Top Things to do in Central Otago
Countries
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Central Otago That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Central Otago, New Zealand including Indoor Curling Rink, Otago Central Rail Trail, Heliview Flights, Clutha River Cruises - One Day Cruise, Bike It Now!, Real Dog Adventures NZ, Clutha Gold Trail, Maori Point Vineyard, Mt Difficulty Wines Cellar Door, Gilchrist's Oturehua Store.
Restaurants in Central Otago
1. Indoor Curling Rink
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
Indoor Curling is a lot easier than you may think! Bring your friends and family and come along to the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere! Rink is heated - but have a warm top. Options for all ages/abilities. Lounge/bar - viewing area. Flat shoes (runners) ie :no jandals/sandals/heels. Great fun for all!
Reviewed By AliD1956 - Auckland, New Zealand
This is such a fun activity especially if you are with a group doing the Otago Rail Trail...They give you full instructions and then you can experience a fun game...would highly recommend it especially for groups.
2. Otago Central Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,149 reviews
The Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand's Original Great Ride. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable Central Otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet never far from the next town. Whether you start from Clyde or Middlemarch, the wide easy gradient is suitable for riders, walkers and cyclists of all ages. You may choose to go solo, or share the experience with friends, either way it's a trail of discovery best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Discover historic villages, enjoy local food and drink and the famous southern hospitality. As you travel through this untamed natural environment there is plenty to explore on and off the trail. Don't miss this 'must do' experience.
Reviewed By talloaks1
We completed the Otago rail trail at the beginning of this week starting in Clyde and ending in Middlemarch. We had an awesome tour operator Nick, who went above and beyond and organised awesome accommodation including his own home, a well appointed home near St Bathans. We loved the whole experience including curling in Naseby. Highly recommend, especially on an E - bike for this 58 year old!
3. Heliview Flights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Richard and Jolanda Foale from Heliview Flights invite you to take to the skies over Central Otago, near Queenstown. 5 reasons we make your holiday awesome * Heliview Flights - a family business with the personal touch; we spend more time with you, making your trip special * Cromwell has the best flying weather in New Zealand, with only 400mm of rain per annum! * Dramatic landscapes, majestic vistas or a stunning sunset all from our luxury 7-seater helicopter * Your pilot Richard has extensive experience (over 30 years) including search & rescue, police, corporate and UK Army AirCorps * Experience Cromwell: an authentic, gentler pace, only a 45 minute drive from bustling Queenstown, NZ's adventure capital Blending a luxury helicopter, personalised service, friendly staff and the stunning Central Otago landscape, family-owned Heliview Flights offers a range of scenic helicopter flights and heli-biking trips (guided and self-ride). From their base at Cromwell Racecourse Airfield, flights take in the majestic vista of the surrounding area and Southern Alps. Note: we used to be in New Plymouth, which old reviews reflect, but it's the same people and helicopter as before, so expect the same high standards, combined with new scenery.
4. Clutha River Cruises - One Day Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
Clutha River Cruises is the only licensed operator providing fully guided and catered tours on lakes Roxburgh & Dunstan in Central Otago, New Zealand. Our tours journey the isolated reaches of the stunning Clutha River and historic Roxburgh Gorge. Passengers can marvel at some of New Zealand's best examples of European and Chinese gold mining. View the mining sites of Doctors and Butchers Points and enjoy the spectacular schist scenery that only Central Otago has to offer.
5. Bike It Now!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 786 reviews
Bike It Now! Has a vision of providing the highest quality service for those wanting to enjoy the cycling trails of the Central Otago, Southern Lakes and MacKenzie and Waitaki regions of New Zealand as part of their next holiday. They can provide for all your requirements from organising fully supported tours, self guided tours to dropping you off on a One Day Wonder on the Otago Central Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge. They will provide you with the latest Trek Roscoe 7's to complete these adventures on. They also have the latest European designed / manufactured Electric bikes for hire. To top it off, they have a retail bike shop which specialises in Avanti, Scott Trek and Merida bikes and accessories, this is supported by a full workshop. They specialise in door to door pickups and drop offs from Queenstown - removing all the worry.
6. Real Dog Adventures NZ
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Hayden2222 - Auckland, New Zealand
We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the kennel tour experience. Nigel and Rose were extremely friendly and very informative. This is definitely an experience you wont want to miss out on, and is so much more than just getting to see and pet the dogs, we left with a real appreciation for the work these dogs do, and the work that has gone into training them. We drove from Queenstown to visit and definitely think it was worth the journey!
7. Clutha Gold Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
The Clutha Gold Trail is one of the ‘Great Rides’ of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail. Open year-round, this smooth, wide, well-formed trail over undulating, flat and meandering terrain requires moderate fitness. Whether you walk or ride, the trail offers a unique heritage experience in a diverse and stunning landscape - a journey of discovery around every corner.
Reviewed By Kiwibird248 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This trail has a different character to the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Otago Rail Trail. The first section from the Roxburgh Dam is beside the river. Millers Flat is a lovely place to stop for refreshments. In the following section from Millers Flat to Beaumont it is worth taking the time to visit the bridge at Horseshoe Bend. And, prior to Lawrence the Big Hill Tunnel is fun to ride through. It is a pleasant and peaceful trail on a well-maintained track.
8. Maori Point Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
The tasting room will be open again from 1 June. Until then, you are welcome call us to make an appointment to visit. Wine tasting, riverbank walks. Māori Point is a family-run vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand, specialising in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Visitors are welcome at the tasting room, or to picnic down at the riverbank. https://maoripoint.co.nz/pages/find-us
Reviewed By 873thiagob - Cromwell, New Zealand
Thank you Matt so much for a lovely afternoon we had at Maori Point. We were blown away by your fantastic approach to wine, land and the relaxed experience you provided us with. I cant believe we have not visited you before but certainly we will come back for more Rose, Pinot and everything else...Maori Point is a must visit while in Central Otago. Cant wait to visit again.
9. Mt Difficulty Wines Cellar Door
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Mt Difficulty Wines is located in beautiful Bannockburn, between the Queenstown Lakes district and Central Otago. Mt Difficulty's Cellar Door and Restaurant sit on a rocky outcrop, high above the winery on Felton Road. It's the perfect spot to experience Mt Difficulty's world-famous hospitality while taking in the breath taking views. Tastings and platter menu 11am - 4pm. A la Carte Menu available 12pm - 3.30pm • Mt Difficulty and Roaring Meg wines available for tasting and purchase • Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc • Domestic and international shipping options available Lunch A la Carte Menu is available 12pm - 3.30pm
Reviewed By craiga590
Loved the platters and the gorgeous pinot noir by the glass, could have stayed feasting and sipping all afternoon. Lovely view across the valley as well.
10. Gilchrist's Oturehua Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Gilchrists General Store is the oldest continuous trading store in New Zealand of its type, dating back to 1902. The store is filled with memorabilia, equipment, and information from generations past and well worth the visit. Something for every generations nostalgic side. We also stock rail trail memorabilia, accessories and apparel. along with fresh snack food, hot pies, cold drinks, cone ice creams and a large assortment of lollies and old English sweets.
Reviewed By MikeHaines2014 - Bluff, New Zealand
Coffee was fabulous (atomic organic), excellent service and that little bit extra. We also stayed at the B&B thats part of the store. Helen and Johns hospitality was fabulous and it was the perfect stop for our time on the Otago Rail Trail.
