago produce. Take time to visit a variety of small boutique studios, gourmet food producers and artists in the area. A roadside shop sells fresh fruit and gourmet products including pickled walnuts, fruit pickles, sauces, chutneys and fruit liqueur toppings.
• Stay overnight in Alexandra with Host Accommodation.

Day 4

• Visit Touch Yarns, specialists in natural yarns and fibres for knitting, weaving, spinning, felting and embroidery, all Touch Yarns and colours are designed by Marnie Kelly, inspired by the stark beauty of thyme fields, mountains and the historic goldfields of Central Otago. Visit the showroom in Clyde and purchase some of the world's finest quality wool and mohair today.
• Stay overnight in Alexandra with Host Accommodation.

Day 5

• Central Otago Rail Trail - 5 Days
Approximate Rail Trail kilometres

• Clyde to Omakau 35km
• Omakau to Wedderburn 43 km
• Omakau to Ranfurly 57km
• Ranfurly to Middlemarch 59km

Ride it, walk it, experience it! This is New Zealand's first Rail Trail, let it take you across old wooden trestle bridges and viaducts; past schist rock, parched hills, tussock grasses, awesome gorge scenery and spectacular mountains; through farmlands and tunnels to historic landmarks, goldfields and pioneer settlements.

The Otago Central Rail Trail (Rail Trail) is 150km gravel path following the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde. Its gentle gradient has no steep hills and cycling takes 3-5 days to complete. Discover its treasures on any of its short sections.

Day One: Clyde to Omakau

The Otago Central Rail Trail (Rail Trail) starts (or ends) at the former Clyde railhead and this section runs through flat semi-rural landscape of orchards, vineyards and lifestyle blocks, schist rock and wild thyme landscapes, crosses the Manuherikia River and has views of the Dunstan Mountains and Raggedy Range.
• Key points of interest include the old Tucker Hill gold diggings, Chatto Creek Tavern with New Zealand's smallest post office and just off the Trail, near Omakau, is the historic goldfield town of Ophir.

Day Two: Omakau to Wedderburn or Ranfurly

• From Lauder to Oturehua would perhaps be the most spectacular section of the Trail. This section of the Trail has several claims to fame in its historical railways engineering and spectacular gorge scenery as you pass from one valley to the next. The gorge is also home to the rare New Zealand falcon.
• Key points of interest include the tunnels, the spectacular Poolburn Gorge, crossing the Poolburn Viaduct and the Wedderburn Goods Shed made famous by the artist Grahame Sydney.
• Visit Hayes Engineering Works and the authentic 1930's style Gilchrist's Store in Oturehua.

Day Three/Four: Rest days in Naseby area

• Enjoy 1-2 days of rest in the Naseby area taking in activities such as curling at Maniototo Curling International, 4WD trips into the high country or visiting picturesque historic gold mining towns. Visit the Maniototo Visitor Information Centre in the old Railway Station in Ranfurly, a Rural Art Deco town.

Day Five: Ranfurly/Naseby to Middlemarch

• The Rail Trail ends (or starts) 400m north of the Middlemarch Railway Station. The trail crosses numerous small bridges and culverts over the Taieri River, through the upper Taieri Gorge to the wide spaces of the Strath Taieri plain and gently rolling landscape until you reach Middlemarch.
• Stay overnight in Alexandra with Host Accommodation.

Cromwell and Alexandra accommodation

Location	Property Details
Alexandra	Almond Court Motel Freephone: 0800 256 663 Int. Phone: +64 3 4487667 read more ... Visit our website
Cromwell	Colonial Manor Freephone: 0800 428 648 Int. Phone: +64 3 4450184 read more ... Visit our website

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