15 Central Otago Must-Dos

1. Bike the Otago Central Rail Trail

If you really want to see it all in the Central Otago region then you need to hit the Otago Central Rail Trail! This 152 km (94 mi) journey along the former Otago Central Railway route is New Zealand’s original Great Ride and one of the best bike trails in the South Island.

The trail winds through schist hills, wide valleys and historic gold-mining settlements like Ophir, Omakau, Wedderburn and Ranfurly. Along the way, you’ll cross more than 60 bridges and pass through three tunnels.

You can tackle the whole route over three to five days (there are cafés, pubs and accommodation options dotted along the trail), or just ride a shorter section if you’re after a day trip.

Location: Between Middlemarch and Clyde.

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2. Get Your Adrenaline Fix in Queenstown

Queenstown is on the top of most travellers’ bucket lists when they come to New Zealand so we really don’t need to give it much of an introduction.

The adventure capital delivers an incredible range of world-famous adrenaline activities, from bungy jumping at the original commercial site on Kawarau Bridge to canyon swings, skydiving, jet boating on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, paragliding and white water rafting.

Beyond the thrills, you can ride the Skyline Gondola for sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu, dine at award-winning restaurants or simply enjoy a lakeside stroll after an action-packed day.

Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime challenge or prefer to watch others take the leap, you won’t get bored here!

For our picks on the things you can’t miss in Queenstown, head on over to our must-do list for Queenstown.

Location: Queenstown

© Tomas Sobek on Flickr

3. Race Around the Highlands Motorsport Park

Cromwell is known as the “Fruit Bowl of the South” thanks to all its orchards and vineyards. However, the Central Otago town has another (and perhaps more exciting) claim to fame which is Highlands Motorsport Park.

Get behind the wheel of a supercar and experience an international-standard race track, or take a thrilling taxi lap with a professional racing driver. Off-road enthusiasts can tackle the dedicated course.

The complex also houses the National Motorsport Museum, showcasing historic race cars and interactive exhibits celebrating New Zealand’s motorsport heritage. Families shouldn’t miss the quirky “Loo with a View” overlooking the racetrack.

See more activities in the area using the 10 Best Things to Do in Cromwell.

Location: Cromwell

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4. See the Historic Town of Ophir

Central Otago is dotted with quaint and characterful towns that sprouted during the Central Otago gold rush in the 1860s. One of the most picturesque is the little town of Ophir right in the heart of the Central Otago region and along the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Wander among heritage landmarks like the former courthouse, jail and post office, many dating back to the 1860s and 1870s. The iconic stone bridge spanning the Manuherikia River is one of the oldest surviving road bridges in New Zealand.

Send a postcard with the unique gold mining postage stamp at the mud-brick post office, then stop at the historic Ophir Hotel, where travellers have been enjoying a meal or drink for well over a century.

Check out some stunning places to stay in the town in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodation in Alexandra & Clyde.

Location: Ophir

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5. Pan for Gold at the Goldfields Mining Centre

As you’ve guessed, gold mining was kind of a big deal in the Central Otago region. Did you know that you can still find gold in the rivers today?

The Goldfields Mining Centre along the stunning Kawarau River preserves one of the region’s richest alluvial goldfields and brings nineteenth-century mining history to life.

You can join guided tours through original water races, historic mining equipment and restored buildings while learning how thousands of prospectors once searched for their fortunes here.

The real highlight? Trying your luck at gold panning, where many visitors still find tiny flakes of genuine Central Otago gold to take home.

Location: Along the Kawarau Gorge between Queenstown and Cromwell

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6. Hike the Roys Peak Track in Wānaka

One of the most iconic hiking trails in the Central Otago region is Roys Peak and for good reason.

The 16 km (10 mi) return walk climbs steadily through farmland and alpine tussock, gaining around 1,300 m (4,265 ft) to reach one of New Zealand’s most photographed viewpoints overlooking Lake Wānaka and Mt Aspiring National Park.

Most walkers start before sunrise to avoid the heat and catch first light illuminating the mountains and lake below.

The full day walk takes five to six hours return, with spring and summer bringing spectacular alpine scenery, while autumn offers crisp air and colourful landscapes.

See our other Wānaka favourites in 10 Wānaka Must-Dos.

Location: Roys Peak, Mt Aspiring Road, Wānaka

© Miles Holden - Tourism New Zealand

7. Try Curling in New Zealand’s Only Indoor Curling Rink!

For a truly unique activity in New Zealand, why not try curling?! The Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated ice rink is right here in the Central Otago region in the little town of Naseby.

Maniototo Curling International welcomes complete beginners and experienced players alike, with introductory sessions that include equipment hire and coaching.

You’ll learn how to deliver stones, sweep the ice and understand the tactics behind this surprisingly strategic Olympic sport.

Curling has deep roots in the Maniototo, where cold winters once saw locals playing on frozen ponds before this indoor facility was built.

Location: Naseby

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8. Check Out the Views From the Alexandra Clock

Alexandra is an awesome town to base yourself for bike trails and even fruit picking work if you are on a working holiday visa.

However, the first thing you should do when you get there is to walk to the Alexandra Clock on the hill. This Central Otago landmark has been perched on Clock Hill since 1968 and can be spotted from kilometres away, especially after dark when it’s all lit up.

It’s a short but steep walk to reach the clock and several lookout points with panoramic views of the town, the Clutha/Mata-Au River, the Manuherikia River, plus the surrounding vineyards and orchards.

The walk is particularly rewarding at sunrise or sunset when the golden light transforms the landscape.

See more experiences in the area using the 10 Fun Things to Do in Alexandra.

Location: Alexandra

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9. Take a Scenic Road Trip to Glenorchy

Literally, drive into Paradise (there’s an area of Glenorchy called Paradise) on the scenic road trip between Queenstown and Glenorchy.

Follow the winding yet stunning 46 km (29 mi) road along the shores of Lake Wakatipu where the mountains get grander and more dramatic along the way, passing native beech forests and plenty of lakeside spots to pull over.

Once in Glenorchy, check out the iconic red shed on the wharf, walk the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk, or venture into Paradise Valley (famous for its film locations in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit).

You can also go horse trekking, jet boating on the Dart River, or start the Routeburn Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks.

Location: Glenorchy

© Pexels

10. Check Out the Blue Pools of Haast

A popular day trip from Wānaka is along the Haast Pass, where you’ll travel through forested mountains discovering waterfalls after waterfalls, as well as the incredible Blue Pools of Haast.

The short, family-friendly walk through mature native beech forest leads to a pair of swing bridges spanning the Makarora River, where you can peer down into the remarkably clear, turquoise pools below.

Fed by glacial melt from Mt Aspiring National Park, the water’s clarity is best appreciated on sunny days when the glacial-blue hues are at their most vivid.

While swimming is possible, the water remains extremely cold year-round. The surrounding forest, braided river channels and mountain backdrop make this one of the most photogenic stops along the pass.

There are many short walks and pit stops along the way as the road goes all the way into the West Coast region.

Location: Haast Pass, Mt Aspiring National Park

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11. Experience the Dark Skies of Naseby

One of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing, Naseby is officially recognised as New Zealand’s first International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International.

Thanks to its high altitude, remoteness and careful management of local lighting, the small township enjoys exceptionally clear night skies throughout the year.

The easiest way to experience Naseby’s dark skies is on a guided tour with Naseby Night Sky Tours. Led by Paul Bishop (who has a background in astrophysics), these tours introduce you to the southern night sky through naked-eye viewing, binoculars and telescopes.

Depending on the season and conditions, you might spot the Milky Way, planets and their moons, star clusters, nebulae and, if you’re lucky, even the Aurora Australis.

Winter is especially rewarding for stargazing here, with crisp conditions, earlier darkness and some of the most dramatic views of the Milky Way.

Even if you don’t join a tour, simply stepping outside after dark in Naseby is part of the magic.

Location: Naseby

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12. Wander Through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct

Step into Cromwell‘s past at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, a beautifully preserved slice of the original town that was saved when Lake Dunstan flooded the area.

Today, the precinct’s restored stone buildings house boutique galleries, cafés, gift shops and local artisan producers.

You can stroll the cobbled lanes, browse interpretive displays about Cromwell’s gold-mining history, and sample Central Otago food and wine in one of the region’s most atmospheric settings.

Throughout the year, the precinct comes alive with seasonal events and farmers’ markets (a great spot to pick up local produce and handmade goods).

Location: Melmore Terrace, Cromwell

© Geoff Marks - Tourism Central Otago

13. Explore Bannockburn’s Historic Goldfields

One of Central Otago’s most distinctive outings combines wine tasting with a walk through gold-mining history. The Bannockburn Sluicings Walk follows trails through dramatic earth formations shaped by hydraulic mining in the nineteenth century.

Interpretive panels explain how miners reshaped the landscape, while elevated viewpoints reveal spectacular badlands you won’t find anywhere else in the region. The walk is short enough to combine with nearby cellar doors, making it an easy half-day trip.

You’ll find award-winning vineyards scattered throughout Bannockburn, so plan to stop at a few before or after your walk.

Location: Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve, Bannockburn

© James Jubb - Tourism Central Otago

14. Ride the Spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail

One of New Zealand’s newest Great Rides, the Lake Dunstan Trail links the historic towns of Cromwell and Clyde on a stunning 55 km (34 mi) journey through the Cromwell Gorge.

The trail follows the shores of Lake Dunstan and the Clutha/Mata-Au River, weaving across suspension bridges, purpose-built boardwalks suspended from sheer rock faces and beautifully engineered cantilevered sections.

Along the way, you’ll pass vineyards, olive groves, historic gold-mining sites and the impressive Clyde Dam, with plenty of opportunities to stop at wineries, cafés and lookouts.

The trail can be completed in one day or enjoyed at a more leisurely pace over two days.

Location: Lake Dunstan Trail, Clyde

© Geoff Marks - Tourism Central Otago

15. Venture into the Roxburgh Gorge

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is one of Central Otago’s most scenic adventures, tracing the Clutha/Mata-Au River through a remote landscape of rugged schist cliffs, historic gold-mining sites and fragrant wild thyme.

The trail includes a unique jet boat transfer linking the two rideable sections, giving you access to parts of the gorge unreachable by road.

Whether you’re cycling or walking, you’ll pass remnants of old miners’ huts, water races and isolated homesteads while the river views shift constantly around you.

It’s a quieter alternative to the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers an authentic glimpse into Central Otago’s gold-mining heritage (if you’re after something a bit less travelled).

Location: Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Alexandra and Roxburgh

© Geoff Marks - Tourism Central Otago