A spectacular southern road trip
Find yourself, but not too many others, along the Central Otago Touring Route
Between Dunedin and Queenstown lies a 300km stretch of road that could easily be the setting for an exquisite painting. Extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Central Otago high country and mountains, the Central Otago Touring Route is a journey through vast, open landscapes and pioneer towns steeped in history.
Allow plenty of time to explore over 3-5 days and stop off along the way to soak in the scenery and enjoy some hospitality.
One of NZ’s finest – and eco-friendly – road trips
Central Otago’s semi-desert landscape of mountains, lakes, rocky outcrops, rivers, rolling pastures, orchards and wineries are made for road tripping at any time of year. The Touring Route has also been developed to be EV-friendly, with charging stations at key locations along the route.
Pick up a Tesla from Go Rentals or an electric campervan from Britz Campers and hit the road!
Central Otago’s semi-desert landscape of mountains, lakes, rocky outcrops, rivers, rolling pastures, orchards and wineries are made for road tripping at any time of year.
Central Otago’s semi-desert landscape of mountains, lakes, rocky outcrops, rivers, rolling pastures, orchards and wineries are made for road tripping at any time of year.
The historic town of Clyde is a must-stop for foodies.
The historic town of Clyde is a must-stop for foodies.
Highlights along the Central Otago Touring Route
Discover the Lake Dunstan Trail by bicycle or E-Bike.
Discover the Lake Dunstan Trail by bicycle or E-Bike.
Cycle trails
Cycle tours are a great way to stretch your legs in between stints of driving, a range of local bike businesses offer transfer back to cars and relocations of gear if required. There’s Bike it Now! and Trail Journeys for bespoke itineraries, Adventure South for group tours, family favourite Shebikeshebikes and Off The Rails for hub and spoke on the rail trail.
The Otago region is home to five of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand’s Great Rides and the Central Otago Touring Route leads you straight to their front doors. Ride or walk a short section or fully immerse yourself in a multi day adventure with these epic trails.
The town of Middlemarch is the start or end point for this original Great Ride. If you can’t commit to this multi-day adventure, The Poolburn Gorge section is a great way to sample some of the highlights in a day, such as the Poolburn Viaduct, tunnels and the longest bridge on the trail.
Marvel at the man-made landscapes on this 55km picturesque ride through the wine growing area of Bannockburn. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell and can be accessed from both the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
This 21km ride has million dollar views everywhere you look and has even been called New Zealand’s version of the Grand Canyon. This visually-spectacular trail offers a wilderness escapade through eroded bluffs and old gold minings set amidst willows and native shrubs with the added experience of a boat trip in the middle.
Accessible from The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is The Clutha Gold Trail. Cycle in the footsteps of pioneer settlers and gold miners in this 73km trail along the country’s largest fastest river, the mighty Clutha. Fuel up at 103 The Store or if you’re around on a Friday check out Local & Friday, both popular spots for a stop when in Roxburgh to delight your taste buds with fresh homemade food.
Take in the shores of Lake Whākatipu with over 130kms of off-road missions from Queenstown to Gibbston via historic Arrowtown. This can be enjoyed as a multi-day adventure stopping off overnight along the way or as a day ride.
If mountain biking is more your thing, head to some of the local bike parks and pump tracks, Naseby Forest, Flat Top Hill or the new Matangi Station MTB as well as Dunedin and Queenstown mountain bike parks offer two-wheeled thrills.
The Clutha Gold Trail is suitable for both walking and cycling.
The Clutha Gold Trail is suitable for both walking and cycling.
History and heritage
Between Ranfurly and Alexandra lies the small town of Ophir, where you’ll find Pitches Store, an award-winning restaurant featuring up-cycled original doors and rustic wooden tables housed in a stunning restoration building.
Naseby is like a miniature Scandinavia, with Swedish-style red houses and a strong tradition of curling, which you can try for yourself at the indoor arena. Cosy up by the fire at The Royal Hotel, another restored building that retains its historic atmosphere.
Among other Tohu Whenua Sites on the route are Bannockburn Sluicings, Otago Central Rail Trail, Hayes Engineering, Arrowtown, Bungy Bridge and the Dunedin Railway Station.
Curling is a must-try activity in Naseby.
Curling is a must-try activity in Naseby.
A world of flavour
Central Otago’s produce graces the menus and wine lists of the finest restaurants in the country and the globe.
The specialty pies at the Waipiata Country Hotel really hit the spot – make sure you stop there en route to Ranfurly.
Clyde is a must-stop for foodies. Set in a beautifully restored heritage building is Olivers Restaurant, café-bakery-delicatessen the Merchant of Clyde, and the Victoria Store Brewery. The Old Clyde Bank: Houses a cafe that’s perfect for brunch, while the seasonal menu at Dunstan House has plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
Lounge in the stunning garden setting at The Packing Shed in Earnscleugh, which turns into a cooking school and function space on weekends.
Save some space in your belly as you approach Cromwell and Arrowtown – there are more great places to visit.
Carrick Winery and Restaurant makes the perfect reward after finishing up the excellent Lake Dunstan Trail. Just over the bridge from Cromwell is Bannockburn Hotel, winner of the best regional restaurant award in 2021, while Armandos Kitchen serves up authentic Italian fare in the Old Cromwell Precinct with stunning views of Lake Dunstan.
Olivers Restaurant in Clyde.
Olivers Restaurant in Clyde.
World-class wine
Relax with a glass of wine at Te Kano’s cellar door, housed in a remarkable award-winning building, sample cool climate wines at Domain Road Wines in Bannockburn, and taste award-winning pinot noir at Domaine Thomson Wines.
Enjoy a tasting flight at The Shed, Cloudy Bay in one of the beautiful outdoor spaces during the summer months or beside the crackling fireplace in winter.
Finish up your road trip at the delightful Aosta or luxurious Amisfield, and enjoy the bountiful wineries, walking trails and boutique shops in Arrowtown.
Carrick Winery and Restaurant in Bannockburn.
Carrick Winery and Restaurant in Bannockburn.
No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’ll find something special in this spectacular part of the country. For more itinerary inspiration, visit centralotagonz.com and centralotagotouringroute.co.nz
Images courtesy of Tourism Central Otago
Recommendation: Check operator and restaurant opening hours as these are often reduced during autumn and winter months.
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