Welcome
Central Otago is made up of a series of spectacular river basins and deep river gorges. A gold rush brought the first settlers but these days many locals earn a living making wine.
The region experiences the hottest summers and coldest winters in New Zealand. Rivers and lakes offer everything aquatic, from power boating and fishing to windsurfing and sailing.
Many wineries offer tastings throughout the summer months. You can blast through the district on a mountain bike or take a leisurely historic train trip – or both. Take the train out and make your own way back on two wheels along an unused rail line.