A landscape that tells stories of times gone by
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| Experience the beauty, solitude and remoteness of the High Country. |
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Central Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient
mountains, weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and fast rivers.
In ancient times, Maori travelled through Central Otago on their way to the pounamu
rivers of the west coast. Hunting parties also visited the region - they built
rafts and used the Clutha River to transport moa and other game back to the east
coast.
More recently, in the 1860s, Central Otago was the scene of a gold rush. Trails
used by miners can still be seen winding over the hills. Stone cottages, a haunted
hotel, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and machinery are other relics
to discover. You can still try your luck with a gold pan, or be satisfied with
the golden sweetness of a Roxburgh apricot.
Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a ‘wine rush’. Pinot Noir has become
one of the region’s newest treasures, and many of the wineries welcome visitors
for tours and tastings.
Key Features
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Gold history
Retrace the steps of the hardy gold miners who carved their living from the harsh
and often unforgiving environment. Relive their experiences in the museums and
historic sites throughout the region. | |
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Premium Pinot Noir
The mountain valley vineyards of the world’s most southerly wine region have
excelled in recent years. In particular, the vibrant, spicy flavour and velvety
texture of Central Otago Pinot Noir has earned wide acclaim. | |
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Tracks and trails
Around the hills of Central Otago, the hiking tracks are almost endless. Many
were created by miners during the gold rush; others lead to alpine herb meadows,
secret valleys and strange rock formations. |
Key Tips
- Allow 1 ½ hours to drive from Queenstown airport to Alexandra. Dunedin airport
is a 2 ½ hour drive away.
- The region is readily accessible by main highways from Christchurch, Dunedin,
Invercargill, Queenstown and the West Coast via Wanaka.
- Many small towns do not have petrol pumps, so make sure you fill your vehicle
before visiting more remote areas.
- During winter - June to August - road conditions will demand extra care and attention
by drivers. Ice and snow can be expected.
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Journals:
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Mountain Biking Goldmine
The several mountain bike trails enable visitors to enjoy first-hand the landscape, tranquillity and history that makes Central Otago so unique.
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newzealand.com pages:
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Geography and Geology
New Zealand has a stunning variety of landforms — from spectacular alpine glaciers and massive mountain ranges to rolling green farmland and long sandy beaches. Find out how this country was shaped.
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Central Otago by road
Discover some of Otago’s special places on this road trip from Dunedin to Queenstown.
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CENTRAL OTAGO
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Population: 14,800
Area: 9,800km2
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
The weather is sunny and dry; day time temperatures are generally warm. It cools rapidly after sunset, so you'll need to pull on a couple of extra layers to go walking in the twilight.
The wild colours of autumn contrast vividly with bright blue skies. Willows and poplars turn gold and amber along the riverbanks and roadsides. A perfect time for mountain biking adventures, horse treks and hill walking.
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