Top Things to do in Central Otago
The 10 Best Things to do in Central Otago, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Central Otago, New Zealand including Otago Central Rail Trail, Cheeki Cherries, Weaver Estate Wines, Misha's Vineyard Tasting Room, Grey Ridge Vineyard, Goldfields Mining Centre, Alexandra Mountain Clock, Highlands - Experience the Exceptional, Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Mrs Jones Fruit Orchard.
Restaurants in Central Otago
1. 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!
2. Cheeki Cherries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 147 reviews
Cheeki cherries is now the home of Dam good fruit, come along and have a great day with the family. We offer 18 varieties of cherries with over 2000 trees to choose from. We also have peaches, apricots, plums, nectrarines, raspberries and strawberries.
Reviewed By kordia345
We had a blast going in to pick cherries at this PYO orchard! Prices got explained by a lovely staff member at the start then we were taken in and shown how to actually pick a cherry which was very helpful. Found some lovely cherries and picked light and dark ones! Overall it was such a nice experience being able to pick your own fruit, will definitely be back next year! ????
3. Weaver Estate Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
We are a small family vineyard, winery and cellar door. We also provide guest accommodation on site in our two self contained guest cottages. Open from 11am - 5pm Wednesday - Sunday between September and April, outside of these hours by appointment.
Reviewed By KC_Melbourne - Melbourne, Australia
Near new cottage which sleeps up to five (2 bedrooms with queen bed each, camp bed in lounge).Beautiful views all around, short drive to town. The family Border Collier Maddy greeted us as our car drove in. The cottage is very well equipped, with dishwasher, induction cooktop,laundry and cloth drying rack.The fridge has bread, milk, yoghurt for our breakfast. They provide packets of cereal, jam, peanut butter, honey, Marmite. I have travelled around the world but i must say i am very impressed with Weavers estate wine's cottage. I hope the owners will get as lot of bookings and build more cottages.
4. Misha's Vineyard Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Misha's Vineyard Tasting Room offers the opportunity to taste and purchase Pinot Noirs and aromatic white wines from this highly regarded Central Otago wine producer (named one of New Zealand's Top 20 Producers by Decanter (UK) magazine.) In a stylish and sophisticated tasting room, visitors are seated at our small tables and are given a tutored tasting where they learn about New Zealand wine, the wine growing region of Central Otago as well as finding out more about the wines and the stories of Misha's Vineyard. Visitors can also enjoy a delicious platter (with several options offered) and glass of wine whilst overlooking the spectacular Lake Dunstan. You might consider joining the Misha's Vineyard Vine Club where members have access to a the exclusive members' tasting room (by appointment).
Reviewed By M5840OQdavidb
This was one of the most pleasant vineyard visits we have had. We enjoyed tastings of 5 wines of our choice from the Mischa range. And these were accompanied by a nicely matched, generous and varied platter of nibbles and breads. Suzie was the perfect host - timed each wine delivery perfectly to let us take our time, chat, and relax; explained each wine clearly, and encouraged us to develop our own appreciations of them; nice balance between attentiveness and distance. A real professional who made our visit very enjoyable. Handy hint: we had bought the Bucket List special deal - for tastings, platters, and three bottles of wine. Great deal! and we walked away with even more, and committed to coming back. Enjoy!
5. Grey Ridge Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Grey Ridge is a boutique vineyard in Alexandra, Central Otago, with the most amazing views across the vineyard to the mountains beyond. At Grey Ridge we offer free and relaxed Wine Tasting from the Cellar Door, along with wine by the glass and platters. The vineyard has only Pinot Noir vines, from which we make four different wines: a White Pinot Noir, a Pinot Rosé, and two Pinot Noir. They are all "Single Vineyard" wines, made from hand tended and hand picked grapes. Our accommodation in our Grey Ridge Vineyard Suite, or Orchard Studio, is spacious and completely private, and you are free to explore the gardens, terraces and the vineyard. When you stay with us your package includes a private vineyard tour with the owner, followed by a private wine tasting and a delicious breakfast the next day. If you would like to join your hosts for a casual home-cooked dinner, (with wine of course) so that you can relax rather than leave the vineyard again, be sure to book that option in advance.
Reviewed By markmarChristchurch - Christchurch, New Zealand
Very welcoming and a fantastic set up. We enjoyed a thoroughly wonderful tasting with Sue and Paul and followed that with a great platter (and yes another glass of wine!!). Great story of the way they came to own the vineyard, and the challenges and successes they have had over the last 5 years. We heard about the cultivation, the winemaker in Alexandra, and the 5 wines they had to share (all 100% Pinot Noir), including a white wine!! Not the normal commercial wine tasting but a glimpse at a boutique operation with friendly, engaging and passionate owners. One of the highlights of our trip.
6. Goldfields Mining Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Michalo416 - Hawera, New Zealand
Glad we turned around. Cool self guided walk around the old miners huts and shafts then met up with Bruce who showed us lots of interesting stuff and how to pan for gold. We managed to find 3 pieces to take home. Well priced at $25 each.
7. Alexandra Mountain Clock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Rhondyru
A 5 minute drive up the asphalt road to the summit over looking the entire town, basin, Clutha river and surrounding mountains - so easy to get to - can be walked or biked - or driven for all ages and physical abilities - in a bigger town there would be a gondola for access and restuarant at the top- take a picnic, kfc or coffee or just your camera - just make sure you don't leave town without going up there, oh and it's FREE :)
8. Highlands - Experience the Exceptional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 746 reviews
A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are exciting for the whole family. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be looked after by their friendly team – treating you to some authentic kiwi hospitality! Voted the #1 Thing to Do in Cromwell by TripAdvisor, Highlands – Experience the Exceptional is conveniently located along SH 6 in Cromwell in beautiful Central Otago. It’s a must do when you’re exploring the region – ideal for day trips because Highlands really does offer something fun and extraordinary for everyone. So whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, in a group, or with family, Highlands is an NZ must-do for the ride of your lives.
Reviewed By Mandanz - Queenstown, New Zealand
We had an Absolutely Fantastic morning at Highlands. They have amazing friendly staff, awesome go karts and go kart track, a wide variety of cars to view in the museum and lastly a hugely talented pro driver (Andrew) for a fast lap in the taxi. Thanks we loved every minute and look forward to our next visit. Highly recommend visiting, something for everyone, even if your not a car freak.
9. Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
History |Galleries | Cafes | Boutique shops Central Otago's best kept secret - a free visitor attraction that has something for the whole family. When the Clyde dam was completed in 1990, Cromwell's main street disappeared under Lake Dunstan. Some of the historic buildings dating back to the gold rush of the 1860's were saved or lovingly rebuilt on higher ground, creating the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Step back in time to the gold rush and explore heritage buildings, many with artisan businesses in them, located on the shore of beautiful Lake Dunstan. Open daily.
Reviewed By musketeers123 - Gold Coast, Australia
Visited this area on the day of the markets which was Sunday morning - great stories of history in the different preserved buildings as well as good mix of places to grab a bite to eat - the markets were unique with lots of fresh produce and cakes as well as craft items - a great walk to this area from our accommodation along the lake with lots beautiful houses throughout the neighbourhood as well
10. Mrs Jones Fruit Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
This was a stopover which was absolutely incredible with brilliant large bright pink orchids display. A wonderful place to visit with a fantastic variety of fresh and dry fruits, nuts, honey products, snacks and real fruit ice cream. There was gorgeous garden with statue for perfect photos.
