The Heart of Central Otago

Leaving Queenstown you'll pass through wonderful Gibbston and its many wineries. Make sure you time your trip for a spot of lunch and a tasting. You will also pass by two famous bungy jump sites (The Nevis and the Kawarau Bridge Bungy). Next the Kawarau Gorge takes you to Cromwell, famous for its stone fruit orchards and in the right season you can purchase this fresh fruit from the many roadside stalls.

With a fascinating history and a dynamic present, Cromwell is a vibrant town located at the junction of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers. Originally known as "The Junction," the area boomed during the 1800s gold rush, and today, the surrounding hills are dotted with relics of this era. Visitors can explore the remnants of stone cottages, mining equipment, and sluicing boxes—tangible reminders of the town's pioneering past.
A significant chapter in Cromwell's history occurred in the 1990s when the valley was flooded to create Lake Dunstan as part of a major hydroelectric project. This event led to the relocation of the town's center, though parts of the original town have been preserved and can be visited today.
Cromwell is now a thriving hub, celebrated for its robust fruit-growing industry, farming, and tourism. The town and nearby Bannockburn are also a cornerstone of Central Otago's world-renowned wine region, particularly for its award-winning Pinot Noir.

An award-winning restaurant and terrace have expansive views of the Bannockburn Inlet and Carrick Range. Changing each season, our menu is designed to showcase seasonal local produce including New Zealand’s famous game, seafood, summer fruit, and organic vegetables. The menus follow the vineyard lunch tradition of offering a variety of share plates or individual platter lunches.

Experience two of New Zealand’s most memorable cycle trails as you follow the mighty Clutha Mata-au River. Ride through the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, where the dramatic landscapes are steeped in gold rush history and tales of a bygone era. Then take your time on the Clutha Gold Trail, a journey through rolling farmland, riverside paths, and friendly country towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop, relax, and soak up the region’s warm hospitality.

Receive a thorough trail briefing and bike fitting, followed by a shuttle from Cromwell to Clyde. Today the trail takes you through a stunning transformation from urban to remote landscapes, with breathtaking views of the rugged backdrop. As you cycle, you’ll pass remnants of gold mining history before reaching Doctors Point, where a jet boat awaits for a memorable transfer. From here, continue your journey along the trail towards the impressive Roxburgh Dam, one of New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric dams.
Distance: 34km
Meals provided: Packed lunch

This scenic section takes you along the riverside, offering stunning views of hillside rock formations and pastoral farmland. Enjoy a relaxing swim or picnic at Pinder’s Pond, a popular spot just off the trail. As you cycle, you'll pass by picturesque landscapes and charming small settlements, reaching the peaceful settlement of Millers Flat. 
Distance: 30km
Meals provided: Breakfast

Cycle from Millers Flat to Lawrence, following the river through the beautiful Beaumont Gorge. Take in the stunning landscapes and visit the historic Horseshoe Bend Suspension Bridge. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of the region’s gold rush history, including the arrival of Chinese prospectors. Finish your ride in Lawrence, where gold was first discovered in New Zealand, and explore this charming town rich in heritage. From there, you'll be transferred back to Cromwell. 
Distance: 45km
Meals provided: Breakfast

Begin your scenic journey from Cromwell to Kurow, tracking Lake Dunstan until you reach the historic Bendigo Reserve, a former gold mining settlement where you can explore the remains of old stone cottages. The drive then ascends dramatically over the Lindis Pass (971m), where the tussock-covered hills mark your transition from Central Otago into the vast MacKenzie high country and the small town of Omarama. The final leg of the route follows the massive structures of the Benmore and Aviemore dams before concluding in Kurow.

Located in the heart of the Waitaki Valley, Kurow is a historic and friendly town that serves as the perfect base for exploring this region. It's a place of contrasts, where serene river valleys meet rugged, high-country landscapes. Kurow is perhaps best known as the childhood home of Sir Edmund Hillary, and a memorial to the famous mountaineer can be found in the town. It's a fitting tribute to a man who embodied the adventurous spirit of this area. Today, that same spirit lives on, as Kurow is a popular stop on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, one of New Zealand's most spectacular long-distance rides.
The town is a hidden gem for wine lovers, sitting at the heart of the Waitaki Valley wine region. The unique limestone soils and cool climate produce exceptional Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and you can visit several local cellar doors for a tasting. The Waitaki River, which flows past the town, is also a prime spot for trout and salmon fishing.

At Valley Views there are 2 sets of 2 outdoor baths heated by gas, both with beautiful views and screening for privacy set in the pine forest. Take advantage by checking the In Use signs at the top of the path before turning it round and making your way down to your private bathing experience.  

Additional Activities on site: Horse riding lessons (booked per hour), a relaxing one-hour massage per person, and rugged 4x4 Farm Tours lasting two hours (priced for 1-2 people, with an extra charge for additional participants up to six total). Please note that these additional activities must be booked in advance to ensure availability, talk to your travel specialist.

Climb Kurow Hill - Take on the climb up Kurow Hill for unmissable views of the Hakataramea Valley—a worthwhile reward for the fairly steep 45-minute to two-hour effort. Access the well-formed track from the end of Grey Street. Important Note: As this walk is on a working farm, please remember to shut all gates securely and remain on the marked path throughout your journey.

Explore Lake Waitaki - Lake Waitaki is a popular spot close to Kurow, known for water sports and fishing. It holds the distinction of being the smallest, oldest, and farthest downstream of the three man-made lakes that form the extensive Waitaki hydroelectric scheme. Situated on the Waitaki River, it lies below the larger Benmore and Aviemore lakes.

Your journey from Kurow to Wānaka offers a breathtaking transition from the rugged beauty of the Waitaki Valley to the majestic Southern Alps. As you depart Kurow, you'll pass through the rural town of Omarama, where you might consider a stop for a cuppa or to witness the famous Omarama Clay Cliffs – a unique geological formation. The landscape gradually transforms, giving way to more mountainous terrain as you head towards the Lindis Pass. The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads, with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock-covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. The first Central Otago settlement you reach is the quaint village of Tarras, which has a boutique store and a lovely café.  Approaching Wanaka, the wonderful alpine lake welcomes you to the town. Despite its size, Wanaka has a wide variety of activities available. In winter, it is undoubtedly New Zealand's premier ski destination, with its very close proximity to the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields. Mt Aspiring National Park sits to the western edge of the lake and offers wonderful walking tracks for all abilities; the Rob Roy Track is a great introduction to this spectacular park. Fishing, sailing, and water skiing are popular pastimes on the lake, and the many beach access points provide great spots for picnics and relaxing.

Nestled on the shores of one of New Zealand's largest lakes and framed by the stunning Southern Alps. Wānaka is an alpine village that perfectly blends adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a laid-back vibe. In winter, Wānaka transforms into a bustling hub as snow sports enthusiasts flock to its renowned ski fields, Treble Cone and Cardrona, as well as cross-country at Snow Farm. As the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, it offers endless opportunities for hikers, with trails winding through remote wilderness, majestic peaks, and serene river valleys. Closer to town, you’ll find a network of scenic walking tracks, such as the popular Mount Iron Track, and from the lakefront, it is a short walk to "That Wanaka Tree". For thrill-seekers, Wānaka is an adrenaline playground, offering skydiving, paragliding, downhill biking, rock climbing, and jet boating. 

There are some excellent walks in and around Wanaka. The information below is provided by the Department of Conservation. Located in Wanaka is a Department of Conservation information centre and you can get updates on track conditions and suitability plus you can learn about the area, its natural history and its people. Listed below are a selection of short walks but check with the Department of Conservation information centre for weather conditions, track suitability and conditions first.

Outlet Track
This is a local favourite as it is an easy walk suitable for all ages and abilities. It begins from Wanaka town centre and takes you around picturesque Lake Wanaka to the outlet to the Clutha River and on to Albert Town. This track can also be explored by bike.
Distance: 3 km one way. Completion Time: 1 hour one way.
Mount Iron Track
This very popular, close-to-Wanaka-town loop walk suits all ages and abilities and offers great views from the summit.
Distance: 4.5 km. Completion Time: 1.5 hour.
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walks
These two excellent walks in the Diamond Lake Conservation Area give wonderful views of the surrounding alps and Lake Wanaka.
Distance: 2km - 7 km depending on trail. Completion Time: 45 minutes - 3 hours depending on trail.
Rob Roy Glacier Track
Rob Roy Valley is a good entry point to an area of spectacular alpine scenery, snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. The road to this track is unsealed and unsuitable for rental cars, but transportation to the beginning of the walk can be arranged.
Distance: 10 km.  Completion Time: 3 - 4 hours return. There is avalanche danger during winter and spring (June-November) on the Rob Roy Track.
Roy's Peak Track
The most famous walk in the Wanaka area, this steep walk climbs 1,500m on a well-formed track with the most spectacular views of Lake Wanaka, its islands, bays, and the mighty snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, including Mount Aspiring.
Distance: 16 km return via the same track. Completion Time: 5 - 6 hour return. This track is closed from the 1st of October - 10th November each year. In winter alpine equipment (such as crampons) are required.
Isthmus Peak Track
A long, steady climb that rewards walkers with spectacular, panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea as well as the mountains of the Southern Alps.
Distance: 16 km return via the same track. Completion Time: 5 - 6 hour return. This track is closed from the 20th of November - 20th December each year. This track is not recommended in winter due to snow and ice build up on the track.

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Arrowtown. From here it's just a short drive to Queenstown, along the way passing Lakes Hayes before you catch your first glimpse of Lake Wakatipu and the bustling tourist mecca of Queenstown. This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time to explore the walks, and many stops en route.

One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. Established in 1862 during the height of the Otago gold rush, the settlement grew quickly as pioneers constructed cottages, shops, hotels and churches, more than 60 of which can still be seen today. A special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by Chinese miners from 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times. It is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander the tree-lined streets of restored cottages and explore gold mining sites. In April and May Arrowtown ignites with colour as deciduous trees prepare for winter and a festival held in the last week of April celebrates the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history.

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

Explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Bid farewell to Aotearoa-New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!