Top Things to do in Central Otago
What to do and see in Central Otago, South Island: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Central Otago, New Zealand including Felton Road Wines, Otago Central Rail Trail, marie velenski, Maori Point Vineyard, Bendigo Historic Reserve, Domain Road Vineyard, Scott Base Vineyard - Space at the Base, Central Otago, Lindis Pass, Quartz Reef Wines Cellar Door.
Restaurants in Central Otago
1. Felton Road Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
One of the rising stars in the world of pinot noir.
Reviewed By 307laurela - Auckland, New Zealand
This was a great experience with friends and I’m so happy I got too along. Wonderful tour and amazing wines. This is really my favourite cellar door experience in the region.
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. marie velenski
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Artwork. Fused glass, wire and jewellery housed in an historic stone building in the bakehouse courtyard surrounded by shops, cafes and galleries overlooking Lake Dunstan.
Reviewed By AJat87 - Cromwell, New Zealand
This quaint jewellery shop in Old Cromwell precinct is a treasure trove of stunning works of art. Cleverly displayed floral wire works, fine handmade earrings and necklaces, recycled fine china, and Marie’s quirky handmade cards and glass ‘stories’ will easily encourage you to reach for your wallet. You won’t be disappointed
4. 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.
5. Bendigo Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By marymH8851LH
DOC have done a great job in the historic area with excellent family friendly walks, information boards and preservation of this area. A pleasure to explore.
6. Domain Road Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
We are an artisan winery making a selection of highly awarded wines. Our cellar door usually has all our wines available for free tasting.
Reviewed By TravellingTurtles - Cromwell, New Zealand
I really enjoyed the visit to this winery. We were taking care of by a very knowledgeable staff member who spoke confidently about the wines. Great view and they have an outdoor and indoor space to accommodate visitors We came away with a bottle so we obviously enjoyed the wine!
7. Scott Base Vineyard - Space at the Base
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Space at the Base Tasting Room is a cosy and relaxed venue to enjoy the award-winning estate wines from Scott Base Vineyard and Allan Scott's Marlborough vineyards. For beer lovers, we offer a full selection of Moa Craft Beers. Visit with friends and family and enjoy our all day menu with platters and gourmet sandwiches. We have a sandpit and play area for children and wonderful views of Cromwell.
Reviewed By h0lidaysun - Sydney, Australia
What an enjoyable, relaxed and wonderful experience, sitting in the afternoon sun drinking lovely wine, eating a wonderful cheese plate, and enjoying great company. Being form Wanaka we have driven past this winery many times and never stopped to have a look at it as it is hidden from the road-well that was a mistake-this is now one of our go to wineries in Cromwell. The service staff are efficent, friendly and accommodating and should be commended on their customer service skills. Thanks for a lovely afternoon-see you soon!
8. Central Otago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By mgreaney2018 - Wellington, New Zealand
I stayed for a week and the weather fluctuated between very hot and very cold - whatever the weather it is always beautiful. Lots of eateries to choose from and beautiful walking tracks. A good base to visit other places in the area.
9. Lindis Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By WordChristchurch - Christchurch, New Zealand
This is a dramatic, and visually stunning part ofthe South Island in New Zealand. Lovely road. Enjoy it.
10. Quartz Reef Wines Cellar Door
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Quartz Reef farm holistically, with full organic & biodynamic certification. Our aim is to craft engaging wines that tell a story, that capture the extraordinary beauty & energy of our landscape and express this with purity & precision in your glass. Sitting in prime location as the pioneer of Bendigo, our sun-drenched Quartz Reef Estate vineyard is BioGro certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic. Our grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with a respectful and non-interventive philosophy, combined with the vision of Rudi Bauer to express our sense of place. We produce our Estate Grown Methode Traditionnelle Non-Vintage and Vintage, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. All Quartz Reef wines benefit greatly from Rudi Bauer’s Austrian heritage exploring the many dimensions of the varieties.
Reviewed By 840gabrielh - Bellaire, United States
Arriving to the Quartz Reef winery tasting room might turn you off, since tasting takes place in a small portable building planted in a parking lot. It is surrounded by run down warehouses and there is nothing attractive about it. As a concession to oenology, these is a third of an acre vineyard just a few steps from the tasting room. As you walk in, the diminutive tasting room has room for perhaps 10 people, crowded at that. The small counter offers 4-5 wines to taste. The sparkling wine is actually better than you expect, and the other wines are quite enjoyable. And then, you are served the Pinot Noir, without any pretensions. This is an outstanding wine and among the best Pinots in the Central Otago area. Don't let the surroundings discourage you and enjoy the wine offerings.
