The Central Otago Gold Trail

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.

Queenstown is well known for its adventure sports and activities but it also a great network of walking tracks and trails to suit all abilities and time frames. The department of conservation office located on Shotover Street can offer local advice on the conditions of walking tracks. Some of the more popular walks are listed below. Queenstown Hill - around 3 hours return (4 kilometres). Gravel path and then trail. A 500 metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). The climb is well rewarded with 360 degree views of Remarkables Mountain Range, the Kawarau River, Cecil Peak, and of course Lake Wakatipu. The track starts on Belfast Terrace which is just 1 km from the city centre. Ben Lomond - around 2 hours (4 1/2 kms return). Take the Skyline Gondola ride to the terminal and the track is signposted from here. This is quite a steep climb and not recommended for children. Also take note of weather forecasts as the summit sits at 1748 metres. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views and on clear days you can see Mt Earnslaw and Mt Aspiring. Bobs Cove - 20 minutes of easy lakeshore walks. Bobs Cove is 14 kilometres from Queenstown along the Glenorchy Road. Take the drive along the road and Bobs Cove is signposted.

Discover Central Otago’s world class wine history and cuisine on this fun interactive small group tour. Traveling in a luxury minivan with a specialist guide you will explore three contrasting sub regions Gibbston Bannockburn and Cromwell tasting at four premium boutique vineyards. Indulge in a gourmet platter style lunch of locally sourced produce perfectly complemented by a flight of estate wines. Enjoy ample photo opportunities over the Bannockburn Inlet and Lake Dunstan complete with a historic stroll through Old Cromwell Town.

Start your afternoon with a midday pick-up from Around The Basin’s shop in Queenstown and a scenic bus transfer to Arrow Junction, 7km outside Arrowtown. After a bike fitting, helmet, trail map, and briefing, you’re all set to ride. The adventure begins with a 6km trail through the Arrow River Gorge, crossing the Edgar Swing Bridge and the world-famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge , the gateway to Gibbston’s wine country. From there, take your time exploring the Gibbston River Trail at your own pace. With a winery map in hand, visit as many cellar doors as you like. From tastings and platters to a pint at the tavern, there’s something for everyone along this relaxed, scenic trail.

This historic Central Otago town, with its beautifully preserved stone buildings and tree-lined streets, is a living tribute to the region’s gold-rush era. Located on the banks of the mighty Clutha River and overshadowed by the impressive Clyde Dam, it offers a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern engineering. Today, Clyde’s fame is equally tied to its status as a premier cycling hub. It is the start (or end) of the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail, and a key junction for two other spectacular trails: the Roxburgh Gorge and the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail. Whether you’re a serious cyclist or a casual rider, these trails offer breathtaking scenery and a unique way to experience the landscape. Beyond its history and trails, Clyde is a treat for the senses. It’s a stone’s throw from some of Central Otago’s finest boutique wineries, famous for their elegant Pinot Noir. The town itself boasts a delicious food scene, from cosy cafés to excellent restaurants, making it the perfect place to refuel after a day of exploration.

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. Pass through Cromwell and over Deadman’s Point Bridge which crosses Lake Dunstan. This lake was formed on the Clutha River as a result of the construction of the Clyde Dam. Between Cromwell and the Clyde Dam, the lake passes through the beautiful Cromwell Gorge. Arriving into the small historic gold mining town of Clyde you will notice many of the original buildings that have become iconic to the town.

In the heart of New Zealand’s Central Otago region, a long-forgotten tale of vinous history dating back to 1864 has been unearthed - a story interwoven with gold, ambition, and a passionate legacy that thrives today in the distinguished wines of Monte Christo Winery. Unwind at the cellar door, taste the sense of place, and savor premium wines that reveal the secrets of the land, its past, and its future. Enjoy the wines made with 100% estate-grown fruit, yielding a depth of flavor evocative of their origin. You can relax in the outdoor garden, and explore culinary delights or platters to share.

This relaxing ride through Central Otago’s vineyards. From Smith’s Way, ride the lake edge to Cromwell, through the Heritage Precinct, and onward to the Bannockburn Inlet. Finish your day at Carrick Winery with a glass of Pinot and a bite to eat. Highlights include lakeside riding through Pisa Moorings and Cromwell, exploring the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct, cruising through vineyards in the Bannockburn Inlet, and unwinding with award-winning wine and food at Carrick Winery.

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.

Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake. Accessible from Wanaka by a 35-minute boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of the early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing! From the top, we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. The perfect spot to stop for tea or coffee. Going back down the track gives us more time to take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively bird-life, and just enjoying this unique wildlife reserve. You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Total cruise time is 1.5 hours. The trip runs subject to weather and lake conditions. Depending on the planting season, you can help The Reforestation of Mou Waho by planting a tree.

Set 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.

A short journey along the Clutha River and you arrive into Cromwell. The giant fruit sculptures pay homage to the towns reputation for producing stone fruit. A detour to 'Old Cromwell Town' (well signposted) is worthwhile. Then follow the shores of Lake Dunstan north to Queensberry and the small township of Luggate before rising onto the terraces of the Clutha River. It’s here where you pass Wanaka Airport. The airport offers a superb variety of scenic flight options such as Harvard Fighter planes and Tiger Moth vintage aircraft. The Warbirds and Wheels museum and cafe make this an aviation enthusiast’s delight. Next door is the Transport and Toy museum, another hidden gem displaying a vast private collection of toys from all eras, cars, firetrucks, planes, motorbikes and much more. From here it’s just a few minutes further to the alpine lakeside township of Wanaka.

Wander through Wanaka’s breathtaking rugged landscapes and enjoy being surrounded by stunning scenery, mountain tops, and glaciers in Mount Aspiring National Park with an expert guide beside you. This day hike will be tailored to your abilities and will include a packed lunch to be consumed somewhere off the beaten track. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

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.

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand’s highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping down to the Gibbston Highway. Leaving the main road you follow Centennial Ave towards the historic goldmining village of Arrowtown. Arrowtown has many charms, including the idyllic walking track on the Arrow River, the large number of quaint historic buildings and a fantastic range of excellent cafes and restaurants. For those interested in the history the Chinese settlement and the Lakes District Museum are a must.

Onsen Hot Pools is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, providing views over the breathtaking alpine scenery and the perfect vantage point to watch the Shotover Jet boats on the river below. The experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery, enjoying the pure waters and the fresh mountain air as your mind and body surrender to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of the private pools. At the touch of a button, you can have complete privacy. Water temperature is set according to the day - generally between 37.8C on a hot day, to 39.8C during a snow-storm and in the summer one of the pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of a cold plunge!