PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS - CENTRAL OTAGO

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS – CENTRAL OTAGO

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. Visitors can
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.
Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a ‘wine rush’. The mountain valley vineyards of the
world’s most southerly wine region have excelled in recent years. Pinot Noir has become one
of the region’s newest treasures, and many of the wineries welcome visitors for tours and
tastings.
Clients can explore the Central Otago region between Rugby World Cup games in Christchurch,
Dunedin and Invercargill. Look at the Central Otago page in our Industry Guidebook and click
“itineraries” for itinerary timelines, then use the suggested products below to develop an
itinerary for your clients.

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 advise your clients to fill their vehicle before visiting more remote areas.

Here are some products you can pre-book for your clients. For more, search the product
listings in our Industry Guidebook, or visit www.centralotagonz.com

Alexandra
Nestled in a large river basin at the junction of the Manuherikia
River and the mighty Clutha (Mat a Au) River, Alexandra is
surrounded by a distinctive 'moonscape' of rocky tors and stark
high country.
Born in the gold rush era, Alexandra is renowned as the birthplace
of river-based gold dredging and bloomed again, when its fruit
growing potential was realised. Today Alexandra owes its
prosperity to orchardists and wine makers. On foot or on a
mountain bike, visitors can follow the Otago Central Rail Trail and
gold miner’s trails in the hills to appreciate the unique beauty of the area. They can also visit
Pinot Noir vineyards and discover gold mining history at the museum. Visitors and locals can
always tell the time of day in Alexandra by one of the world’s most unusual clocks, standing
11 metres wide on a rock face high above the town.

Clutha River Cruises
www.clutharivercruises.co.nz

Clutha River Cruises is the only licensed operator providing fully guided and
catered tours (of up to 18 pax) on lakes Roxburgh and Dunstan in Central
Otago. The vessel is a pontoon craft that provides a quiet, stable and
exceptionally smooth ride. The Heritage Tour provides visitors with
unparalleled close-ups of scenery and history. Explore European and
Chinese gold mining sites, nestled amongst the rocks in the isolated
reaches of the "mighty Clutha" River. Take a different approach to the
Otago wine-trail, personalize a trip for a special event or make it a family
trip with a difference.

Trail Journeys
www.trailjourneys.co.nz

Trail Journeys operate from both ends of the Otago Central Rail Trail at
Clyde and Middlemarch providing all the services required to cycle or
walk the trail. We provide bike hire, transport, and bag transfer and can
arrange your accommodation. Our helpful staff can organize your
client’s itinerary on the trail from start to finish making it enjoyable and hassle free. Our
popular guided tours run all season. The business includes an "Information Centre" to give
customers all the information needed and services required to have a successful experience in
Central Otago.

Altitude Adventures
www.altitudeadventures.co.nz

Since 2002 Altitude Adventures has been specialising in customising
Otago Central Rail Trail and mountain bike tours in Central Otago.
They are a family owned/operated business with a passion for cycling
and mountain bike riding, particularly in their own “backyard”. Rail
Trail itineraries including bike hire, panniers, tow behinds, transport,
accommodation and luggage transfers, can be arranged to suit your
client’s requirements. The Poolburn Gorge Spectacular is the signature one day tour from
Alexandra on the Otago Central Rail Trail. This ride is 47km in distance and descends from
Auripo Road through the valleys of Central Otago into the townships of Alexandra/Clyde.

Rabbit Range Horse Trekking
www.rabbitrange.com

Come and experience Central Otago on horse back. Take some time out
from travelling to absorb the history and geography that is uniquely Central
Otago. Enjoy traditional kiwi hospitality and the thrill of horse riding with
Rabbit Range Horse Trekking. Let your imagination run wild! Each trek is
individually tailored to suit your client. Treks are ideally suited to couples
and friends who like a personalised service. Whether they are an
experienced rider or complete novice Rabbit Range Horse Trekking will cater
to their needs.

Rail Trail Active
www.railtrailactive.co.nz

Rail Trail Active is a small family owned and operated business offering
fully guided tours of the Otago Central Rail Trail. One day trips from
Queenstown, Wanaka, Alexandra and Cromwell include fully guided
walking and cycling tours, with equipment, transport, lunch and

refreshments provided. Fully guided tours mean our guides can combine yarns of local
knowledge with breathtaking scenery and views.

Ranfurly
Famous for its Art Deco architecture, Ranfurly is the main town in
the heart of the Maniototo Plains, alongside the Otago Central Rail
Trail (a 150km gravel pathway from Middlemarch to Clyde,
following what was once a Railway line). The local attractions
include the Art Deco Gallery, an Art Deco walk and the old train
station. Discover the nearby picturesque old gold mining towns of
Naseby, St Bathans and Patearoa. Throughout this vast landscape
remnants of a prosperous gold mining past lie in the scarred
hillsides. Try the ancient sport of curling or fish on the Taieri River. Imagine the Lord of the
Rings movie set at Poolburn Reservoir, instantly recognisable as the Village of Rohan.

Off The Rails
www.offtherails.co.nz

The 150km Otago Central Rail Trail offers a rare opportunity to explore some
of the country’s most impressive landscapes by bicycle on a route not open
to motor vehicles. Off The Rails offers a two night/three day or three
night/four day package tour tailored for adventurers who like their creature
comforts well catered for.

Guests immerse themselves in this historic region with dedicated hosts,
sightseeing including a turn of the century engineering plant, schist tunnels,
historic gold diggings and villages little touched by today’s hustle and bustle. Off The Rails’
supported tours offer new mountain bikes, air conditioned transport and superior heritage
accommodation in the Art Deco town of Ranfurly.

Maniototo 4WD Safaris
www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life into a whole different world. A
world of rugged mountain ranges, fertile farmlands, interlaced with the
scars of 1860s gold mining and abundant waterways. The High
Country Special takes visitors over and beyond the Mount Ida range,
visiting the old Mt Buster Goldfields, (at 4000 ft above sea level, one
of the highest and richest in Otago) and follows the Tailings Creek.
Then loops back to cross spectacular open tussocks.

Time Out Tussock Tours
www.highcountrytours.co.nz

Overnight 4WD trips to High Country musterers’ huts, horse rides &
treks. Self-drive 4WD adventures to undiscovered parts of the Central
Otago High Country. Meals provided, all guests need is a sleeping bag
for their overnight stay. There's also one day tours farming high
country tours, merino tour, curling trips, historical adventures gold
panning.

Curling
www.curling.co.nz

Curling, the fastest growing winter sport in the world, is enjoyed by
everyone from children to the elderly and people with disabilities.
The ancient Scottish game of curling has long been a central feature
of the Maniototo region, with the first reported game being played in
1878. The traditions and etiquette of curling, which were diligently
observed, have become a part of the folklore of Central Otago. Open
year round in Naseby, the International Olympic standard indoor curling rink is an all weather
venue. Facilities include warm viewing lounge, changing rooms, and fully licensed bar with
catering options. Located ten minutes off SH85, the historic township of Naseby has become
the country’s ice sports capital, including indoor curling and the winter only activities of
outdoor ice skating/ hockey/ curling, plus the completion of the Southern Hemispheres only
Natural Ice Luge track.

Cromwell
Cromwell is situated on the shores of Lake Dunstan just 40
minutes from Queenstown and Wanaka airports. A giant fruit
sculpture at the town’s boundary welcomes visitors. Cromwell was
originally located at a junction of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers.
Lake Dunstan was formed in 1993 when the Clyde Dam was
completed, flooding part of the original town centre. Many pioneer
buildings were rescued and relocated to an historic precinct in
Cromwell's current location, on the lake shore which is today alive
with artists at work. Cromwell is also renowned for abundant sun-
ripened fruit while 60% of Central Otago’s famed vineyards lie across this region.

Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail
www.nzsouth.co.nz

Take a trip back through a golden era of New Zealand’s history in the
South Island’s scenic Otago region. Much remains to evoke the spirit of
those golden days of the late 1800s. The dry Central Otago climate has
helped to protect mud and stone buildings, examples of gold mining
equipment and machinery. There are also deep mine shafts and tunnels,
impressive sluiced cliffs and tailings. The Otago Goldfields Park brings
together more than twenty sites which are managed by the Department
of Conservation.

Central Otago Wine Trail
www.otagowine.com

Central Otago is New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Central
Otago Pinot Noir has consistently gained recognition in wine
competitions. The vineyards of Central Otago are the southernmost
in the world, the highest in altitude in New Zealand, and the people
who planted them some of the most determined pioneers in modern
history. Visit many of these vineyards and taste the wines in
organised or self-guided tours based from Cromwell, Alexandra,
Wanaka or Queenstown.

Goldfields Jet Ltd
www.goldfieldsjet.co.nz

Join this unique gold rush tour and not only discover the rich history
of the area but also feel your heart race as your professional driver
puts your jetboat through its paces on your entertaining and unique
historical tour. Speed through the gorge narrowly missing the
formidable rocky outcrops and shear rock cliff faces. The craft
powerfully skims over whirlpools and through rapids - enjoy a famous
‘Hamilton 360 turn’ on an unforgettable ‘blast into the past’.

Travel Collective
www.travelcollectivegroup.com

Travel Collective offers unique tour experiences in Central Otago and surrounds. Tailor-made
fully or partly supported small group cycling tours of the Otago Central Rail Trail, Wine Tours,
Corporate and Incentive Groups.

   Classic Wine Tour
   Central Otago has quickly gained an international reputation for its
   Pinot Noir and today over 60% of the regions vineyards can be
   found in the Cromwell & Bannockburn area. Our Classic Tour
   departs from Wanaka (7 hours) and Cromwell (5 hours) and
   includes tastings, lunch and a unique wine education experience.
   Private tours and tailor-made itineraries are also available.

   Central Otago Vineyard & Rail Trail Cycle Tour
   Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich history of
   Central Otago. Your journey starts in Queenstown to the centre of
   the Central Otago wine growing region to enjoy cycling through the
   vineyards of Bannockburn and Cromwell sampling some of the fine
   wine and produce on the way. Then spend three days cycling the
   famed Otago Central Rail Trail from Clyde to Middlemarch, staying
   in historic gold mining towns plus plenty of side-trips to visit some of the hidden secrets
   off the trail. Stunning 'big sky' views of mountains and valleys. Gorges, historic tunnels
   and viaducts combined with genuine kiwi hospitality made our cycle tours unforgettable.

The Big Picture
www.bigpicturewine.com

The Big Picture is New Zealand’s first interactive wine adventure located
in Cromwell, Central Otago. The Big Picture takes viewers on a journey
of discovery. Uncover the fine wines of Central Otago, meet the
winemakers and view the stunning scenery which makes Central Otago
so geographically unique. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavours of the
restaurant, the awe inspiring aromas of the aroma room and the
interactive wine film and tasting in the auditorium.