Orchards
The Mediterranean climate provides an abundance of delicious apricots,
nectarines, peaches, cherries and apples, and tours are available on
most of the orchards. During the season there is the opportunity to
pick your own fruit.
- Freeway Orchard · State
Highway 8B, Cromwell
Phone +64 3 445 1500
- Glenvale Orchard · Ripponvale
Road, Cromwell
- Jackson Orchards · State
Highway 6, Cromwell
Phone +64 3 445 0596
- Jones Family Fruit Stall ·
State Highway 6, Cromwell
Phone +64 3 445 0275
- Molyneux Fruit Growers ·
183; Cnr Ord Road and SH6, Cromwell
Phone +64 3 445 1402
- Kawarau Gardens Fruit Stall
· State Highway 6, Ripponvale
Phone +64 3 445 0733
- Sarita Farm Partnership Orchard·
State Highway 6, Ripponvale
Phone +64 3 445 1183
- Webb's Orchard · State
Highway 6, Cromwell
Phone +64 3 445 1217
Vineyards
Central Otago is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand, and
Cromwell now has operating vineyards open to the public. Growth in the
number of new vineyards has been dramatic.
- Akarua
Lazy Dog Restaurant open 10am to 6pm daily. Cairnmuir
Road, Bannockburn. Phone +64 3 445 3211.
- Aurum Wines Ltd
Rapid 140 State Highway 6, Cromwell. Phone 445 3620
- Carrick
Winery and Restaurant
Cainmuir Road, Bannockburn, RD2, Cromwell. Phone +64
3 445 3480 · E-mail wines@carrick.co.nz
- Central Otago Wine Company
Wine tasting and sales. Lake Dunstan Estate, McNulty Road,
Cromwell. Phone +64 3 445 3100 · E-mail wine@cowine.co.nz
- Felton
Road Wines
Wine tasting and sales, 10am to 5pm daily (except
weekends May-Oct). Felton Road, Bannockburn. Phone +64 3 445 0885
· E-mail wines@FeltonRoad.com
- Mount
Difficulty Wines
Felton Road, Bannockburn. Phone +64 3 445 1054.
- Kawarau Estate
Vineyard
927 Wanaka Road, Cromwell. Telephone: +64 3 445 1315, email: cat@kawarauestate.co.nz
- Mount Michael Vineyard
McNab Road, Cromwell. Phone +64 3 445 1351.
- Olssen's
Garden Vineyard
Wine tasting and sales, 10am to 4pm (except weekends
May-Sept other than by arrangement). 306 Felton Road, Bannockburn.
Phone +64 3 445 1716.
- Packspur
Vineyard
Wine tasting and sales by arrangement. Heaney Road, Lowburn, RD2,
Cromwell. Phone +64 3 445 1638.
- Quartz
Reef
McNulty Road, Lake Dunstan Estate, Cromwell. Phone
+64 3 445 3084.
- The
Big Picture - an Essential Wine Experience
Corner State Highway 6 and Sandflat Road, Cromwell.
Phone +64 3 445 4052.
- Wooing Tree Vineyard
Shortcut Road, Cromwell. Phone +64 3 445 4142, email: steve@wooingtree.co.nz
Lake Activities
Lake Dunstan
 The
Clyde Dam, commissioned in 1993, resulted in the formation of this new
lake, which is roughly 40m above the original river level. There are
numerous picnic areas dotted around the shores, along with boat launching
ramps. Lake Dunstan is 194m above sea level, covers an area of 26 square
km, and has a total shoreline of 106km.
- Bannockburn Inlet
A great place for swimming, boating and BBQ's. Laze away
under the willows with a good book. Visit adjacent vineyards or take
a walk up to the Molyneux Faces.
- Back to Nature
Join an informative, non-impact, personalised boat tour
of the Bendigo wetlands and experience first-hand the beauty of a
natural ecosystem on the edge of Lake Dunstan with EcoExperience.
Phone +64 3 445 0788.
- Jet Boating
Lake Dunstan is ideal for jet boating with launching ramps
dotted around the shore, and the Kawarau and Dunstan Arms are especially
interesting to explore. Beware of shallows on the Kawarau Arm.
Goldfields Jet
will blow your minds with the thrill of the jet and also inform
you of the history of the gold mining between Bannockburn Bridge
and the Kawarau Gorge. Phone +64 3 445 1038.
- Cromwell
Cruizez
Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Dunstan and learn about the districts
historical and geological makeup. 'Oasis' is a modern purpose built
boat seating max 20 persons. Phone + 64 3 445 3002, email: info@cromwellcruizez.com
- Trout Fishing
Lake Dunstan is a wonderful fishing venue with good fishing
at Lowburn Inlet and along the Dunstan and Kawarau Arms.
Top-class guidance and a very wide range of trout fishing opportunities
are available through Trout
Fishing Services or Wild
Trout New Zealand Limited.
Other Activities
- Four Wheel Driving
Tracks include Thomson Gorge; Bannockburn to Clyde via
Cairnmuir Hill Track; Bannockburn to Garston via Nevis Valley. Please
see the Cromwell Information Centre for advice on where you can venture
into the hills.
- Mountain Biking
Central Otago is "mountain biking country" with numerous
trails throughout the district. Please check with the Cromwell
Information Centre for details on tracks and trails. There
are four major day/night mountain biking events during the year.
- Mount Pisa Station
A working sheep station and cattle station offering you
farm tours, 4WD excursions and farmstay accommodation. Phone +64 3
445 1223.
- Paintball
Central
Located on Bannockburn Road in the pine plantation adjacent to the
Refuse Station. Open 7 days daylight to dusk. Bookings essential.
Caters for all ages but children must be accompanied by adults. John
and Bronwyn Stewart, Phone 0274 485399. email: paintballcentral@xtra.co.nz
- Snowmobile Adventures
In winter, experience the vastness of snow and magnificent
vistas on an exciting trip with Nevis
Snowmobile Adventures.
- SLS Tours - Central Otago
Local tours that immerse you in the real Central Otago.
Wine Tours, fully and partly supported Otago Central Rail Trail packages,
Private Tours. Call + 64 3 445 49 27 or 0800 326 228, email: info@slspectrum.co.nz
- Swim Centre
Heated indoor pool complex with six 25m lanes. Enjoy bright
and cheery atmosphere with friendly staff. Fully-equipped changing
rooms. Sunny lawn with playground, shade trees, paddling pool and
BBQ area. On Barry Avenue in central Cromwell. Phone +64 3 445 0919.
- Southern Lakes Limousine Services
Specialising in personalised local and long distance transfers and
tours: Milford Sound, wineries, sightseeing, restaurants, airports,
ski fields, track pick ups, cycle tour support. 24 hr/7 day service.
Stretched limousine and Previa van available. Set rates for transfers;
other rates by the hour or by the day. P O Box 145, 14 Jollys Road,
Cromwell. Phone/Fax: +64 3 445 4501. Freephone 0800 LIMO2GO (0800
54 66 24).
email: limousineservices@xtra.co.nz.
Arts & Crafts
- Aurum Gallery
Marice Middleditch. Short Street, Bannockburn. Phone +64
3 445-4024.
- Briar Dell
A plant nursery with gardens to wander around. Crafts
and pottery store. Open six days, closed Tuesdays, October to April.
- Gallery Fare on 6
Roadside café and gallery. Open 8am to late afternoon.
- Individual Crafts
Colourful hand-painted fabrics, hand-made pottery and
other crafts. Open dawn 'til dusk.
- The Merino Shop
Situated on the main road in Tarras, the theme is Merino
wool products. Open daily 9.00am to 5.00pm except Christmas Day.
- Old Cromwell
Town
Now home to a variety of local craftspeople, and cafe.
Look out for 'A Little Bit of Kiwi' art gallery; 'Past to Present'
gift shop; and 'Stoop' Copper arts and crafts. Old Cromwell is also
home to the Central Otago Farmers Market - happening every second
Sunday in summer. Contact 'Provisions' on +64 3 445-4048 for details.
- Patrick G Hall
International artist. Oils and watercolours. State Highway
6, Lowburn. Phone +64 3 445-3401.
- Quartz
Reef Creek Pottery
R.D.3, Northburn, Cromwell. Phone +64 3 445-0404.
- Pottery and Crafts
Look for "The Stables" sign near the top of the lake.
Rocky Point Pottery and Country Shop has an extensive range of handicrafts
displayed in an old Central Otago building. The building closest to
the main road is constructed of straw bales. Open daily from 8.00am
to 6.00pm.
Walks & Outings
- Interesting Walks
There are several interesting walks in the area, such
as: Old Reservoir Walk (see below); Northburn Tailings; Stewart Town;
Quartzville, Carricktown, Young Australian Water Wheel; Bendigo, Welshtown,
Logantown; Molyneux Faces; Lowburn to Cardrona Pack Track; Roaring
Meg; The Cairnmuir Hill Track (to Clyde). Please check with the Cromwell
Information Centre for walk details and the free "Walk Cromwell"
brochure.
- CROMWELL AND DISTRICTS TRAMPING CLUB
To find out more about club activities please contact one of the following
people:
Jim Walton 03 445 1559
Aaron Kinght 03 445 4468
Ann Patterson 03 445 4416
- Old Reservoir Walk
Park at Jackson Lookout. An hour is all it will take,
and you will be rewarded by the effort. The view over the older area
of Cromwell is magnificent. Just be careful of traffic on the main
highway as you walk back to the carpark.
- Chafer Beetle Reserve
The only reserve in the world set apart just for an insect,
would you believe? Find out more from the information panels beside
the road.
Historical Points
of Interest
- Bannockburn Bridge
The sign on the south side was reconstructed from the
original suspension bridge's pillars.
- Bannockburn
An historic town which was once the centre of a thriving
and successful gold mining industry. Remnants include the hotel, Post
Office, Stewart's store, and many old dwellings. Now a restful area
centred around viticulture and agriculture. Very popular for camping
in summer.
- Bannockburn Hotel
A cute old pub, an oasis in the desert. Learn about some
of the area's history as you quench your thirst.
- The Bannockburn Sluicings
Walk through an incredible landscape changed by hand in
the pursuit of gold. The round trip is full of history and interest.
Take a torch if you like exploring gold mines! Brochure available
from the Cromwell Information Centre.
- Bendigo Goldfields
Bendigo was a successful quartz mining area for over half
a century. From the site of the old Bendigo township at the top of
the Bendigo Loop Road a steep, narrow vehicle track winds up into
the hills to Logantown and even further up to Welshtown, where some
of the most striking remains of old stone cottages can be found. A
word of warning though... There are many old mine shafts in the
area (up to 170 metres deep) -- some are fenced off, but others are
hidden by briar. Please take care!
- Carrick Goldfields
The ruins of Carricktown are 4km up a 4WD track from the
old mining area of Quartzville (near the end of Quartzville Road),
and the Young Australian 6m overshot water-wheel can be found a further
3km on. The track continues up to Duffer's Saddle. Return down Nevis
Road to Bannockburn. Brochure available from the Cromwell Information
Centre.
- Cromwell Gorge
Hartley and Reilly first discovered gold at the beginning
of this rugged and spectacular gorge. Visit the monument on the right-hand-side
of the road about 3km south of Cromwell.
- Goldfields
Mining Centre
Step back in time and explore historic gold workings
on a fascinating, self-guided tour. Discover the Chinese village and
an operating stamper battery and sluice gun. Pan for gold! Take a
thrilling jetboat ride
through history. Gold gallery, licensed café. Phone +64 3 445
1038.
- Old Cromwell Town
The construction of the Clyde Dam and subsequent filling
of Lake Dunstan in the 1980's brought major changes to Cromwell. Gone
were two wild rivers... but there is now a beautiful new lake with
many shoreline amenities. Acres of orchards were lost... but Cromwell
has since become the fruit and wine centre of the south. Cromwell's
original commercial area was drowned... but there is now a pleasant
new town centre with modern facilities.
However, the old town centre with its historic bridge has not
been forgotten!
Old Cromwell Incorporated was formed to do something positive
about this loss, and the result is a splendid reminder of days gone
by! While there is a lot of work yet to be done, many of the original
town buildings have already been either restored or reconstructed.
History lives on! And authenticity is the key word. Please click
here for pictures and descriptions of the preserved buildings.
Nowadays, Old Cromwell Town is home to local craftspeople and
a café. You will enjoy a stroll around this historic precinct
located at the end of Melmore Terrace. Open every day, and entry
is free.
And the bridge? It's still there, under 11m of water! There is
a rumour that a MkI Zephyr is still parked on it. Did you bring
your SCUBA gear?
Roads & Towns
- Clyde and Alexandra
About 15 and 20 minutes drive, respectively, from Cromwell.
Clyde is a charming, historic little town with many original buildings,
and of course, the Clyde Dam. Alexandra is home to the famous annual
Blossom Festival and serves as the centre of a large rural district.
- Jackson Lookout
For the traditional view of Cromwell, even though much
has changed! Overlooking the "Meeting of the Waters" and the site
of the submerged bridge that led into Cromwell's original main street.
- Lowburn
Formerly located on the banks of the Clutha River, the
Lowburn community has been relocated to a higher level as a result
of the formation of Lake Dunstan. New buildings include the Lowburn
Church and hall. Lowburn Valley Road leads up the valley to Strathburn
Farm, the site of some lovely old stone farm buildings.
- Luggate
The hotel, old flourmill and several small stone houses
are the remaining relics of the days when Luggate was the main mining
centre for several alluvial diggings. The flourmill was operated by
the transport firm of W. Reid and is now used as a store.
- The Nevis
You'll feel as though you're on the top of the world...
the highest public road in New Zealand at Duffer's Saddle. Originally
the coach road to Invercargill. Not for the faint-hearted. Experience
true abandonment in the valley. In summer, the road leads through
to Garston (south end of Lake Wakatipu), although this option is better
suited to 4WD. In winter, there are fun snowmobile
adventure trips. See the Regional Map
for how to get there.
- Pisa Moorings
A modern lifestyle subdivision hugging the shores of Lake
Dunstan, complete with its own vineyard and moorings.
- Ripponvale
A rural annex to the township of Cromwell and home of
much of the region's fruitgrowing.
- Tarras
The focal point for the Tarras community is the local
primary school, store and The Merino Shop and Tearooms. This farming
area is now a popular stopover for coach tours and local travellers.
- The Wanaka Road
State Highway 6 to Wanaka winds between the Pisa Range
and New Zealand's mightiest river, the Clutha. The countryside is
used mainly for grazing, although there is an increasing number of
recently established vineyards. For some variety on the return journey,
take SH8A at Luggate which brings you down the east side of Lake Dunstan.
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